Can You Change Your Name On TikTok?

As of January 2025, you can still change your username on TikTok. This is a good thing because it allows you the flexibility to update your profile in line with personal and brand changes.

Knowing how to change it and when is important so you don’t unnecessarily confuse your followers.

What Are TikTok Usernames?

TikTok usernames are the same concept as usernames on other social media platforms. It is your unique identifier that gets the @ symbol tacked on in the front.

Your username stands out on your profile page, appears above your videos, and is next to your comments. It is also part of your TikTok profile URL, making it easier for people to find you online.

Your username is not the same as your display name. Where your username is your identifier and must be unique, your display name is the name that appears on your profile and can be changed freely.

Changing Your TikTok Username

Changing your TikTok username is an uncomplicated process. You can change it via your phone or from a computer.

On the mobile app, navigate to your profile and tap Edit Profile. Here, click on the Username field, delete your existing username, and enter a new one. Tap Save to confirm the change.

If you want to change the username via a web browser, log into your account and go to your profile page. Click on Edit Profile and Update Username. Remember to click Save when you have entered the new username.

You can only change your username to a new unique username. If anyone else on TikTok already has the name you are thinking of using, you will have to choose a different one.

Generally speaking, your username must be up to 24 characters, and you can use numbers, letters, periods, and underscores, but you cannot start or end your new username with a period. You also cannot select a username that only has numbers.

You can change your username once every 30 days. This does not mean you should – it merely means you have the option.

Why Do You Have to Wait 30 Days?

The 30-day waiting period is mainly for security purposes. If you change your username too many times, it may cause confusion. It could also look like a malicious impersonation attempt.

Changing your username too often is also not good for building consistency and trust on the platform. You want your followers to recognize you by your username. They cannot do that if you keep changing it.

Moreover, limiting the number of changes makes the system less likely to be abused. It also contributes to platform stability.

Choosing a New Username

It is important to choose a new username that reflects your TikTok identity. This means choosing something that aligns with the content you create. If nothing else, your username should create an expectation with your audience and new viewers interested in your content niche.

At the same time, your username should be easy to say, spell, and remember. Adding too many fancy words or going overboard with special characters makes your profile less recognizable.

Still, your username should not be so simple that it does not stand out in the crowd. You want your new username to be distinct enough to be easily recognized as part of your brand.

Use the same or similar usernames if you are active on multiple social media platforms. This also goes a long way in building recognition and loyalty,

Lastly, never incorporate sensitive personal information into your username. This includes your full name, unless it is your brand, and your personal phone number or birth date.

Potential Challenges

There is a fair chance that your desired username has already been taken, especially if your content aligns with popular niches. You can add a twist to the username to make it unique.

For instance, if you want RainbowUnicorn777 but someone’s already taken it, you can try RainbowUnicornBeauty000. If that still does not work, try adding underscores or periods.

The idea is not to stray too far from your original idea. However, you should not choose a username too close to someone else’s, as it will cause confusion.

Consider changing your username as part of a rebranding effort. Let your followers know about your plans so that they know how to find your content after the change.

Keep in mind that changing your username will have an impact on your profile URL. You must update this URL, especially if you regularly share it with others.

What to Remember After a Username Change

A username change is usually a smooth process, but it is not unheard of for things to go awry.

Once you have successfully changed your username, update the relevant URL as discussed above. This means changing it on websites, other social media platforms, and business cards and letting collaboration partners know.

If you notice a sudden drop in views and likes, likely, your audience is not up to date with the username change. Even if you posted communication about the change, it may have been missed by a significant number of people.

In this case, keep announcing your username change in your new TikTok videos, captions, and comments. Mention the change on other social media platforms where you have significant followers.

If your username change is part of rebranding, explain the reasons for the change to your followers.

Remember that your username change will inevitably impact existing hashtags and mentions. Your old username will no longer bring up results in the TikTok app, so it is crucial to inform your audience more than once.

Your TikTok verification badge may also be affected. It is best to contact TikTok support for assistance when changing your username.

You can minimize the impact by posting similar content after changing your username. Use the same branding elements (or slightly updated ones) to make your content recognizable.

TikTok Username Changes Can Be Done Efficiently

TikTok aims to make changing your username as efficient as possible. As long as you update your username within TikTok’s guidelines, everything should go smoothly.

Just ensure that you know how and why the process works the way it does, and consider implementing the tips listed above. This way, you can change your username while keeping your brand and engagement intact.