You've finally found it—the perfect username. It's creative, memorable, and exactly represents your online identity. But before you get too attached, there's a crucial step: checking if it's actually available across the platforms you use.
Nothing's more frustrating than creating accounts on three platforms only to discover your username is taken on the fourth one you need. I've been through this headache too many times, which is why I've developed a systematic approach to checking username availability.
Here's your comprehensive guide to ensuring your perfect username is actually available everywhere you need it.
Why Checking Availability Matters:
1. Consistency Across Platforms
Builds stronger personal or brand identity
Makes you easier to find
Professional appearance
2. Prevents Future Headaches
Avoids rebranding later
Prevents confusion with similar names
Saves time and frustration
3. Security Considerations
Prevents impersonation
Reduces confusion with other users
Makes your accounts harder to mimic
Step-by-Step Checking Process:
Step 1: Make Your Initial List
Write down all platforms where you want the username
Prioritize by importance
Include future platforms you might use
Step 2: Manual Checking Methods
For Social Media Platforms:
Instagram: instagram.com/desiredusername
Twitter/X: twitter.com/desiredusername
TikTok: tiktok.com/@desiredusername
Facebook: facebook.com/desiredusername
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/desiredusername
What to look for:
Active profile with content = taken
Error page or 'doesn't exist' = available
Private profile = likely taken
For Gaming Platforms:
Steam: steamcommunity.com/id/desiredusername
Xbox: Check via Xbox app or website
PlayStation: PSN profile search
Epic Games: epicgames.com/account
For Professional Platforms:
GitHub: github.com/desiredusername
Behance: behance.net/desiredusername
Dribbble: dribbble.com/desiredusername
Portfolio sites if relevant
For Communication Tools:
Discord: Usernames are unique globally
Slack: Organization-specific
Skype: Still used in some business contexts
Step 3: Use Availability Checker Tools
Online Tools That Check Multiple Platforms:
Namechk (namechk.com)
KnowEm (knowem.com)
Checkusernames.com
How these work:
Enter your desired username
See availability across 50+ platforms
Get instant results
Limitations:
Not always 100% accurate
Might miss newer platforms
Can't check private accounts
Step 4: Check Domain Availability
If you might want a website:
.com is still most important
Also check .net, .org, .io if relevant
Use GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains
Why domain matters:
Even if you don't want a website now
Protects your brand
Prevents cybersquatting
Step 5: App-Specific Checks
Mobile Apps:
Check app stores for similar app names
Search within apps themselves
Consider app-specific username formats
Niche Platforms:
Reddit (though you can use display names)
Twitch (display names differ from usernames)
Specialized forums in your field
Common Availability Scenarios and What They Mean:
Scenario 1: Available Everywhere
Great! But be quick
Consider securing it immediately
May want to create placeholder accounts
Scenario 2: Taken on One Major Platform
Decide if you can use a variation
Consider contacting current holder
Evaluate if you can live without that platform
Scenario 3: Taken on Multiple Platforms
Time to go back to brainstorming
Use a username generator for alternatives
Consider why it's popular (might be too generic)
Scenario 4: Inactive Accounts
Some platforms release inactive usernames
Check last activity date
Research platform policies on inactive accounts
Platform-Specific Quirks to Know:
Instagram:
Usernames can be changed
Inactive accounts might hold names
Business names get priority in disputes
Twitter/X:
Very competitive for short names
Some names held by inactive celebrities
Verification complicates availability
Discord:
Completely unique globally
Includes discriminator (#0001)
New system uses display names
Reddit:
Cannot change usernames
Many names held by bots
Consider display name feature
What to Do When Your Name Is Taken:
Option 1: Use Variations
Add middle initial
Use underscores or periods
Add relevant words: 'TheReal', 'Official', 'IAm'
Option 2: Contact Current Holder
If account appears inactive
Be polite and professional
Offer to compensate if appropriate
Option 3: Use Different Platforms
Maybe you don't need that specific platform
Focus on platforms that matter most
Use consistent name where possible
Option 4: Wait and Watch
Some platforms release inactive names
Set up alerts for name availability
Check back periodically
Proactive Protection Strategies:
1. Secure Important Platforms First
Create accounts even if not using immediately
Set up basic profiles
Use consistent profile pictures
2. Use a Password Manager
Keep track of all your accounts
Store login credentials securely
Note which variations you used where
3. Document Everything
Keep a spreadsheet of:
Platforms where you have the name
Variations used
Login information
4. Set Up Monitoring
Google Alerts for your username
Social media mentions
Regular availability checks
When to Consider Professional Help:
Building a business brand
High-value username acquisition
Legal issues with username disputes
Managing multiple brand accounts
Using Generators for Available Names:
Tools like UsernameGen.xyz can help by:
Generating unique combinations less likely to be taken
Suggesting variations when your first choice is unavailable
Creating themed names that might have better availability
The Reality of Username Squatting:
Some users register names to:
Sell them later
Prevent others from using them
Impersonate or confuse
How to deal with it:
Report impersonation to platforms
Consider legal action for trademarks
Use official verification where available
Final Checklist Before Committing:
1. Checked all essential platforms
2. Verified domain availability
3. Considered future platforms
4. Have backup options ready
5. Documented availability results
6. Ready to create accounts quickly
Long-Term Maintenance:
Regularly check that accounts are secure
Update profiles periodically
Monitor for impersonators
Consider trademark protection if building a brand
Conclusion:
Checking username availability might seem tedious, but it's much less work than rebranding later or dealing with inconsistent online presence. By following this systematic approach, you can ensure your perfect username is actually usable across all the platforms that matter to you.
Remember: The goal isn't just to find an available username—it's to secure your online identity consistently and strategically. Take the time to do it right, and you'll build a stronger, more recognizable presence that serves you well for years to come.
Your username is your digital home address. Make sure you can live there on every platform that's important to you.
Nothing's more frustrating than creating accounts on three platforms only to discover your username is taken on the fourth one you need. I've been through this headache too many times, which is why I've developed a systematic approach to checking username availability.
Here's your comprehensive guide to ensuring your perfect username is actually available everywhere you need it.
Why Checking Availability Matters:
1. Consistency Across Platforms
Builds stronger personal or brand identity
Makes you easier to find
Professional appearance
2. Prevents Future Headaches
Avoids rebranding later
Prevents confusion with similar names
Saves time and frustration
3. Security Considerations
Prevents impersonation
Reduces confusion with other users
Makes your accounts harder to mimic
Step-by-Step Checking Process:
Step 1: Make Your Initial List
Write down all platforms where you want the username
Prioritize by importance
Include future platforms you might use
Step 2: Manual Checking Methods
For Social Media Platforms:
Instagram: instagram.com/desiredusername
Twitter/X: twitter.com/desiredusername
TikTok: tiktok.com/@desiredusername
Facebook: facebook.com/desiredusername
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/desiredusername
What to look for:
Active profile with content = taken
Error page or 'doesn't exist' = available
Private profile = likely taken
For Gaming Platforms:
Steam: steamcommunity.com/id/desiredusername
Xbox: Check via Xbox app or website
PlayStation: PSN profile search
Epic Games: epicgames.com/account
For Professional Platforms:
GitHub: github.com/desiredusername
Behance: behance.net/desiredusername
Dribbble: dribbble.com/desiredusername
Portfolio sites if relevant
For Communication Tools:
Discord: Usernames are unique globally
Slack: Organization-specific
Skype: Still used in some business contexts
Step 3: Use Availability Checker Tools
Online Tools That Check Multiple Platforms:
Namechk (namechk.com)
KnowEm (knowem.com)
Checkusernames.com
How these work:
Enter your desired username
See availability across 50+ platforms
Get instant results
Limitations:
Not always 100% accurate
Might miss newer platforms
Can't check private accounts
Step 4: Check Domain Availability
If you might want a website:
.com is still most important
Also check .net, .org, .io if relevant
Use GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains
Why domain matters:
Even if you don't want a website now
Protects your brand
Prevents cybersquatting
Step 5: App-Specific Checks
Mobile Apps:
Check app stores for similar app names
Search within apps themselves
Consider app-specific username formats
Niche Platforms:
Reddit (though you can use display names)
Twitch (display names differ from usernames)
Specialized forums in your field
Common Availability Scenarios and What They Mean:
Scenario 1: Available Everywhere
Great! But be quick
Consider securing it immediately
May want to create placeholder accounts
Scenario 2: Taken on One Major Platform
Decide if you can use a variation
Consider contacting current holder
Evaluate if you can live without that platform
Scenario 3: Taken on Multiple Platforms
Time to go back to brainstorming
Use a username generator for alternatives
Consider why it's popular (might be too generic)
Scenario 4: Inactive Accounts
Some platforms release inactive usernames
Check last activity date
Research platform policies on inactive accounts
Platform-Specific Quirks to Know:
Instagram:
Usernames can be changed
Inactive accounts might hold names
Business names get priority in disputes
Twitter/X:
Very competitive for short names
Some names held by inactive celebrities
Verification complicates availability
Discord:
Completely unique globally
Includes discriminator (#0001)
New system uses display names
Reddit:
Cannot change usernames
Many names held by bots
Consider display name feature
What to Do When Your Name Is Taken:
Option 1: Use Variations
Add middle initial
Use underscores or periods
Add relevant words: 'TheReal', 'Official', 'IAm'
Option 2: Contact Current Holder
If account appears inactive
Be polite and professional
Offer to compensate if appropriate
Option 3: Use Different Platforms
Maybe you don't need that specific platform
Focus on platforms that matter most
Use consistent name where possible
Option 4: Wait and Watch
Some platforms release inactive names
Set up alerts for name availability
Check back periodically
Proactive Protection Strategies:
1. Secure Important Platforms First
Create accounts even if not using immediately
Set up basic profiles
Use consistent profile pictures
2. Use a Password Manager
Keep track of all your accounts
Store login credentials securely
Note which variations you used where
3. Document Everything
Keep a spreadsheet of:
Platforms where you have the name
Variations used
Login information
4. Set Up Monitoring
Google Alerts for your username
Social media mentions
Regular availability checks
When to Consider Professional Help:
Building a business brand
High-value username acquisition
Legal issues with username disputes
Managing multiple brand accounts
Using Generators for Available Names:
Tools like UsernameGen.xyz can help by:
Generating unique combinations less likely to be taken
Suggesting variations when your first choice is unavailable
Creating themed names that might have better availability
The Reality of Username Squatting:
Some users register names to:
Sell them later
Prevent others from using them
Impersonate or confuse
How to deal with it:
Report impersonation to platforms
Consider legal action for trademarks
Use official verification where available
Final Checklist Before Committing:
1. Checked all essential platforms
2. Verified domain availability
3. Considered future platforms
4. Have backup options ready
5. Documented availability results
6. Ready to create accounts quickly
Long-Term Maintenance:
Regularly check that accounts are secure
Update profiles periodically
Monitor for impersonators
Consider trademark protection if building a brand
Conclusion:
Checking username availability might seem tedious, but it's much less work than rebranding later or dealing with inconsistent online presence. By following this systematic approach, you can ensure your perfect username is actually usable across all the platforms that matter to you.
Remember: The goal isn't just to find an available username—it's to secure your online identity consistently and strategically. Take the time to do it right, and you'll build a stronger, more recognizable presence that serves you well for years to come.
Your username is your digital home address. Make sure you can live there on every platform that's important to you.