Waking up with the motivation to conquer the day can feel dramatic, but it’s a sentiment many of us share. Whether in our personal or professional lives, we often crave to change our username on Instagram and get a fresh start. Rebranding ourselves, including a makeover, allows us to present a new image to the world.
This desire for transformation extends to our social media accounts. With social media’s prevalence, why should our friends and followers remain unaware of our evolution?
Feeling energized, you may decide to update your Instagram username, especially if you’ve been using that quirky handle for years! It’s time for a change.
Amidst the excitement and uncertainty, a crucial question arises: If I change my username on Instagram, will all previous tags by others update to my new username? If this has crossed your mind, stay with us for the answers you seek!
If I Change My User Name on Instagram, Do All Previous My Tags Done by Others Change to the New Username?
Let’s explore this further for a comprehensive answer. On Instagram, you can tag people in two primary ways: posts and comments.
When you change your Instagram username, all previous tags in posts will automatically update to reflect your new username. This means that when someone clicks on a tag, they will be directed to your current account.
However, the situation is different for tags in the comments section. If someone mentions you in a comment or description using your old username, that mention will not change to your new username.
You might be curious about what happens when you click on old tags. In such cases, clicking on your previous username will lead to an empty profile page. If someone hasn’t claimed that old username, the page may display a “user not found” message.
Read More: Does Suggested User Appear When Searching on Instagram Mean You Have Searched for Them in the Past?
How do you change your Instagram username?
Changing your username on Instagram is straightforward,g just a few easy steps. However, many wonder why individuals feel the need to change their usernames in the first place.
One common reason is to rebrand their digital identity, ensuring it accurately reflects their business or personal image on the platform. Others may desire a more aesthetically pleasing name, while some might not have specific motives at all.
If you’re unsure how to modify your Instagram username, we’ve provided a simple step-by-step guide:
How to Change Your Instagram Username:
- Open Instagram and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner.
- Select the Edit Profile option on your profile page.
- Please navigate to the Username section and click on it.
- Enter your new username. If it’s unavailable, you’ll need to choose a different one.
- Once you’ve selected an available username, tap the checkmark to save your changes.
- That’s it! You’ve successfully updated your Instagram username.
Keep a few essential points in mind when changing your username. You can only revert to your previous username within 14 days. After that period, its availability will determine whether you can use it again.
Frequent users associate you with a specific username, which helps them remember and recognize your profile. An abrupt change may affect how they find you and impact other Instagram features, such as notifications and searchability. Let’s explore the critical implications of a new username below.
Profile searchability
Changing your username can impact your profile’s searchability. Consider someone trying to locate you by browsing through past posts after losing contact. They might click on a tag in the comments to find you.
However, what happens next can be frustrating. Clicking on your old username will direct them to a nearly blank account.
Additionally, Instagram’s search feature doesn’t update immediately to reflect your new username, complicating the process for others trying to find you. For some users, it may take minutes, hours, or even days for their profile to become searchable under the new username.
Notifications
What happens when someone tags your old username in a comment or post after you’ve changed it? This question often confuses users.
According to the Instagram Help Center, your followers may receive a notification about your username change. However, if you’ve been on Instagram for a while, you might know that this isn’t always the case.
How often have you been confused by a friend’s new username, only to discover it was them after visiting their profile? Such situations highlight that Instagram’s notification system mainly focuses on the current username. Consequently, the platform may not actively track or notify users about previous usernames.
Tips to change your Instagram username
Changing your Instagram username after using it for a long time can confuse your followers. However, that’s just part of the story! Typically, a personal profile may handle a username change more smoothly, especially if you have fewer followers.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I change my username on Instagram, do all previous tags done by others change to my new username?
Yes, when you change your username, all tags in posts will automatically update to your new username. Clicking on these tags will direct users to your updated profile.
What happens to mentions or tags in comments after I change my username?
Tags in comments will not update to your new username. If someone mentions your old username in a comment, that mention will remain unchanged.
What happens if someone clicks on an old tag after I change my username?
Clicking on your old username will lead to an empty profile page. If no one has claimed your old username, it may display a “user not found” message.
Will my followers be notified when I change my username?
Instagram may notify your followers of the change, but notifications are not guaranteed. Many users do not receive alerts when their friends change usernames.
How long does it take for my new username to appear in search results?
Instagram’s search feature may take a few minutes, hours, or even days to update and reflect your new username, temporarily temporarily impacting searchability.
Can I revert to my old username after changing it?
You can revert to your previous username within 14 days of changing it. After that period, availability will determine whether you can use your old username again.
How does changing my username affect my account’s visibility?
A username change may affect your account’s visibility. Followers may have trouble finding you if they rely on your old username or if Instagram’s search hasn’t updated.
What should I consider before changing my username?
Consider how frequently your followers engage with your old username and the potential confusion it may cause. It’s also essential to ensure your new username aligns with your branding or personal identity.
Conclusion
Changing your Instagram username can significantly impact your account’s visibility and how others interact with your profile. While tags in posts will update automatically to reflect your new username, mentions in comments will not, potentially confusing for those who try to reach you via old tags.
Followers may or may not receive notifications about your username change, and search results may take time to reflect your new identity. Before making this change, consider the potential effects on your followers and your branding. Ultimately, ensuring your username aligns with your current identity is essential for maintaining a solid online presence.