Username glossary

Fifteen terms used on Usernm

Username

The unique name that identifies one account on a platform. Also called a handle.

Handle

Everyday word for a username, mostly used on Instagram.

Display name

The label shown on a profile. It is not unique and can be changed separately from the username.

Username claim

A request through a platform’s official process for a taken username to be made available to your account.

Route

An official process a claim can use, such as an impersonation report, an intellectual property report or a support request.

Taken username

A username held by an account. The platform rejects any attempt to register it.

Inactive username

A username on an account that is quiet. It is still held until the owner or the platform acts.

Available username

A username the platform accepts when you try to register it.

Previous username

A name you used before. Instagram says you can usually change back if nobody new has taken it.

Impersonation

An account that pretends to be another person or business.

Registered mark

A trademark on an official register, the clearest basis for an intellectual property report.

Inactive Account Policy

TikTok’s published policy under which a username may be reset after 180 days or more of inactivity. TikTok decides when it applies.

Account recovery

Returning an account you own after losing access. It is not a claim.

Change limit

A platform rule limiting how often you can change a username. Snapchat allows one change every 12 months.

Failed claim

A claim where the platform’s final decision does not make the username available. Usernm refunds 100% of a failed username claim.