Username Strategies When Your Handle Is Already Taken

It Happens to Everyone

You've found the perfect brand name, the domain is available, and then you check Instagram — @brandname is taken by an account with 3 followers that hasn't posted since 2018. Frustrating, but not a dead end.

Here are your options, ranked from best to most creative.

Strategy 1: Contact the Current Owner

Many inactive accounts are held by people who've forgotten about them. A polite message can go a long way.

How to Reach Out

DM them on the platform (if they accept DMs)
Check their bio for contact information
Look up the username on other platforms to find alternative contact methods
Use a professional, friendly tone: "Hi, I'm starting a business and would love to use this username. Would you be willing to release it?"

What to Offer

A small payment ($50-500 depending on the platform and username quality)
Help them set up a new username if they're still active
Simply asking — many people release unused names for free

Strategy 2: File a Trademark Claim

If you own a registered trademark for your brand name, most platforms have trademark dispute processes:

Instagram/Facebook: Intellectual property reporting form
Twitter/X: Trademark policy violation report
TikTok: Intellectual property infringement report

This works best when the account is clearly inactive or squatting. It does not work if the account holder has a legitimate reason to use the name.

Strategy 3: Request Inactive Account Release

Some platforms release usernames of inactive accounts:

Twitter/X: Has a policy against username squatting and may release names of accounts inactive for extended periods
Instagram: Doesn't officially release inactive accounts, but Meta may clear obviously abandoned accounts periodically
TikTok: May release usernames of accounts that violate terms of service

File reports through each platform's official help center. Be persistent but patient — this can take weeks or months.

Strategy 4: Use a Consistent Modifier

If you can't get the exact username, add a modifier — but use the same modifier on every platform:

Common Modifiers

get: @getbrandname (suggests action: "go get it")
try: @trybrandname (invites trial)
use: @usebrandname
hq: @brandnamehq (signals "headquarters")
app: @brandnameapp (if you have an app)
official: @brandnameofficial (signals legitimacy, but long)
team: @brandnameteam

Modifier Rules

Choose ONE modifier and use it everywhere
Keep the total username under 15 characters
Avoid underscores, periods, and numbers if possible
Make sure the modifier feels natural, not desperate

Strategy 5: Modify the Brand Name Slightly

Sometimes a small spelling variation works:

Drop a vowel: @flickr instead of @flicker
Add a double letter: @hellooo instead of @hello
Use an abbreviation: @brandnm instead of @brandname

Warning: This approach creates confusion. Use it only as a last resort and be consistent across all platforms.

Strategy 6: Reconsider the Brand Name

This is the nuclear option — but sometimes the right one. If your ideal username is taken on multiple major platforms, it might signal that the name isn't distinctive enough.

A truly unique brand name — especially an invented word — is almost always available everywhere. If you're fighting for usernames across every platform, a more distinctive name might serve you better long-term.

What NOT to Do

Don't add random numbers: @brandname2847 looks spammy and is impossible to share verbally
Don't use different modifications per platform: @getbrandname on Instagram + @brandnamehq on Twitter = brand confusion
Don't impersonate: Don't create an account that could be confused with the existing holder
Don't harass the current owner: One polite message. If they don't respond, move on to other strategies.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

The best strategy is to check social media availability before committing to a brand name. Use BrandScout to verify your brand name across all major platforms, domains, and trademarks in one search — and avoid the username headache entirely.