X (formerly Twitter) is full of high-profile brands and unique personalities. And if your brand has a presence on the platform, you'll want to stand out.
In this guide, we'll look at the things you should consider when choosing an X handle, and how to change it if you ever need to. We'll also look at how you can set your brand apart from competitors.
In this article:
What is an X handle?
An X handle is your unique username on the platform. Essentially, your X handle is how other users can find and mention you in posts.
Some people call it your X name – it’s the part that comes after the @ symbol in your profile, just above your bio and posts.
Picking a good handle is important for your brand's X presence, and to avoid confusion with other accounts. For an individual, your X name might simply be your name – if you're lucky and it's still available. For a business, it's probably going to be your brand name.
There are some rules, though: You're limited to 15 characters and your X name must be unique (i.e. no one else will have the same handle). While your handle is a different entity to your display name, the contents can be exactly the same – but there are no spaces in a handle. Or, if you want, they can also be entirely different.
There are some situations when you might need to go with something different. For example, perhaps your name is already taken, or your business name is just a regular word and somebody else has already claimed it. You might also need to think more carefully about your handle if you have separate X accounts for different departments in a business (for example, customer service and sales).
In that case, you'll need to get more creative. You could go for a nickname, or add something extra to make it unique. Whatever you choose, it should be short, clear, and easy to spell.
For example, when the fast food brand Chipotle signed up to X (or Twitter as it was known back then), the word 'Chipotle' had already been taken. Instead, they went for @ChipotleTweets. Nice and simple, and fairly easy to remember.
You can change your display name whenever you like. Just go to your account settings and change it. You might even be doing it as part of an X audit. Just remember, you'll need to tell your customers that there's been a change – especially if you've put your old handle on any marketing materials.
To find someone else’s X handle, you just need to look for the @ symbol in their profile or posts.
The handle is important, because you'll need it if you want to mention or reply to them in your own posts.
How to choose the perfect X handle
Picking the right X handle is pretty important for your online presence and personal branding. A good handle makes you easy to find and remember.
Use your name or personal brand name
Your X handle should reflect your business brand or personal brand. If you’re an individual, try using your first and last name. For businesses, go with your company name. This makes it simple for people to find and tag you.
If your exact name is taken, get creative. You could add a middle initial or something to do with your profession. You could also put an underscore between words. Basically, as long as your real name (or brand name) is in your display name, you'll still appear in search results.
For a customer service account you could add "help", or for a store you could add "shop".
Keep it short and simple
A short handle is easier to remember. Plus, you're limited to 15 characters or less. This also makes it easier for others to include your handle in their posts.
Numbers and special characters are allowed, but use them at your own risk. They’re hard to remember and can look spammy.
Make it easy to spell, too. Complex or made-up words can lead to typos when people try to find you. Stick to common words and spellings.
Brands will benefit from using the same username across all social media platforms, as this will make your profiles easier to find.
Plus, remember to consider how your handle looks in all lowercase. Some social media bios display handles this way, so make sure it’s still clear.
Tips for creating a unique and effective X handle
Your X handle is a valuable asset and your digital identity. A good one helps you stand out and be memorable. Here are some tips to craft the perfect username for your profile.
1. Add industry or location details
Adding industry-related terms or your location can make your X handle more unique and informative. This helps potential followers understand who you are at a glance.
For businesses, you could add “Inc” or “HQ” to your brand name. If you have multiple branches, include the location in your handle. For example, "NYC" or "UK." Individuals can add their profession or specialty, too.
This approach makes your X handle more specific and helps you connect with your target audience.
2. Incorporate terms like "the" or "official"
Adding words like “the,” “official,” or “real” can help you claim your identity if your preferred handle is taken. It also adds credibility to your account. How you show up in the X community is a big deal, as your handle will appear in lots of places where you engage with your audience.
For brands, @TheCompanyName or @OfficialBrandName work well. Celebrities often use @TheRealCelebrityName to distinguish themselves from fan accounts.
Whatever you go with, be careful not to infringe on trademarks. You'll need to make sure you have the right to use “official” or similar terms, especially for brand accounts.
And always remember X's 15-character limit for handles. Keep it short and sweet while still being clear and unique.
3. Use initials or abbreviations
If your name or brand name is long, consider using initials or abbreviations. This can create a snappy, memorable handle that fits within X's character limit.
For personal accounts, combine your initials with your profession or interests. Companies can use acronyms, but make sure they’re easily recognizable. For example, @IBMCloud works because IBM is a well-known brand.
Underscores can be useful in a pinch when your exact name is already taken, but it's best to use them with caution since they're not particularly easy to remember and type.
Instead, focus on creating X usernames that represent you or your brand clearly.
Best practices for maintaining a X handle
Your X handle is a big part of your digital identity. Keeping it the same across social media platforms helps followers find and recognize you easily.
Consistency across other social media platforms
Use the same handle on X as well as other social media sites. This makes it simpler for people to find you everywhere. If your exact handle isn’t available on all platforms, try to keep it as similar as possible.
For example, if @YourBrandName is taken on Instagram, try @YourBrandNameOfficial.
Make sure your X handle matches your brand name or personal name. This helps with brand recognition and makes you more searchable.
It's probably best to avoid using numbers or special characters, since they can be a bit confusing – and no one will remember them.
Plus, consider your handle’s length. Shorter X handles are easier to remember and leave more room for others to mention you in tweets.
Avoid changing your handle frequently
If you can, it's best to stick with your chosen handle for the long haul. Changing it often can confuse your followers and hurt your brand recognition. Plus, you might have published the handle in a catalog or on business cards.
If you must change your X handle, plan it carefully. Let your followers know about the change in advance, and pin a post explaining the change.
After the switch, keep your old handle as a placeholder account that directs people to your new one.
Remember, changing your handle means you'll lose verification status if you used to have it. You'll need to reapply for verification with your new handle.
If you're rebranding, time your handle change with your broader rebrand launch for maximum impact and clarity.
How to change your X handle
If you do decide to change your X handle, the process is pretty easy. Here's how to do it:
- Open the X app or website
- Go to "Settings and support"
- Click on "Settings and privacy"
- Select "Your account"
- Tap on "Account information"
- Choose "Username"
Type in your desired new handle. X will let you know if it's available. If it's not, just try a variation until you find one that works.
Keep in mind that changing your handle will affect your @mentions and profile URL. Your followers will also need to use your new handle to tag you.
Don't worry about your followers - they'll stay with your account even after you change your handle. Your posts and DMs will also remain intact.
Remember, if you're verified, you'll lose your blue checkmark when you change your handle. You'll need to apply for verification again. That's definitely something to bear in mind when weighing up a handle-change.
Choose your new handle wisely. It represents you on X, so pick something memorable and relevant to your brand or personality.
Frequently asked questions
X handles can be confusing. Let's clear up some common questions about these unique identifiers and how to use them effectively.
How do I come up with a unique X handle?
Keep it simple as much as you can, but feel free to get creative if that's not possible. Try combining your name with interests or related terms. Whatever you go for, try to keep it short and memorable. Avoid special characters if possible. You'll be able to check availability during X's signup or handle-change process.
What's the difference between an X handle and an X username?
Trick question: they're the same thing. Your handle is your @username on X. It's unique and appears in your profile URL. It appears at the top of your profile, along with your real name or business name.
Your display name can be changed anytime and doesn't have to be unique. Handles are for tagging, while display names are for recognition. Make sure your display name also reflects your brand well, as this is also used in X search results.
How can I change my X handle?
Go to Settings and Privacy, then Account, and select Username. Type your new desired handle. If it's available, save changes. Remember, your old handle becomes available for others to claim once you change it, so it might be worth setting up another account to direct people to your new handle.
What guidelines should I follow when creating my X handle for my online identity?
Keep it short – 15 characters is the max. Use letters and numbers only. Avoid impersonation or spam-like handles (lots of numbers are generally a big no-no). Make it easy to type and remember. Consider your personal or brand identity when choosing.
How do I find someone's X handle using their URL?
Look at the end of their X profile URL. The text after "x.com/" is their handle. For example, in "x.com/ShakeShack", the handle is @ShakeShack.
You'll find most brands by typing their name into the search bar. This is why it's important to stick to something that's predictable and includes your real name or brand identity.
Can my X handle help in improving my profile's visibility?
Sure, a good handle can boost visibility. Especially if you can get your brand name in there and keep it consistent with other social media accounts. A catchy, on-brand X username is more likely to be remembered and used in posts by your followers.
