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How to Get a Taken Instagram Username?

Have you ever tried to find out how to get a taken Instagram Username?

When you attempt to register an account for yourself, your company, or a customer, you frequently encounter this issue.

Sadly, finding the perfect username will get more difficult over time.

But for most people, though this is not the end of the world. They just select a username that is already in use by adding commas, dashes, underscores, or acronyms, as Instagram advises.

But you area not like most people

Setting a separate username for your own brand would not ever be an option if you take your brand seriously, just like Gollum looking after the ring.

Therefore, I would like to walk you through an authentic way of how to get a taken Instagram username. Be with us and read this article till the very end to know the solution.

Requirements You Need to Fulfill in Order to Get a Taken Instagram Username

In order to get a taken Instagram username and properly submit a trademark violation or infringement, you will need:

  • Request a username change from the current owner.
  • Initiate negotiations to purchase the username.
  • Report inactive accounts with the same username to Instagram.
  • Submit a trademark report regarding the username.

1. Request a Username Change from the Current Owner

To ask for an Instagram username change from the current owner, you can send them a polite and respectful direct message (DM) or contact them through any other means available if possible. Make your request clear and concise, explaining your reasons for wanting the username.

Sending an email message to request an Instagram username change from the current owner can be a bit challenging, as Instagram typically doesn’t provide direct contact information.

However, if you do manage to find an email address or another means of contact, you can use the following template as a starting point:

Subject: Request for Instagram Username Change

Dear [Username Owner’s Name or Handle],

I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am an Instagram user who has been interested in obtaining the username ‘[Desired Username].’ And I recently noticed that you currently have this username on Instagram.

I would like to kindly request if you would be willing to consider changing your username to something else. Luckily, I have a strong personal or business interest in using this username for my Instagram account due to [briefly explain your reason].

I want to assure you that this is a humble request with the utmost respect for your presence on the platform, and I understand that usernames can have personal significance. If you are open to discussing this further, I am willing to negotiate and find a mutually agreeable solution.

Please let me know your thoughts on this matter at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for considering my request.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Instagram Username (if applicable)]
[Your Contact Information (phone number, additional email, etc.)]

Be respectful in your request, and understand that the current owner is under no obligation to change their username.

2. Initiate Negotiations to Purchase the Username

If simply asking for the username doesn’t yield results, you can consider making a monetary offer to the current account owner. Sometimes, offering compensation can convince them to give up the username.

When making an offer, it’s crucial to clarify that you’re interested in purchasing the username only, not the entire Instagram account. You want to use it for your own profile.

As for how much to offer, there’s no fixed price. It depends on how important that username is to you and how much the current owner values it. Negotiation is key, and both parties might find a compromise.

Cautionary Note:

It’s important to be cautious because buying and selling Instagram usernames goes against Instagram’s terms of service. Instagram explicitly states that you can’t sell, license, or purchase accounts or data obtained from the platform. This includes usernames. While some have reported success with such transactions, it’s not officially supported by Instagram and carries risks.

3. Report Inactive Accounts with the Same Username to Instagram

If you’re interested in acquiring a specific Instagram username and it’s currently held by an inactive account, you can take steps to potentially free up that username for your use.

How to get an Inactive Instagram Username?

Subject: Reporting Inactive Instagram Account for Username Transfer

Dear Instagram Support Team,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to report an inactive Instagram account with the username “[Username You Want to Acquire].” The account in question, @[InactiveUsername], appears to have been inactive for an extended period of time, and I am interested in obtaining this username for my own Instagram account.

I understand that Instagram values usernames and encourages the use of active accounts. It is my belief that freeing up this username from an inactive account would contribute to a more vibrant and active community on Instagram.

I kindly request that you review the account @[InactiveUsername] and consider the possibility of transferring the username to my active Instagram account, @[YourCurrentUsername], to ensure its continued use.

Please let me know if you require any further information or documentation to facilitate this process.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Instagram Username]
[Contact Information]

Please note that Instagram’s policies on username transfers and inactive accounts may change over time, so it’s essential to review their current guidelines and terms of service.

4. Submit a Trademark Report Regarding the Username

When all other methods fail, you can explore the option of reporting the existing Instagram account for trademark infringement, provided your business name is indeed trademarked. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Visit the Instagram trademark report form: Instagram Trademark Report Form
  2. Complete the form with the following information such as: To file a trademark report with Instagram, you’ll need to provide your contact details, demonstrate your brand’s online presence with a website link, share trademark specifics including registration number and date, offer the Instagram account link using your brand name, and include any additional evidence supporting your claim. This comprehensive information will help Instagram review and consider your request.
  3. Submit the request.
  4. Instagram will review the submitted information and make a decision regarding the username transfer.

Note: If you don’t already have a trademark, you can consider applying for one and then proceed with the trademark report to Instagram account. Trademarks can help protect your brand identity and provide legal grounds for username acquisition.

What is a Trademark?

In line with Instagram:

A trademark is anything that a person or business uses to set their goods or services apart from those of competitors, such as a brand name or logo.

In general, trademark law works to prevent customers from being misled about who offers, supports, or otherwise has a connection to a certain item or service.

And in order to avoid it, a trademark holder may be able to ban others from using their brand (or a trademark that is confusingly similar) without their consent.

Let’s start working now.

What Can You Do If Some People Refuse To Give Up a Username?

If some people are not willing to give up a specific Instagram username, even if you make polite requests or offers, you may have limited options. Instagram usernames are unique, and if someone is actively using a username, they have the right to keep it.

In such cases, you can explore alternatives like adding underscores or numbers to your desired username or choosing a similar username that is available. Remember that Instagram has policies against username squatting and impersonation, so if a username is genuinely being misused or violates their guidelines, you can report it to Instagram for review. However, acquiring a specific username from an active user can be challenging, and there are no guarantees.

FAQs

Does Instagram delete inactive users?

Instagram does not routinely delete inactive user accounts solely due to inactivity. User accounts can remain active even if they are not regularly used.

Can I request an inactive username?

Yes, you can potentially request an inactive username. If the username is associated with an inactive account, you can report it to Instagram, or if you have a valid trademark claim, you can file a trademark report to request the username. However, the outcome depends on Instagram’s policies and the specific circumstances.

Conclusion

If you are creating an Instagram account and have come up with the ideal username that captures your personality or your objective, you can find out that the handle already belongs to an inactive account.

For brands and influencers looking to launch an Instagram presence, having the right username is important. And this leads the users to question how to get a taken Instagram username.

In this article, we have tried our level best to find out how to get a taken Instagram username. And we hope that we were of some use to you all.

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