Waking up with a surge of motivation feels empowering, and sometimes, that energy drives us to refresh our lives—both personally and professionally. A makeover, a rebrand—it’s a chance to present a new version of ourselves.
This desire for change often extends to our social media, too. Today, we openly share our journey online, so why not update our digital presence? Friends and followers should see the changes we’re making, right?
Many of us open Instagram with excitement to finally update that outdated username. But a question often lingers: If we change our Instagram username, will previous tags still link to our profile? If you’ve pondered this, read on for the answers you need!
If I Change My User Name on Instagram, Do All Previous My Tags Done by Others Change to the New Username?
Let’s break down what happens when you change your Instagram username. Instagram tags fall into two categories: tags in posts and mentions in comments.
When you update your username, all past tags on photos or posts automatically update to reflect your new handle, allowing followers to reach your profile by clicking on them. However, tags in comments or captions remain tied to your old username.
So, what happens if someone clicks your old username in a comment? They’ll be directed to an empty profile page. If another user hasn’t claimed your old handle, the page will display a “user not found” message.
Read More: Why Doesn’t My Instagram Account Have Close Friends?
How do you change your Instagram username?
Changing your Instagram username is simple—follow a few quick steps. But why do people feel the need to make this switch?
Often, it’s about rebranding to ensure their profile accurately reflects their personal or business identity on the platform. Some make the change for aesthetic reasons, while others may not have specific motives.
If you’re unfamiliar with updating your Instagram username, here’s a quick guide:
- Open Instagram and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner.
- Select Edit profile on your profile page.
- Go to the Username section and click on it.
- Enter your desired new username.
- If it’s unavailable, choose another option.
- Tap the checkmark to confirm.
Once you change your username, keep in mind that Instagram stores it for 14 days, after which it may become available for others to claim.
Remember, frequent usernames help followers recognize you, so a sudden change can affect how people find and connect with you. Below, let’s explore the key impacts of a new username on your Instagram presence.
Profile searchability
Changing your username on Instagram can impact your profile’s searchability. Imagine someone trying to reconnect with you by clicking on an old tag in a comment. Instead of reaching your profile, they’ll land on an inactive or empty account page.
Additionally, Instagram’s search function doesn’t continually update immediately to reflect your new username, potentially making it hard for others to locate your updated profile. For some, this update may take a few minutes, while for others, it could require hours or even days before their new username becomes fully searchable.
Notifications
When someone tags your old username in a post or comment after you’ve changed it, the tag will no longer link to your profile. Although Instagram states that followers may be notified of a username change, this isn’t consistently reliable.
Think about it: how often have you received a notification that a friend changed their username? Most users only notice when they see unfamiliar names in stories or posts and visit the profile to confirm. Instagram’s notification system prioritizes current usernames, so it doesn’t consistently monitor or update followers on previous usernames.
Tips to change your Instagram username
Changing your Instagram username, especially after using it for a long time, can indeed confuse followers. But that’s only part of the story! If you have a smaller, more personal profile, a username change is generally manageable, as close followers will likely adapt quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do previous tags automatically update to my new username?
Yes, when you change your Instagram username, any tags on posts automatically update to reflect your new username. This way, people can still reach your profile by clicking on those tags.
What happens to tags in comments or captions?
Tags in comments or captions are not automatically updated when you change your username. These tags will still display your old username and may lead to an inactive or “user not found” page.
Will my followers be notified of my username change?
Instagram may notify some followers of your username change, but this is not guaranteed. Most users only notice the change when they see unfamiliar usernames in their feeds or stories.
Can people still find me if I change my username?
Your new username will eventually be searchable, but Instagram’s search feature might not update instantly. This delay can make it difficult for users to find your profile immediately after a username change.
Can someone else claim my old username?
Once you change your username, your old one becomes available for others to claim after 14 days if it remains unused. If you want to reclaim your old username later, it will depend on its availability.
Will my account links outside Instagram still work?
No, links outside of Instagram that used your old username will be broken after you change it. You’ll need to update any external links to reflect your new username.
How long does it take for Instagram to update my username across the platform?
Updating your username across Instagram’s systems may take a few minutes to several hours, though it’s usually quick.
Conclusion
Changing your Instagram username can be a refreshing way to update your online identity, but it comes with implications. While post tags automatically update, tags in comments won’t, potentially leading people to an inactive profile. Notifications of username changes are inconsistent, and the platform’s search function may take time to index your new username, temporarily affecting your visibility.
Before making this change, consider updating any external links and informing close followers to avoid confusion. With careful planning, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new digital identity.