When we make our social media accounts, we add a name our name through which people can identify us on social media platforms. This can be called a social media handle and is a unique identifier or username used to represent an individual, brand, or organization on social media platforms. It is typically preceded by the “@” symbol and is used to tag, mention, and direct users to specific profiles.
How to create and change social media handles on different social media platforms –
1. Instagram –
Creating a new account –
- Download and open the Instagram app.
- Tap “Sign Up.”Enter your email address or phone number, then tap “Next.”
- Enter a username (your handle) when prompted.
- If the username is taken, Instagram will suggest alternatives or you can try another one.
- Complete the remaining sign-up steps.
Changing an existing handle –
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap “Edit Profile.”Tap the “Username” field and enter your new desired handle.
- Tap “Done” to save changes.
2. Twitter –
Creating a new account –
- Go to Twitter.com or download the Twitter app.
- Click “Sign Up.”Enter your name, phone number or email, and date of birth, then click “Next.”
- Choose a username (handle).
- If it’s taken, Twitter will suggest alternatives.
- Complete the remaining sign-up steps.
Changing an existing handle –
- Log in to Twitter and go to “Settings and privacy” from the side menu.
- Click on “Account” and then “Username.”
- Enter your new username in the “New” field.
- If the username is taken, you’ll be prompted to choose another one.
- Choose and click “Save.”
3. Facebook –
Creating a new account –
- Go to Facebook.com or download the Facebook app.
- Click “Create New Account.”Follow the prompts to enter your information and complete the sign-up process.
- Your Facebook handle will be created based on your name, but you can create a custom URL later.
Changing your username –
- Log in to Facebook and go to your profile.
- Click “About” and then “Contact and Basic Info.
- “Click “Edit” next to “Username.”
- Enter your desired username and click “Save Changes.”
4. LinkedIn –
Creating a new account –
- Log in to Facebook and go to your profile.
- Click “About” and then “Contact and Basic Info.
- “Click “Edit” next to “Username.”
- Enter your desired username and click “Save Changes.”
Changing your profile URL –
- Log in to LinkedIn and go to your profile.
- Click “Edit public profile & URL” on the right-hand side.
- Click the edit icon next to your current URL.
- Enter your desired URL and click “Save.”
5. TikTok –
Creating a new account –
- Download and open the TikTok app.
- Tap “Sign Up.”
- Follow the prompts to enter your information and complete the sign-up process.
- Enter a username when prompted.
- If it’s taken, TikTok will suggest alternatives.
- Tap Done and finish the signup.
Changing an existing handle –
- Open the TikTok app and go to your profile.
- Tap “Edit profile.”Tap the “Username” field and enter your new handle.
- Tap “Save.”
6. YouTube –
Creating a new account –
- Go to Youtube.com or download the YouTube app.
- Click “Sign in” and then “Create account.”
- Follow the prompts to enter your information and complete the sign-up process.
- Your handle will be your Google username, but you can set a custom channel URL later.
Changing your channel URL –
- Log in to YouTube and go to “YouTube Studio.”
- Click “Customization” from the left-hand menu, then “Basic info.
- “Under “Channel URL,” click “Set a custom URL for your channel.
- “Enter your desired URL and click “Publish.”
Tips for choosing a social media handle –
- Consistency: Use the same handle across different social media platforms to maintain brand consistency and make it easier for people to find you.
- Simplicity: Choose a handle that is easy to remember, spell, and pronounce.
- Relevance: Ensure the handle reflects your brand, name, or the purpose of the account.
- Uniqueness: Make sure the handle is unique to avoid confusion with other users.
Uses of social media handles –
- Tagging and Mentions: Use handles to tag or mention other users in posts, comments, and replies. This increases engagement and connects users.
- Branding: Incorporate your handle into marketing materials, email signatures, and business cards to promote your social media presence.
- Searchability: A unique and consistent handle makes it easier for users to search and find your profile on social media platforms.