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If you are new to Twitter or X, you may wonder what a Twitter handle is and how you can select one for yourself.
A Twitter handle, also known as a Twitter username, combines letters (both upper and lower case), numerals, and special characters that make your Twitter ID unique.
Everything you see on X after the symbol ‘@’ is the Twitter handle. It is important to note that the Twitter handle differs from your display name. Many people can have the same display name. However, the Twitter handle is unique for each person.
Also, it is easier to find someone on Twitter with the help of a Twitter handle rather than the display name. Your Twitter handle should be less than 15 characters, while the display name can be up to 50 characters long.
Why is a Twitter handle important?
A Twitter handle is important as it helps people find you on the platform. Moreover, you can also use the Twitter handle to sign in on the platform instead of your Display name.
Anyone who wants to mention you on a tweet will tag you on your Twitter handle.
The Twitter handle also reflects your personality a bit. It represents your personal or professional brand. For example, an Editor at a media company can name their Twitter handle as ‘@editorxyz’. A person looking at the Twitter handle will immediately recognise your post and destination. This is just one of the many examples that a Twitter handle could be used as a brand.
Also, you can change your Twitter handle anytime you want.
Also read: What does Instagram handle mean?
How to select a Twitter handle?
Everything is easy when you get your preferred Twitter handle. But it is a bit difficult to obtain your favourite Twitter handle simply because of the number of people already on the platform.
However, even if you don’t get your favourite Twitter handle, you can follow the steps below to select a suitable Twitter handle:
- As explained earlier, you can use your professional or personal brand.
- Avoid making the Twitter handle complex by adding many special characters like underscores. Also, try to add as little numbers as possible.
- Using the same handles on Twitter as on other social media platforms would be much better. This provides a much-needed consistency to your brand. If the handle is not available, make as little changes as possible.
- Keep it simple.
- Avoid using ‘The Real’ before or after your Twitter handle, as several celebrities may have used this technique. This will make you look arrogant or insecure. Avoid using this until you have at least a blue tick mark.
If your desired Twitter handle has already been taken, don’t fret. Ask that person to change their handle, or you can mail the company if you feel there has been a copyright infringement.
In conclusion, a Twitter handle is a unique identifier that helps others contact, address, communicate, search, or tag you on Twitter. It has to be unique so that it reflects your personality and brand.
Also read: What cars have GPS tracking built-in?
