Have you ever woken up feeling ready to conquer the world? It might sound dramatic, but who cares? Sometimes, we need a change in our personal or professional lives. Rebranding ourselves can be a refreshing makeover.
This extends to our social media accounts, too. With social media playing such a significant role in our lives, updating our online identity is essential. After all, why should our friends and followers miss out on our latest changes?
If you’re considering updating your Instagram username—perhaps because your current handle feels outdated—you might wonder about the impact on previous tags. Specifically, will changing your username affect the tags others have used for you? We know this question might have crossed your mind. Stay tuned as we provide the answers!
If I Change My User Name on Instagram, Do All Previous My Tags Done by Others Change to the New Username?
Let’s delve into the details. On Instagram, tags appear in two main areas: posts and comments.
If you change your Instagram username, all post tags will automatically update to reflect your new username. Clicking on these tags will direct users to your updated profile.
However, tags and mentions in comments won’t update automatically. Any shoutouts or mentions made with your old username will remain unchanged and will not redirect to your new profile.
Clicking on an old tag will lead to an empty profile page. If someone else hasn’t claimed the old username, you might see 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 Instagram username is straightforward, but it’s important to understand why you might want to do so.
A username change is a common reason for rebranding your digital identity to better represent your business or personal brand. Some people do it purely for aesthetic reasons, while others may want a fresh start.
If you’re unsure how to change your Instagram username, here’s a quick guide:
- Open Instagram and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner.
- Select “Edit Profile” on your profile page.
- Navigate to the “Username” section and click on it.
- Enter your new username. If it’s unavailable, you’ll need to choose another one.
- Tap the checkmark to save your changes.
- Your new username is now active!
Remember that you can revert to your previous username only within 14 days if it’s still available. Frequent users will associate your profile with your old username, affecting recognition and searchability. Abrupt changes might also impact notifications and other Instagram features. Consider these implications before making your update.
Profile searchability
Changing your Instagram username can impact your profile’s searchability. If someone tries to find you through old tags or posts, they might encounter difficulties. Clicking on a tag linked to your old username will lead to a blank or inactive account.
Instagram’s search feature also doesn’t update instantly with your new username. This delay means it might take a few minutes, hours, or even days for your new profile to appear in search results. Users looking for you might struggle to find your updated account now.
Notifications
When someone tags your old username in a comment or post after you’ve changed it, there are some essential points to consider. According to the Instagram Help Center, your followers might be notified of your username change. However, in practice, this isn’t always reliable.
Often, users don’t receive notifications about username changes. You might find yourself confused by a friend’s updated posts or stories, only to realize they’ve changed their username. Instagram’s notification system primarily tracks the current username, so it may not actively manage or update tags with your old username. As a result, tags with your old username might not redirect users to your new profile immediately.
Tips to change your Instagram username
Changing your Instagram username after using it for a long time can confuse your followers. This confusion is more pronounced if you have a large following. While personal profiles with fewer followers may manage the change with minimal disruption, the impact on accounts with many followers can be more significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I change my Instagram username, will all my previous tags done by others update to my new username?
Yes, all post tags will automatically update to reflect your new username. Clicking on these tags will direct users to your updated profile.
What happens to tags in comments if I change my username?
Tags and mentions in comments will not update automatically. Any comments or shoutouts using your old username will remain unchanged and will not redirect to your new profile.
What will users see if they click on an old tag after I’ve changed my username?
Clicking on an old tag will lead to an empty or inactive profile page. If someone else hasn’t claimed the old username, users might see a “user not found” message.
How long does it take for my new username to appear in search results?
Instagram’s search feature may take some time to update with your new username. This delay can range from a few minutes to several hours or days.
Will my followers be notified about the username change?
While Instagram may notify your followers of a username change, this feature is unreliable. Many users do not receive notifications and might only notice the change when they see your updated posts or stories.
Can I revert to my old username after changing it?
You can revert to your previous username within 14 days, provided it is still available. After this period, availability depends on whether someone else has claimed the old username.
How does changing my username affect my profile’s searchability?
Changing your username can temporarily impact your profile’s searchability. Users searching for your old username may have difficulty finding your updated profile until Instagram’s search results are refreshed.
Conclusion
Changing your Instagram username can have several effects on your account. While post tags will update automatically to your new username, tags in comments will not. Users may encounter empty profiles or outdated tags when clicking on older mentions. Additionally, Instagram’s search results may not update immediately, leading to temporary difficulties finding your profile.
Followers may not always be notified of the change, so they might only discover it through your posts or stories. If your old username remains available, you can revert to it within 14 days. Be mindful of these implications to ensure a smooth transition and maintain your profile’s visibility and accessibility.
