The 10-platform launch checklist
Guide
Checked 25 Oct 2026, 05:09 UTC
Check your name on all 10 at once, then claim them in this order. Start the slow ones early: a company D-U-N-S number and Google Play's tester rule can take weeks.
Which platforms should you claim, and in what order?
Claim the .com first, then the social handles, then the app stores, and file a trademark last.
| # | Platform | Do this | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | .com | Register it; turn on auto-renew and the lock | You can't move it to another registrar for 60 days |
| 2 | Create the account; switch to professional | Names can't be reserved | |
| 3 | TikTok | Create it; pick the account type | Usernames change only once every 30 days |
| 4 | X | Create it | Up to 15 letters, numbers and underscores |
| 5 | Create a Page from your profile | A new Page may wait for its username | |
| 6 | Create a Page | Your profile must be a day old, with 2+ connections | |
| 7 | YouTube | Create a channel with a Brand Account | Handles change only twice in 14 days |
| 8 | App Store | Enroll for $99 a year | Companies need a D-U-N-S number first |
| 9 | Google Play | Pay $25 and verify | New personal accounts need 12 testers for 14 days |
| 10 | Trademark | File once your names are claimed (do you need one yet?) | Applications are public as soon as you file |
Sources [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]
Checks the .com, Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, App Store, Google Play and Trademarks in one search.
Which steps take longest?
The slowest are a UK trademark decision, about 3 to 4 months, and a D-U-N-S number for Google Play, up to 30 days.
| Step | Typical wait |
|---|---|
| D-U-N-S number for Apple | Up to 5 business days, plus 2 for Apple to receive it |
| D-U-N-S number for Google Play | Up to 30 days |
| Google Play closed test | 14 days with 12 testers, then a review of usually 7 days or less |
| UK trademark decision | About 3 to 4 months |
Sources (12)
- PrimaryICANN: FAQs for registrants, transferring your domain name
- PrimaryInstagram Help Center: When an account uses your registered trademark as its username
- PrimaryTikTok Support: Changing your username
- PrimaryX Help Center: Help with username registration (archived)
- PrimaryFacebook Help Center: Create a username for your Facebook Page
- PrimaryLinkedIn Help: Troubleshoot creating a LinkedIn Page
- PrimaryYouTube Help: Change, view or hide your handle
- PrimaryApple Developer Help: D-U-N-S Number
- PrimaryPlay Console Help: App testing requirements for new personal developer accounts
- PrimaryGOV.UK: Apply to register a trade mark
- PrimaryPlay Console Help: Required information to create a developer account
- PrimaryGOV.UK: Register a trade mark, overview