Grab your perfect Instagram handle with our Instagram handle checker

Finding the perfect identity on the world's most visual social network is the first step toward building a successful brand. Our Instagram Handle Checker provides instant, real-time data to help you secure your @username before someone else does. Whether you are launching a new business or rebranding, our tool eliminates the guesswork by checking availability and suggesting creative alternatives if your first choice is already taken.

Instagram Handle Limitations: Rules of the Road

Instagram has specific technical constraints for usernames. Knowing these ensures your handle is valid and optimized for the platform's algorithm:

•Character Limit: Handles must be 30 characters or fewer.
•Allowed Characters: You can only use letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), periods (.), and underscores (_).
•No Special Symbols: You cannot use spaces or symbols like !, #, $, or %.
•Unique Identity: No two accounts can have the same handle. If a name is taken, it is unavailable until the owner changes it or the account is deleted.
•Placement Restrictions: You cannot start or end a username with a period, and you cannot have multiple periods in a row (e.g., brand..name is invalid).

The Power of a Great Instagram Handle

Your handle is more than just a login—it is your digital storefront. A high-quality handle provides several competitive advantages:

✓First Impressions & Trust: A clean, professional handle (like @YourBrand) signals to users that you are an established, legitimate business.
✓Improved Searchability (SEO): Including a keyword in your handle (e.g., @NYC_CoffeeRoasters) helps you appear in the "Explore" and search results when users look for your services.
✓Word-of-Mouth Marketing: A handle that is easy to say and easy to spell makes it simple for for customers to recommend you. If it's too complex, people will struggle to tag you in their Stories.
✓Cross-Platform Recognition: Maintaining the same handle across Instagram, TikTok, and X (Twitter) creates a "unified brand" that makes you easily recognizable across the web.

The Risks of Inconsistent or "Weak" Handles

Settling for a poor handle or failing to secure your brand name can have long-term negative effects on your business:

✗Loss of Credibility: Using random numbers or excessive symbols (e.g., @BrandName_1234!!) can can make your account look like a "bot" or a low-effort spam account.
✗Brand Confusion: If a competitor or a fan account owns @YourBrand and you are forced to use @TheRealYourBrand, customers may accidentally follow the wrong account or send inquiries to a stranger.
✗High Acquisition Costs Later: If you don't secure your handle now, you may have to pay a high fee to "buy" it from a squatter later, or deal with a long trademark dispute process.
✗Fragmented Identity: If your website is CoolCakes.com but your Instagram is @BestBakes_99, you create a "disconnect" in the customer's mind, leading to lower brand recall and lost sales.

What is the solution?

We've made checking the availability of any Instagram handle quick and easy saving you time and the hassle of constantly checking. Simply sign up below to start tracking your handles availability: