Imagine that you come up with the perfect username for your Instagram account, catchy, memorable, and perfectly reflects your brand. You type in the username, but alas, your dream handle stares back at you, marked “username not available.”
You search for the username and find that it belongs to an inactive account. This person isn’t actively using the username, so how can you get it from them?
While claiming an inactive username isn’t guaranteed, there are strategies you can employ to increase your chances of success. We’ll walk you through some of them in this article.
What Does Instagram Do to Inactive Accounts?
Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t have a clear-cut policy on inactive accounts and their usernames. Unlike some platforms, there’s no set time frame after which an inactive account becomes deleted and the username available again. This lack of transparency makes it challenging to predict when a username might be up for grabs.
However, here’s what we do know:
- First-Come, First-Served: When an inactive account is eventually deleted, the username becomes available on a first-come, first-served basis. So, constantly monitoring the username is crucial, but not always realistic.
- Trademark Protection: If the desired username is your registered trademark, you can file a trademark infringement report with Instagram. While a lengthy process, it can lead to the username being released. Unfortunately, this route isn’t always successful, so maybe save it as a last resort.
Best Tips to Get Your Dream Username From an Inactive Instagram Account
Since a clear-cut policy isn’t in place, here are some strategies to maximize your chances of claiming an inactive username:
- Become a Username Vigilante: Regularly check the username’s profile and activity status. If you see any signs of life – a new post, a changed profile picture – it indicates the account might not be as inactive as you thought.
- Seek Help from the Community: Reach out to fellow Instagram users or communities related to your niche. They might have insights into the username’s owner or if they’ve been active lately.
- Send a Well-Crafted Message: If you suspect the account is inactive, consider sending a polite message to the owner. Not all accounts have their contact details on their profiles, but with some digging, you may be able to find them. Explain your desire for the username, what it would mean for your brand, and offer a friendly exchange or compensation (if appropriate). Be respectful and avoid sounding entitled.
Alternative Routes to Take Instead of Waiting
Chasing an inactive username is a long game that may not end successfully. Here are some alternative strategies to consider:
- Embrace Creativity: You can create a variation of your desired username that’s still catchy and relevant. You don’t even need to change it too much, as adding a simple underscore, number, or abbreviation will work.
- Focus on Branding: While the perfect username is desirable, don’t let it define your brand. Build a strong brand identity with compelling content and visuals. A great username can add to your brand, but it’s not the sole factor in success.
The Long Game or Throw in the Towel
Claiming an inactive Instagram username can be a challenge. Or you can forget all that and just make a different variation of the username that would work. The choice is yours.
