How to choose a social media handle

An essential brand asset that should be chosen wisely

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How to choose a social media handle

Billions of people use social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, so it’s likely that people may already be using usernames similar to an emerging artist’s brand name. So, how can artists come up with an alternative?

Why it matters

Social media handles are usernames that brands choose for their online accounts. They have several important functions:

1. SEO: People use social media handles to find brands.

2. Brand recognition: People use social media handles to identify brands

3. Engagement and word-of-mouth: People use social media handles to engage with and about brands through @mentions.

A social media handle is an essential brand asset that should be chosen wisely.

How it works

Although many online platforms exist, some basic rules can be applied to all of them when choosing a social media handle:

• Include the brand name. Some of the world’s largest artists don’t do this, but it’s recommended to always include the brand name in the social media handle to increase traffic from search.

• Use matching handles. Keep the brand consistent and recognisable by using the same handle across all online accounts, including domain names.

• Keep it short. Most platforms have a character limit on the handle, so keeping it concise is a must. A short handle is also easy to remember and helps people to find accounts.

• Make it easy to spell and pronounce. Avoid using too many underscores or numbers if they’re not in the brand name. Make sure people can bring up a handle in conversations with friends.

• Check for availability. Before settling on a social media handle, make sure it’s available across all platforms.

• Make it on-brand. If possible, make the social media handle the same as the brand name. When the brand name is taken, make sure the social media handle still aligns with brand associations like the brand’s activities or values.

Created with DALL-E 2 using a prompt I asked Chat-GPT to write.

When the artist's brand name is taken

In my experience, @artistname is usually already taken when claiming a social media handle. Here’s a list of suggestions for artists to help them choose.

• @artistnamemusic - this is the most common, but I personally recommend staying away from it because an artist brand is so much more than just music.

• @artistnameoffical - like @misskittinofficial

• @therealartistname - like @therealmikedean

• @artist.name, @artist_name or @artistname_ - like @amelie_lens

• @artistnamelocation - like @sallycberlin or @vtss.pl

• @heyartistname, @hiartistname, @byeartistname (etc) - like @hellohonne

• @iamartistname, @whoisartistname, @callmeartistname, @weareartistname, @ourartistname, @itsartistname, @artistnamebelike, @artistnameishere (etc) - like @itsduncanlaurence or @absoluteishere

• @aname - like @jlo

• @artistnamecrewname or @artistnamelabelname - like @robynkonichiwa

• @artistnameartistnameartistname - like @romyromyromy or @fredagainagainagainagainagain

• @artistname.com, @artistname.xyz, @artistname.am, @artistname.fm, @artistname.mp3, @artistname.wav (etc) - like @kalifa.fm or @monayim.wav

• @listentoartistname or @artistnamesound - like @midlandsound

• @artistnamesynth - like @kink303

• @clubartistname - like @clublyzza

And so on.

Take action now

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Go deeper

• What can I do if an Instagram username is already claimed but seems inactive? (Instagram support)

• Inactive Account Policy (TikTok support)