How to Create the Perfect Username

Generate a cool username for Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Snapchat, and others

By
Tim Fisher
Photo of Tim Fisher, Lifewire GM and Writer
Tim Fisher
Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability
  • Emporia State University

Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the SVP and General Manager of Lifewire.

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Updated on June 1, 2022
Reviewed by
Kayla Dube
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Reviewed by Kayla Dube
  • J. Everette Light Career Center
Kayla Dube has 4+ years' experience in videography and filmmaking. She frequently works in production with indie film companies.
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What to Know

  • Incorporate your favorite things, such as food, celebrities, or career aspirations.
  • Use an online screen name generator such as SpinXO.
  • Build an unlikely username by substituting symbols and letters, like 3 for E and $ for 5.

This article explains how to create a username for your online identity that is unique and secure. Suggestions include incorporating your favorite things, using an online username generator, and substituting symbols and similar letters if your desired username is already taken.

Add Favorite Things to Your Username

Do you like the color purple, dinosaurs, candy, and the number 7? Something like SweetPurpleDinosaur7 will go a long way.

Jot down a few of your favorite things and consider your job or career aspirations, favorite foods, celebrities, sports teams, movies... Just be creative!

Consider What's Around You

Have you exhausted your lists of favorite things? Consider school mascots, your town, or other things relative to where you live and what you care about. However, be very careful not to give away too much information. Internet predators could potentially identify your location by your screen name.

Something like SweetTexarkanaHighDinosaurGirl91 might seem innocent at first until you realize that online sleuths can probably decipher it as a Texarkana, TX, high school girl who graduated or was born in 1991.

On that note, maybe you should choose something specific that doesn't apply to you for even more anonymity.

Use a Screen Name Generator

Screenshot of The Cool Name Generator website
The Cool Name Generator

One of the easiest ways to create a screen name with the least effort is to let your computer do it for you. There are several screen name generators available that are easy and fun to use.

Here are our top picks:

  • SpinXO: Generates names using information like your hobbies, important words, name, numbers, and things you like. You can get 30 usernames immediately and refresh for more. Click a username at SpinXO to see if they're available on different platforms like Reddit, Tumblr, YouTube, Twitter, or Instagram.
  • Screen Name Generator: Enter two words at The Screen Name Generator to have it generate a unique screen name that's a combination of your words plus something random in between them. It's an excellent tool to use if you have specific words that you'd like to include in your username.
  • Rum and Monkey: Rum and Monkey's online name generator is broken down into categories to help you find the best login ID. Get an ancient Greek name or something in military code. You can even go for a Minion or Korean name. Select a category and your gender, and enter your name to get a fun and unique username.
  • Fake Name Generator: This website not only gives you a username but even a whole identity, including a first and last name, address, birthday, physical attributes, employment information, and more. A bit much? Maybe so, but the usernames are pretty random, and the other details are fun to read.

What to Do When Your Screen Name Is Unavailable

Have you hit the 'this username is taken' roadblock and need creative inspiration? A used screen name doesn't mean it wasn't meant to be. Just like when creating strong passwords that are hard to guess, you can also use non-English word combinations to build unlikely usernames.

Consider substituting symbols and letters that are similar: @=a, 3=e, $=5, S=5. Most messaging apps and social networks will let you use symbols in a username and, with many to choose from; the possibilities are nearly endless.

For example, if SweetPurpleDinosaur7 is already in use, consider making it $weetPurpleD1nOsaur7.

FAQ
  • How do I change my Snapchat username?

    Technically, the only way to change your Snapchat username is to create a new account. However, if you want to change your display name, go to your Profile > Settings > Name and enter a new name.

  • How do I change my TikTok username?

    To change your TikTok username, go to Me > Edit profile > Username and tap your current username. To just change your display name, go to Me > Edit profile > Name and tap your current display name.

  • How do I get a Facebook username?

    To get a Facebook username, select the drop-down arrow in the upper-right corner, then select Settings & Privacy > Settings. Go to the Username field and select Edit.

  • What shouldn't I include in my username?

    Don't include your full name, email address, physical address, or phone number. Avoid using the same username and password combinations for multiple accounts.

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