Name vs username on Instagram
Instagram gives you two names. Your username is your @handle: unique, part of your profile link, and limited to letters, numbers, periods and underscores. Your name is the bold text at the top of your profile. It doesn't have to be unique, and it can include spaces, capitals, symbols and emoji.
This tool is for the name. For the @handle, use the username generator.
Why the name field matters for search
When someone types in Instagram's search bar, the app looks at names as well as usernames. That makes the name field one of the few places where a keyword can help strangers find you.
If your name is just Maya Chen, only people who already know you will search for it. If it's Maya | Ceramic Artist, people looking for ceramic artists have a chance to find you too.
Patterns that work
Good names usually pair who you are with what you do:
- Name | Role: Maya | Ceramic Artist
- Name | Role | City: Maya | Pottery | Lisbon
- Topic by Name: Pottery by Maya
- Full name, role: Maya Chen, Ceramic Artist
Limits and rules
The name field takes up to 30 characters, spaces and symbols included. Instagram also limits how often you can change it, often to twice in 14 days, so settle on a version before you switch.
Keep the keyword plain. Ceramic Artist is something people type; a pun usually isn't. Text in special Unicode fonts can look nice, but it may not match what people search, and screen readers can struggle to read it.
Keep it consistent
Use the same name, or close to it, on Instagram, TikTok and your other profiles. People who find you in one place can then recognize you in the next, and your profiles start to back each other up in search.
Ideas by account type
The keyword should be what people search for, not what you'd call yourself:
- Local business: Harbor Coffee | Cafe in Austin
- Freelancer: Sam | Wedding Photographer
- Creator: Priya | Easy Vegan Recipes
- Coach: Dan Lee | Strength Coach
Frequently asked questions
How long can an Instagram name be?
Up to 30 characters, including spaces, symbols and emoji. Your username has its own separate 30-character limit.
Does my Instagram name help with search?
Yes. Instagram search looks at names as well as usernames, so a keyword in your name can help people find you when they search for what you do.
How often can I change my Instagram name?
Instagram limits name changes, often to twice in 14 days. If you hit the limit, the app tells you when you can change it again.
Should my Instagram name match my username?
Not necessarily. Your name can add the keyword your handle doesn't have, like Maya | Ceramic Artist next to @mayachen.