What is a Snapchat handle?

Did someone recently ask you for your Snapchat handle?

This article will guide you on everything you need to know about a Snapchat handle.

By the end of the article, you should be able to know the definition of a Snapchat handle, its requirements, and what makes it good.

Without further ado, let’s get right into it.

What is a Snapchat handle?

A Snapchat handle is your Snapchat username. You can find it below your Snapchat name on your profile.

Here’s an example of a Snapchat handle:

snapchat.com/add/followchain

In other words, your Snapchat handle is the same as your Snapchat username.

Your Snapchat handle = your Snapchat username.

So the next time someone asks for your Snapchat handle, just tell them your Snapchat username. Sharing your Snapchat URL will also do the trick.

The word ‘handle’ is a common term for username in social media which is originated from the radio.

Hence, instead of saying ‘username’, people might refer to it as a handle.

How do I get a Snapchat handle?

You’ll get to choose your Snapchat handle when you sign up for an account.

Here’s how you can create a Snapchat account.

1. Download Snapchat on the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Go into the app and tap on ‘Sign Up’ to create a new account.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (e.g. enter your first name, last name, and so on).

In the middle on the sign up process, you’ll get to choose your Snapchat username.

Do note that you can only choose your username once on Snapchat and you cannot change it after.

Unlike other social media platforms (e.g. Instagram) where you can change your username multiple times, you cannot change your username on Snapchat.

Snapchat handle requirements

Are you curious to know about the Snapchat username requirements?

If so, then this section is for you.

Here is a list of Snapchat username requirements.

Snapchat username character limit

Snapchat username character limit: 15 characters

The maximum number of characters a Snapchat username can contain is 15 characters.

You cannot go more than 15 characters.

Minimum characters

Snapchat username minimum characters: 3 characters

The minimum number of characters a Snapchat username can contain is 3 characters.

You cannot go less than 3 characters.

Letter requirements

Snapchat letter requirement: Usernames must start with a letter

Your Snapchat username needs to start with a letter. Starting your username with a number or special character is prohobited.

For example, if you were to start your username with a number (e.g. 1) or a special character (e.g. _), it will not be accepted.

Special characters

Special character guidelines: Usernames cannot end with a special character.

Your snapchat username must end with a letter or a number and not a special character.

Unlike other social media platforms (e.g. Instagram) where your username can end with a special character (e.g. _), you cannot do so in Snapchat.

Should I use my real name on Snapchat?

Are you wondering whether you should use your real name on Snapchat?

Yes, it’s highly recommended that you use your real name on Snapchat.

However, you should use it as your Snapchat name and not your username. This is because if you use your real name as your username on Snapchat, you can’t change it after.

On the other hand, if you were to use your real name as your Snapchat name, you can always change it later.

It’s important to use your real name as your Snapchat name because of a couple of reasons.

Firstly, people (e.g. friends) searching for you on Snapchat can easily recognize you from your name.

So if you were to use your real name, people can easily find and add you.

Secondly, it validates your identity whenever you’re communicating with someone on Snapchat.

People (e.g. strangers) are more inclined to communicate with someone that is using a real name as compared to someone that uses an alias.

Using your real name in Snapchat is also generally safe. What’s unsafe is if you share your login info, address, etc. Never share sensitive information as people can exploit it.

To summarize, using your real name as your Snapchat name is important as people can easily identify you.

Hence, it’s highly recommended that you use your real name as your Snapchat name.

What is a good Snapchat handle?

A good Snapchat handle is one that is short and easy to remember.

The best handle is an english word with minimal characters (e.g. fun). A username like this is known as an OG username.

However, you’re not going to obtain a username under 3 characters because most of them are already taken. Instead, you’ll have to go with whatever that’s available.

However, as a general guideline, you should try to refrain from incorporating numbers and special characters in your username.

Having numbers and special characters in your username makes it seem unprofessional and unexceptional.

Conversely, a username without any numbers or special characters is easier to remember. It’s also a good idea to keep your handles consistent throughout all your socials.

Having the same handle for each social media platform allows people to easily find and follow you.

This is especially important if you’re running a business or building your personal brand. The goal is to encompass everything in one brandable name.

Snapchat handle suggestions if your first choice is taken

There are close to 200 million users on Snapchat, so obtaining a desired username can be challenging.

Some people might result to adding random numbers or special characters in their username which they might regret later.

So, before you decide to add numbers or special characters in your username, you can try different combinations of words first.

Alternatively, you can utilize a prefix or a suffix to produce a unique username.

At the end of the day, a letter-only username is far better than a username that contains numbers or special characters as it is more professional.

Hence, you should only utilize numbers and special characters in your username if you really don’t have any other choices.

Here are some suggestions you can use when your first choice is taken.

Add ‘the’ at the front of your username

The first suggestion is to add ‘the’ at the front of your username if your first choice is taken.

You should add ‘the’ at the front of your username if you’re looking for something simple yet strong.

It acts as an emphasis to your username.

Add ‘thereal’ at the front of your username

Secondly, you can add ‘thereal’ at the front of your username.

Typically, celebrities or public figures utilize this whenever their first username choice is taken.

In addition, it shows that the account is not an impersonation of them and that they are the real owner behind it.

Use ‘its’

Using ‘its’ is another way to add on your username if your first choice is taken.

If you’re looking for something simple, adding ‘its’ is a great idea.

This is great for individuals running a personal account.

Use ‘not’

Next, you can add ‘not’ in front of your username.

If you’re looking to add enigma or curiosity, you can add ‘not’ in front of your username.

It manifests that your social media persona is a tad bit different from real life.

Include ‘im’

Lastly, you can include ‘im’ in the front of your username if your first choice is taken.

‘im’ is the shortest prefix you can add to your username.

If you want your username’s length to be as short as possible, you should utilize ‘im’.

Conclusion

In this article, you’ve learnt the definition of a Snapchat handle, what makes a good Snapchat handle, and suggestions if your first choice is taken.

To recap, here are some of the main takeaways:

1. A Snapchat handle is your Snapchat username.
2. Good Snapchat usernames are short, easy to remember, and does not contain any numbers or special characters.
3. If your first choice is taken, try adding a prefix to your username.

Happy snapping!

Further reading

> What Is An Instagram Handle?

> What is a TikTok handle?

> How Much Do TikTokers Make? (An In-Depth Analysis)

P.S. If you liked this article, feel free to join our follow for follow community for Instagram: https://www.followchain.org — it’s free!

Author: Lim How Wei. Lim How Wei is the founder of Followchain, a community that simplifies growth and networking for Instagram users. Feel free to follow him on Instagram.