Snapchat username checker and rules
A business on Snapchat starts with a username, then adds a Public Profile for its brand. How our checks work
What can a Snapchat username contain?
Latin letters, numbers and one of the symbols hyphen, underscore or period, 3 to 15 characters. It must start with a letter and end with a letter or number.
| Character | Allowed? | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Letters a to z | Yes | Must come first |
| Numbers 0 to 9 | Yes | Not first |
| Hyphen, underscore or period | One of them | Not first or last |
| Phone numbers | No | |
| Spaces and other symbols | No |
Sources [1]
How do you sign up for Snapchat?
In the Snapchat app, with your name, birthday, a username and a phone number or email.
- Check the name above, with Instagram, TikTok and the .com.
- Download Snapchat from the App Store or Google Play and tap Sign Up.
- Enter your name and birthday, then create your username.
- Choose a password, then verify your phone number or sign up with email.
- For a business, create a Public Profile in Ads Manager on the web. Each Public Profile needs its own email and username.[2, 5]
What should you know before you pick a Snapchat username?
Usernames go to whoever claims them first and generally can't be transferred. After a change, you wait 12 months for the next one.
| Fact | What it means |
|---|---|
| Display name | Separate from the username, up to 30 characters, and changeable any time |
| Snap can reclaim names | Snap's terms let it reclaim a username for any reason and close long-inactive accounts |
| Trademarks | A trademark in someone's username isn't enough. Snap wants proof it's used commercially in a way that suggests a link to your brand |
What can go wrong with a Snapchat username, and how do you fix it?
Most fixes mean choosing a close name or reporting the account that holds yours.
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| The username is taken | Use a close version; the checker finds one available on your other platforms too (what to do when your handle is taken) |
| An account uses your trademark as its username | Report it to Snap with Stories, Snaps or chats that look like they came from your company |
| You picked the wrong username | Change your display name in the meantime; it can change any time |
Which platforms should you claim with Snapchat?
Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and the .com. See every social media platform we check, then read Growing Snapchat.
Checks Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and the .com in one search.
Sources (6)
- PrimarySnapchat Support: How do I change my Snapchat username?
- PrimarySnapchat Support: How to Create a Snapchat Account
- PrimarySnap Inc. Terms of Service
- PrimarySnapchat Support: Username Infringement
- PrimarySnapchat for Business: Public Profiles
- PrimaryZero To 1000's platform catalog: Snapchat's cost and set-up time