Making a new Twitter profile? But stuck choosing the perfect Twitter handle?
Your Twitter name and handle are the key components of your Twitter profile. Select a Twitter handle that markets your brand and makes your profile discoverable. Avoid settling for Twitter’s automatic recommendations when your preferred handle is unavailable.
Your Twitter handle can make or break your impression as a brand/individual. So, you must put in a bit of time and effort to select the best Twitter handle for your profile. A good Twitter handle will help you in better social media promotion, make it easier for you to be identified, and make you look more authentic.
What is a Twitter handle?
A Twitter handle is the username that is shown at the end of your unique Twitter URL. Similar to other social media platforms, your username/handle serves as your identity on Twitter. You can use up to 15 characters for your Twitter handle, and it appears as “http://twitter.com/[handle]” in the visitor’s browser bar.
Twitter handles can only contain alphanumeric characters (letters A-Z, numbers 0-9) and underscores (_). No spaces, special characters, or symbols are allowed except for the underscore. Your handle cannot start with a number or underscore, and Twitter automatically converts all uppercase letters to lowercase in the URL.
However, don’t get confused between a Twitter handle and the Twitter name. The Twitter handle will appear after the @ sign in your profile URL and is unique to your account. No two people can have the same Twitter handle.
A Twitter name, on the other hand, is basically there to help users find the business/person they’re searching for. It doesn’t need to be unique – multiple people can have the same Twitter name.
How to create a Twitter handle
Here is a quick guide for how to create a Twitter handle:
- Visit twitter.com or download the Twitter app.
- Click “Sign Up” and provide your name, phone number, or email.
- Twitter handle format is “@username” so choose a unique username (up to 15 characters) with “@” symbol.
- Upload a profile picture and write a short bio.
- Follow suggested accounts based on your interests (optional).
- Verify your account with a code sent to your phone or email.
- Start tweeting and engaging with the Twitter community.
How to choose an effective and attractive Twitter handle
With 330 million monthly active users on Twitter, securing your desired handle requires prompt action. Your Twitter handle influences follow decisions alongside your profile picture. Business accounts need handles that represent organizations accurately and remain memorable. Effective handles strengthen brand promotion and Twitter marketing efforts.
When you are brainstorming Twitter username ideas, consider the following points:
1. Use your name (or your brand name)
Using your name or company name should be your primary choice for a Twitter handle. If your first name is unavailable, combine your first and last names. Avoid using only your last name as users may identify you solely by this surname.
When your business name is unavailable, add designations like ‘Pvt’ or ‘Inc’ after your company name. Twitter handles completely different from your actual name prevent users from finding your account.
For example, RecurPost has used the brand name itself as the Twitter handle which makes it super easy to find its profile.
2. Avoid the use of numbers
Avoid adding numbers to your Twitter handle when your preferred name is unavailable. Numbers in Twitter usernames, especially at the end, create impressions of spam accounts.
Numbers in Twitter handles create visual inconsistency and reduce professionalism. While you may want your name in your handle, adding numbers diminishes uniqueness and complicates searchability.
3. Keep it short and sweet
Though Twitter allows 15 characters for handles, aim for fewer than 10 characters. Shorter handles prove more memorable for users and easier to recall.
Also, when you have a short username, it becomes easier for people to mention you in their tweets, without taking up much of their character space. A fantastic short name for Twitter is that of ‘Read Write’. Their Twitter handle is @RWW. They have simplified their long name into a three-letter word, which makes it easy to mention even when the tweet you’re posting is a long one.
4. Make sure it is easy to remember
Your Twitter handle must remain memorable. When users share content from your profile, they should easily mention you, which attracts followers and builds your Twitter presence.
Memorable handles get included in tweets naturally. Forgettable handles force users to search for your username repeatedly—a task few will undertake regularly. Following these guidelines creates short, appropriate handles that users recall effortlessly.
You can simply use the initials if your brand name is long and consists of multiple words. And if it’s too short, you can use the first word entirely and then use the initials of the remaining words.
5. Try to be consistent across social media channels
What is the name of your website? What words does your domain name include? Which words are there in the name of your Facebook group? What is your Instagram username? Make a list of everything and try to use the same name across all channels for social media content purposes.
It will help your followers find you super quickly on any channel and also establish brand authority. But before that, you should know how to get Twitter followers. And, If your name is unavailable on any platform and it is disturbing your flow on other channels, you should seriously consider a change—Twitter included—to maintain consistency across all social media sites.
6. Avoid using keywords
We know that you want your profile to appear when someone searches for your keyword, but stuffing the keywords everywhere is not ideal. Using keywords in your Twitter handle will make your profile look spam when someone views it. This can also result in the loss of followers who could potentially be customers in the future. So, spare your username and use your keywords in your Twitter bio instead.
To learn how to make the most of Twitter Advanced Search for tracking conversations, finding specific tweets, and improving your social media strategy, check out our detailed guide!
7. Be quick in making a decision
Julien Smith, the co-author of Trust Agents, says how he got his Twitter to handle ‘@julien’ just because he got in early. This gives him an advantage over the other Juliens on Twitter. Next time someone enters the name “Julien” in the Twitter search bar, @julien will be the first name to appear.
Therefore, try to get in early and give your best shot to select the best Twitter handle you can get. If you’re thinking of getting a new Twitter handle for yourself or your business, stop thinking about it and start to act.
Every day, approximately 460,000 people sign up for a new Twitter account. This means that about 319 people sign up for an account every minute. So your desired username could be gone any second now – go to Twitter and search for your favorite Twitter handle as fast as you can!
8. Use ‘Real’ and ‘Official’ carefully
People tend to add words like ‘real’ or ‘official’ in their usernames on social media channels. This is fine for celebrities or Twitter influencers to do, as a lot of people make their fake or fan accounts. However, if you wish to add such words, we would recommend doing that after building a considerable following count and verifying your account. Otherwise, it will again make your profile look spammy or fake.
What to do when your desired Twitter handle is taken by someone else?
As mentioned earlier, your desired Twitter handle could be gone anytime because of the large number of signups taking place every minute. You have no choice left other than twisting and playing around with it. Need some ideas to do that? Refer to the points below:
1. Shorten your name
Try to use your nickname or shrink your name if it’s too long. For example, in place of Christino James, you can go for ‘ChrisJames’ or ‘JamesChris’. This applies to individuals only, not businesses.
2. Add initials
You may consider adding your middle name to your Twitter handle. There’s a fair chance you’ll get it. ‘ChrisKjames,’ for example.
3. Add ‘This’, ‘This is’, or ‘I am’
These three blend perfectly with most of the usernames. And many people use them, too, to at least mention their name into their Twitter username. For example, ‘ThisIsChris’ or ‘IamChrisJames.’
4. Start with ‘We are’
This is a perfect technique for businesses and groups to use. Only apply “we are” to the name you like and you’re done!
5. Write your name along with industry
This is one of the most professional things you can do to let people know who you are and what you do. Using your name and business in your Twitter handle will also help enhance your profile for search engines.
6. Use ‘HQ’ (for businesses)
HQ is the universal symbol for headquarters. Thus, brands can use it along with the company name when they don’t get their desired Twitter handle.
7. Use ‘Add’, ‘Join’, or ‘Get’
If you are a service-based business, basically offering an app, or want people to join a community, you can use words like ‘Try’, ‘Join’, or ‘Get’ along with your product/company name. They act as a call to action which mostly gives you an extra edge.
8. Add a location name
Including a location in your Twitter handle can also help users find your business easily, particularly if your business is local. For instance, if you’re from New York, you can include NY in your username.
9. Add underscore
There’s no harm in placing an underscore between your first and last name when nothing else seems to work.
10. Use ‘Ask’
This can be done by companies maintaining different Twitter accounts for product promotions and customer service. For example, PayPal has a Twitter account for customer support with the Twitter handle ‘@AskPayPal’.
Twitter Username Generators: Tools to Help You Find the Perfect Handle
If you’re struggling to come up with a Twitter handle that’s both available and represents you well, username generators can help. These tools create multiple username suggestions based on keywords you provide, saving you time and sparking creativity.
Popular Twitter Username Generator Tools
A good handle can help you in promoting your brand and undertake Twitter marketing effectively. If you’re struggling to come up with one, consider using a Twitter username maker to generate creative options.
- SpinXO: Enter your name, hobbies, or keywords, and SpinXO generates dozens of username options that might be available on Twitter.
- Namelix: Though primarily for business names, Namelix uses AI to generate short, brandable names that often work well as Twitter handles.
- Kparser: This tool specializes in generating usernames based on keywords and can check availability across multiple platforms, including Twitter.
- Jimpix: Offers random username generation with various styles and combinations that can help you find unique Twitter handle options.
How to change/edit your Twitter handle
You might want to change your current username to something more consistent and unforgettable after reading the above recommendations, or maybe your preferred Twitter handle is finally available! If you’re ready for a Twitter username change, follow the steps below to update it quickly and easily.
- Log in to your Twitter account
- From the left-hand side panel, click on ‘More’.
- A pop-up menu will appear. Choose ‘Settings and Privacy’.
- In the accounts section, you will see the option of ‘Username’.
- Click on it and you can insert your new Twitter handle and save it. You will get an alert message if it is not available.
If you’re wondering how to change your Twitter username on your phone, navigate to ‘Settings and privacy’ > ‘Account’ > ‘Username’ to make the change.
After you update the username, make sure that you inform all your fans by tweeting, because they’ll know when they’re trying to mention you. You can also pin the tweet to the top of your profile for a bit. Update the Twitter links on your website, author bio, or somewhere else you have mentioned it.
Build your presence on Twitter
After you have selected your Twitter handle, you need to complete your profile by adding an eye-catching bio, a profile picture, a cover photo, a location, and a website link. When you’re done with optimizing your profile, it’s time to begin tweeting and grabbing the attention of people in order to build a considerable following.
Twitter is a fleeting platform; you need to be consistent to be noticed by people. A tweet has an average life of only 18 minutes. Thus, you need to tweet at least 2-3 times daily for your target audience to notice you. If you think that it’ll consume a lot of time to tweet manually, you should know how to automate tweets.
You can use a social media scheduling tool for this purpose. RecurPost provides a tweet scheduler using which you can auto tweet on twitter and also generate tweet variations to post the same message multiple times.
Frequently asked question
1. What are some of the Twitter name ideas ?
Coming up with a creative, good and interesting Twitter name can help you stand out on the platform however, remember to use a name that also resembles you and your tweet content.
here are some cool Twitter name ideas that you can use for your Twitter account:
– TwitWhiz
– TweetTastic
– SocialGuru
– TrendyTweeter
– ChirpyChatter
– WittyTweets
– QuirkyBirdie
– BuzzingBeak
– TweetMaster
– SnappyTweets
2. What are some of the Twitter username name ideas ?
Choosing a cool and good Twitter username (twitter handle) helps you stand out, but ensure it represents you and your tweet content.
Here are some of the best Twitter username examples that you can use for your Twitter account:
For Personal Accounts:
– @WordWizardry
– @InkAndIdeas
– @TravelBloom
– @MindfulJourney
– @GeekGuruGram
For Business Accounts:
– @ZapposService (customer service focus)
– @AirbnbHelp (support-focused handle)
– @NikeRunning (product-specific handle)
– @AppleMusic (product division)
– @TeslaMotors (clear brand name)
For Creators and Influencers:
– @GaryVee (shortened name, memorable)
– @TechTrailblaze
– @FoodieFusion
– @ArtisticVerse
– @MusicMosaic
– @SportsSphere
– @FashionistaVibe
– @FitFable
Examples of Effective Handles from Real Brands:
– @Wendys (simple, brand name)
– @Xbox (short, product name)
– @NASA (acronym, easy to remember)
– @NYTimes (abbreviated publication name)
– @Starbucks (straightforward brand name)
3. Twitter username (handle) vs Twitter name
Here is the difference between Twitter username and Twitter name:
Twitter username (handle) serves as a unique identifier preceded by “@”, used for mentions and in URLs (twitter.com/username). Limited to 15 characters, usernames can be changed.
Twitter name (display name) appears at the profile top, allows up to 50 characters, doesn’t require uniqueness, and can be changed without affecting the handle.
4. How to pick a Twitter handle or Twitter username?
here are some of the things you should keep in mind while creating your Twitter handle or Twitter username for your Twitter account:
1. Keep it short and memorable.
2. Reflect your identity or interests.
3. Avoid numbers and special characters.
4. Check availability.
5. Consider consistency and branding.
6. Ensure it’s respectful and appropriate.
7. Think long-term and future-proof.
8. Research and get feedback.
5. how to choose a Twitter name?
It gets very confusing when it comes to choosing your ideal Twitter name, however you can focus on these listed points while choosing your Twitter name for your Twitter account:
1. Keep it short and easy to remember.
2. Reflect your identity or content focus.
3. Check for availability.
4. Consider consistency with other platforms.
5. Avoid offensive or inappropriate terms.
6. Think long-term and relevant.
Dr. Dinesh Agarwal, founder of RecurPost, holds a PhD in Cloud Computing and transitioned from academia to social media innovation in 2013. He built RecurPost into an enterprise-grade automation platform now used by over 100,000 businesses worldwide. Beyond leading RecurPost, Dr. Agarwal shares insights on social media marketing through talks, podcasts, and articles, with a focus on content optimization and algorithm-driven distribution.
