Instagram Username Checker: Find the Perfect IG Handle for Your Brand

Creating a new Instagram handle sounds easy – until you realize that every good one is taken. Whether you’re launching a brand, rebranding your profile, or just trying to claim a catchy name, finding the right username can feel impossible. That’s where a reliable Instagram username checker comes in handy.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to check Instagram username availability, tips for creating a unique handle, and what to do once you’ve found “the one.” Let’s get your brand name ready for the spotlight.

What Is an Instagram Username (or Handle)?

Before diving in, let’s clear up some confusion – yes, your Instagram username is the same as your Instagram handle. It’s the word that follows the “@” on your profile and appears in bold when you comment or get tagged.

Think of it as your digital fingerprint – no spaces, no fancy symbols, just the clean, searchable name people will use to find you. Your handle represents your online identity and can make or break how easily people remember your brand.

If you’re unsure what yours is or want to change it, check out How to Make Your Instagram Account Public and Live for a quick refresher on managing your profile.

How to Create a Unique Instagram Username That Stands Out

With millions of active accounts on Instagram, it’s no surprise that the best names are often taken. But don’t worry – you can still come up with something original that fits your brand and personality.

Here are some pro tips before you even run your Instagram username availability checker:

1. Keep It Simple and Recognizable

Avoid overcomplicating things. The best usernames are easy to type, easy to spell, and easy to remember.
For example, instead of “@The_Official_Br4nd_2025,” consider something cleaner like @BrandNameHQ.

If you’re running a business, take inspiration from your niche — like adding “fit,” “shop,” or “studio” for relevance. Need ideas? Try our Instagram Growth Strategy 2025 Guide for naming and branding inspiration.

2. Add a Local Touch

If your perfect handle is already taken, make it location-specific. Add your area code, city, or country abbreviation — for example, @BrewedAwakening242 or @BrandName.LA.
This not only helps you claim a version of your brand name but also tells followers where you’re based.

3. Stay True to Your Brand

Your handle should reflect your brand voice. If you’re building a lifestyle page, words like “daily,” “vibe,” or “life” can add a nice touch. For a product or business account, adding “store” or “official” can make your purpose clearer.

Pro tip: Learn how your Instagram engagement rate affects brand recall — here’s a full breakdown in our Engagement Rate on Instagram Guide.

How to Check Instagram Username Availability

Once you’ve brainstormed a few great ideas, it’s time to make sure they’re actually available. Here are a few trusted Instagram handle checker tools to help you out:

1. BrandSnag

Run your potential handle through BrandSnag before printing it on merch or business cards. It quickly checks availability across multiple platforms — saving you time and headaches later.

2. Instausername

This handy tool not only checks Instagram username availability but also generates new ideas. Just add a keyword, and it’ll create a list of suggestions. Perfect if you’re stuck in the brainstorming phase.

3. Social Plug

Social Plug is another great platform to confirm your name’s availability. Plus, if you’re ready to take things further, they also offer organic growth tools to boost your audience — similar to the professional services offered by Hexrate.

How to Check Old Usernames on Instagram (For the Nostalgic Ones) 

Miss your old “lovergurl1994” days? You can actually see your entire username history on Instagram. Here’s how:

1. Open the Instagram app on your phone.
2. Go to your profile (tap your picture in the bottom-right corner).
3. Tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right.
4. Select Your Activity – Account History.
5. Look for entries labeled “Username.”

Here, you’ll find every change you’ve made – and when. It’s a cool way to track your brand evolution (and laugh at your early days).

How To Change Your Username When You’ve Found the Perfect One

Look at you! You have your username locked! It took some doing, and some doing, and some creative manipulation of special characters. Still, you made it. Now, you have to act fast to bar everyone else from taking this ingenious name. The old name didn’t capture your essence quite as well, and now you have to change it. IG lets you reinvent yourself in this way. Do you want to know how? Just follow our tips. Whether you have an iPhone or Android, it will be pretty simple.

1. Open the Instagram app on your cell phone and login if you aren’t already.
2. Go to your profile by clicking on your profile picture. This is in the lower right-hand corner of the screen.
3. On your profile, you’ll see your current Instagram handle at the very top. To change this, tap “Edit profile” right underneath your Instagram bio. 
4. To change your current username, tap the “Username” section. 
5. Now, enter your brand-new name. If you’re sure, click the blue checkbox.

That’s it! If you ever regret it, you can reclaim your old name within 14 days (if it hasn’t been taken).

Before finalizing, it’s smart to check username availability on your other platforms too. If you want consistent branding across all channels, this is your chance to align everything.

Need help planning your rebrand? Explore Targeted Instagram Followers vs Random Ones to make sure your new handle actually drives the right audience.

Why Using an Instagram Username Checker Matters

Your handle isn’t just a name – it’s your online identity. A unique and available username builds credibility, improves discoverability, and protects your brand from confusion.

Whether you’re creating your first account or rebranding for 2025, tools like Instagram username checkers make the process faster and smarter.

Once you’ve locked in your name, the next step is growth. Check out our guide on How to Grow Instagram Followers Organically and start expanding your presence with Hexrate’s ethical, AI-driven growth platform.

Choosing an Instagram handle is more than a technical step – it’s a creative decision that defines your brand. A strong name backed by a reliable IG handle checker ensures your brand identity stays unique, consistent, and memorable.

So, before your dream handle gets taken – run that Instagram username check and claim your digital real estate today.