How to Get a Taken Instagram Username: Strategies to Acquire Already Taken and Inactive Username on Instagram You’ve Always Wanted

Struggling to get that Instagram username you’ve been eyeing for your brand or personal account? You’re not alone. In the digital age, where your online identity is as crucial as your real one, having the right username on social media platforms like Instagram is no joke. It’s 2023, and with over 1 billion monthly active Instagram users, the competition is fierce. So, what do you do when the username you want is already taken? Don’t sweat it; we’ve got the ultimate guide to help you claim that elusive handle. Ready to dive in?

Understanding Instagram’s Policy on Inactive Usernames

What qualifies as an inactive account?

Ever wondered what Instagram considers an inactive account? Well, you’re not alone. Instagram defines an inactive account as one that hasn’t been used for an extended period. This means no sharing of photos, no commenting, and no liking. It’s like a ghost town with your username hanging as the lone signboard.

Instagram’s policy on deleting inactive accounts

Now, let’s talk turkey—or tofu if you’re vegan. Instagram doesn’t have a clear-cut timeline for when they’ll delete an inactive account. But they do encourage you to log in and interact on the platform. So, if you’ve been MIA, it’s time to show some love to those neglected photos of your friends’ brunches.

According to Instagram’s Help Center, it’s suggested that you log in at least once in a while to keep your account from being flagged as inactive for an extended period. If you don’t, your account may face the chopping block.

Direct Contact Methods

Finding the current username holder’s contact information

So you’ve found the Instagram username you’re dying to have, but alas, someone else got there first. Don’t fret! Your first mission is to find out how to contact this digital squatter. Often, people list their contact information in their bio. If you’re lucky, you’ll find an email address or even a phone number. If not, you can always try contacting them through a DM (Direct Message) on Instagram.

Remember, you’re a digital detective now, but keep it cool—no stalking, please!

Approaching them for a username sale

Alright, you’ve got their contact info. Now what? Time to put on your best virtual smile and slide into their DMs. The key here is to be polite and straightforward. Ask them if they’re willing to sell the username. You’d be surprised how many people are open to it.

Send them a direct message that’s friendly but professional. Something like, “Hey, I noticed you have the username @FitLifeGuru. Would you be interested in selling it?”

When I started my fitness blog, I realized the username I wanted was taken. I contacted the user directly through a direct message, and to my surprise, they were willing to sell it for a reasonable price.

Buying an Instagram Username You Want

Platforms for Buying Usernames

So you’ve tried the polite approach and it didn’t work. Don’t worry, you’re not out of options. Welcome to the world of secondary markets. Yes, there are entire platforms dedicated to helping you buy the username of your dreams. Websites like InstaSale and even some subreddits can be goldmines for this. But be cautious, valuable usernames sell like hotcakes, so you’ve got to be quick on the draw.

Risks and How to Mitigate Them

Hold your horses, cowboy! Before you go on a username shopping spree, let’s talk risks. Instagram isn’t too fond of username trading, and you could avoid being banned only if you’re smart about it. Always double-check for fraudulent accounts and never, ever, share your password. If something smells fishy, don’t hesitate to report to Instagram.

Did you know that 60% of Instagram users say they discover new products on the platform? That’s right, a catchy username can be your golden ticket to visibility and sales.

Legal Routes to Claiming a Username

Trademarking or Copyrighting the Username

So you’ve tried the DMs, you’ve scoured the secondary markets, and you’re still coming up empty-handed. What’s left? Well, have you considered going the legal route? If the username you’re after is closely tied to your trademarked brand name, you might have a case for infringement.

Lawyers, assemble! You can actually trademark your desired username, and then use that as leverage to claim it on Instagram. But remember, this isn’t a quick fix. The process can be lengthy and costly, but hey, if you’re that committed, why not?

Reporting to Instagram for Username Claim

If you’re not into the whole “lawyer up” thing, there’s another way. Instagram has a report form specifically for trademark infringement issues. You can contact Instagram and make your case. But be warned, you’ll need to provide substantial evidence that you own the trademark or that the current username holder is infringing on your rights.

Speaking of claiming usernames, I once tried to claim a username that was inactive. I waited for an Instagram purge and was able to snag it right after the account was deleted. So, sometimes patience and a bit of strategy can pay off too!

Waiting for Instagram Purge

Understanding Instagram Purges

Ah, the Instagram purge, a term that sounds as ominous as it is. But what does it mean for you? Well, if you’ve been eyeing a username that’s been inactive for a long time, this could be your golden ticket. Instagram occasionally cleans house, removing accounts that haven’t been used in ages.

So, how does this help you? If the account holding your dream username gets swept up in the purge, it’s like a clearance sale for usernames! But remember, you’ve got to be quick on the draw.

Monitoring for Purges

Now, you’re probably wondering, “How do I know when a purge is happening?” Great question! Keep an eye on the search bar and follow platforms like social media news sites that announce these purges. You can also join forums where many users discuss the upcoming purges.

Speaking of purges, let’s talk about a small business that nailed it. They were able to claim an inactive Instagram username by using a combination of direct contact and legal routes. What’s the takeaway? Even small businesses can successfully claim inactive usernames, which can be a game-changer for branding. So, if they can do it, why can’t you?

Workarounds and Creative Alternatives

Using Special Characters for Similar Usernames

So, you’ve tried everything, and that dream username is still out of reach? Don’t fret; there’s a hack for that! Ever thought about using special characters like an underscore or an abbreviation? For instance, if “CoolCat” is taken, why not go for “Cool_Cat” or “C00lCat”? It’s almost like the original, but with a little twist that makes it uniquely yours.

I remember when I was in the same boat. I wanted a username that was already taken, so I added an underscore and voila! Instant gratification.

Adding Prefixes or Suffixes for Uniqueness

Now, if you’re not a fan of underscores or abbreviations, there’s another route you can take. How about adding a prefix or suffix to create a unique username? For example, if “TravelBug” is taken, you could opt for “TheTravelBug” or “TravelBug101”. This way, you still get the username of your choice, but with a little extra flair.

Adding an extra word to the username can also make it stand out. I’ve done this before by adding “Real” in front of my name, and guess what? It worked like a charm!

Conclusion

Summary and Best Approaches Based on Different Scenarios

So, you’ve made it to the end of this Instagram username odyssey. Kudos! Whether you’re trying to get a taken Instagram username or just want to jazz up your Instagram profile, you’ve got options. One of the most effective strategies is to make your account a business account. Trust me, it’s worth the switch.

From my own experience, I once had my eye on a taken username. The account was inactive, and I was itching to make it mine. After a few well-placed emails and some legal jargon, voila! The username on Instagram I wanted became my new Instagram handle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Claiming a Username

Hold up, we’re not done yet! Keep an eye out for our related articles that will delve into the pitfalls to avoid when claiming a username. Spoiler: tactics that don’t work include trying to impersonate someone or adding words like “official” or “real” without justification. Instagram’s not falling for that, and neither should you.

In 2021, it’s become nearly impossible to get a username you want if it’s already used. But hey, it’s 2023 now, and you’ve got this guide to help you navigate the username availability maze. Whether you want to create new social media profiles or ask someone to relinquish their existing Instagram, you’re now armed with the know-how.

So, are you ready to change that username and make your Instagram account truly yours? I bet you are! And remember, if you’re still stuck, there’s always a way. You’ve just got to find it.

FAQ:

How can I get an Instagram username that is already taken?

Unfortunately, it can be quite difficult to get an Instagram username that is already taken. However, there are a few strategies you can try.

What are some related articles I can read about taken Instagram usernames?

Here are some related articles you may find helpful: “How to Choose a Unique Username on Instagram”, “What to Do if Your Preferred Username is Taken on Instagram”, and “Tips for Getting a Username You Want on Instagram”.

Can I add an extra word to the username I want on Instagram?

Yes, if the username you want is already taken, you can try adding an extra word to it. For example, if “johndoe” is taken, you could try “thejohndoe” or “officialjohndoe”. However, keep in mind that the extra word may not be available either, so you may need to get creative.

What should I do if my preferred username is inactive on Instagram?

If your preferred username is inactive on Instagram, you can try reaching out to the account holder and asking if they would be willing to give up the username. However, there is no guarantee that they will be willing to do so.

What if I want to use my full name as a username on Instagram, but it is already taken?

If your full name is already taken on Instagram, you will need to choose a different username. You can try adding a middle initial, a nickname, or a variation of your name to make it unique.

Is there any other method I can use to get a taken Instagram username?

If the username you want is already taken, and other methods have been unsuccessful, there is one more method you can try. You can ask Instagram directly if they can help you acquire the username. While this method is not guaranteed to work, it is worth a try in certain circumstances.

Is it possible to buy the username on Instagram?

No, Instagram does not allow users to buy or sell usernames. The only way to obtain a username is by creating a new account with that username or asking the current account holder if they are willing to change their username.

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