If you’re a personal brand, it’s a good idea to use your real name. Otherwise, she recommends using the name of your business. When it comes to choosing a username, Darma suggests choosing a username that’s as close to your name or online brand name as possible. You want your username to be simple and memorable.

Instagram began development in San Francisco as Burbn, a mobile check-in app created by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. They renamed the app Instagram, a portmanteau of “instant camera” and “telegram”.

instant camera

If you want to use your name but it’s taken, try using a nickname, a short or long version of your first name (like Vicki vs. Victoria) and/or adding your middle name or initial. Of course, only use these solutions if it feels authentic to you and your brand.

What To Do If Your Ideal Business Domain Name Is Already Taken

1. Try an Abbreviated Variation.
2. Use a Catchphrase, Slogan or Keyword.
3. See If the Domain Is for Sale.
4. Set Up Domain Monitoring.

The answer is yes, the username can be registered at the Trademark and Patent Office as a trademark. In fact, this is highly recommended as protection against the use of the trademark by third parties.

Change your username in the Instagram app

1. Tap your avatar icon in the bottom-right corner to go to your profile.
2. Tap “Edit Profile” under your bio.
3. Tap the Username field and type in your new handle.
4. Click “Done”

On the web

1. Click on the “person” icon in the upper-right corner, and then look for the gear icon next to your name.
2. Select “Privacy and Security” then “Account Privacy.”
3. Click on the checkbox for Private Account.

As of 2021, there’s no official way to claim an inactive Instagram username account. But you can file a report of impersonation account or trademark infringement, and Instagram will help you get an inactive Instagram username. Enter the username you want to claim. It will check whether the account exists or not.

1) DM the (In)active Account Directly

1. Request the Instagram account to be transferred to your client.
2. Demand the account be handed over if you have a trademark on the name (see below)
3. Offer a monetary compensation for the transfer of the account to your client.