How To Get an Inactive Instagram Username

Instagram usernames leave the first impression on anyone visiting your profile. While you have the freedom to get creative with them, you might encounter situations where desired usernames are already taken by inactive or ‘ghost’ accounts. These users have either abandoned their accounts or are being operated by bots. However, there are ways to acquire an inactive username on Instagram, and this article will explore multiple methods to do so.

Methods of Obtaining an Inactive Instagram Username

The solutions to acquire an inactive Instagram username can differ, ranging from legal approaches to exploring alternative options with similar usernames. Whichever method you choose, the key takeaway is that obtaining an inactive username is not an impossible task. Let’s delve into these methods and explore how they can be implemented.

Method #1: Buy the Username

It might come as a surprise, but certain popular-sounding usernames on Instagram are sometimes available for purchase! Some users have found a way to generate and sell creative usernames, turning it into a source of commercial income. If the Instagram username you desire is up for sale, you can potentially strike a deal with the account owner.

However, it’s crucial to exercise caution during such transactions, as buying and selling usernames often occur unofficially. Dealing with account owners in these situations can be risky. In the past, Instagram has taken action against hundreds of stolen accounts with little to no activity. Some of these accounts were found to be associated with hackers. So, it’s essential to be extremely careful while navigating such situations.

Method #2: Message the Owner

If you’re fortunate, the Instagram username you’re interested in is often not owned by an inactive user. In such cases, you can try reaching out to the account owner via direct message to discuss exchanging usernames or striking a deal.

One limitation of this method is that the owner may not see your message immediately, or they might not receive a notification for it at all. In such situations, you can explore alternative ways of contacting them, such as checking their Instagram bio for any mentioned email or other contact information.

If the account owner has not provided any contact details, you can look for links to their websites, blogs, or other Instagram accounts that may lead to a way of getting in touch.

Keep in mind that each of these methods is suitable for different scenarios where you may be trying to obtain an inactive Instagram username. If this approach doesn’t apply to your case, let’s explore other strategies to achieve your goal.

Method #3: Try Your Luck

This method could be your lucky charm!

Instagram frequently deletes accounts that have remained inactive for an extended period. While it’s not an immediate decision on Instagram’s part, it does happen from time to time. These “purges” are often triggered by multiple reports or discussions about inactive accounts.

Additionally, these deletions can occur randomly, making it essential to stay vigilant and keep an eye on the Instagram username you desire. You never know when an inactive account might become available for you to take.

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Method #4: Take the Legal Route

If you are a patented company or a brand preparing for launch, one effective strategy to secure a desired username is to obtain a trademark or copyright for the name. You can explore online resources to learn about the process of acquiring a patent online.

Once you have the rights to a specific username, you can report the ghost account and request to claim the username for your account. Many prominent businesses already utilize this approach, and it has proven to be a successful method for obtaining desired usernames.

Alternatively, you can initiate a legal violation report against an account that refuses to relinquish the username you seek. However, this might be more challenging if the account belongs to an active user. In such cases, pursuing an expensive copyright case may be necessary, especially for larger companies with considerable resources.

Nevertheless, it’s important to note that this method requires you to have the authority to request a patent. If you don’t have the means or eligibility for this approach, there is another method available that may suit your needs.

Method #5: Try Something Similar

If your desired Instagram username is unavailable, don’t worry; you can opt for a similar name instead!

You can add an extra syllable, a unique character, or include words like ‘official’ to create a username that aligns with your desired one. This approach is effective for various types of accounts as it increases the likelihood of establishing your account, especially when compared to an inactive account with a similar name to the original one.

With Instagram usernames allowing up to thirty characters and permitting the use of alphabets, periods, underscores, and numbers, there is plenty of room for creativity. So, get imaginative and come up with a unique username that still aligns well with your brand or identity!

Endnote

Obtaining an inactive Instagram username offers multiple approaches. For large-scale brands, legal solutions are available, and Instagram can provide assistance throughout the process.

But if you’re a private account or a blogger and wish to avoid the complexities of copyrights or trademarks, there’s a simpler option. You can personalize the username by changing characters or adding something personal, such as your name, location, or a unique aspect of yourself. This way, you can create a distinct and unique username without going through the formal legal procedures.