Snagging that perfect Twitter username feels oh so sweet. But what if the handle you’re lusting after is already taken? Grrrrr!!
Don’t throw in the towel just yet. If that username belongs to an inactive account, you may be able to claim it for yourself. It’s not always easy, but with persistence and a bit of luck, that coveted @handle could be yours. Let’s break it down.
What counts as an inactive Twitter account?
Before you embark on the journey to acquire an inactive Twitter username, it’s crucial to understand what counts as an inactive account. Inactive accounts are those that haven’t shown any activity in a prolonged period of time. Specifically, we’re looking at accounts that have:
- No tweets for at least 6 months
- No logins or profile updates
- No activity indicating the presence of an active user
This “radio silence” can make an account a candidate for a username claim, but keep in mind that not all inactive accounts are available for acquisition. Nonetheless, the potential for securing a coveted username is worth the effort.
Steps to get a Twitter username from an inactive account
Alright, let’s get tactical. Here’s a game plan to go after that inactive username:
Step 1: Secure the Corresponding Domain Name
Start by obtaining the domain name that matches the Twitter username you’re after. For example, if the username is @JaneSmith, try to get janesmith.com. If the .com domain isn’t available, look for alternatives like .net, .org, or other popular domain extensions.
Having a domain that aligns with the username you’re targeting can be a powerful tool when you make your case to Twitter. This adds credibility and shows a commitment to building a unified online identity.
Step 2: List the Domain on Your Current Twitter Profile
Add the domain you’ve secured to the website section of your Twitter profile. This helps establish a connection between your existing profile and the username you wish to claim. It’s a simple step that signals your intent to Twitter that you have a legitimate reason for wanting the username.
Step 3: Verify That the Target Account is Inactive
Take a close look at the account you’re targeting to confirm it’s inactive. You want to make sure that:
- The profile has a default profile picture (e.g., egg or a default icon)
- There haven’t been any recent tweets or retweets
- The follower and following counts have not changed in a long time
If the account exhibits any of these signs of inactivity, you have a decent chance of successfully making a claim.
Step 4: File an Impersonation Claim with Twitter
Once you’ve determined that the account is inactive, it’s time to formally request the username. Twitter allows users to report inactive accounts under certain conditions, particularly if they believe their brand or identity is being impersonated. Use Twitter’s impersonation claim form to make your case.
Points to Include in Your Claim:
- The handle is associated with your name, brand, or trademark
- You own the matching domain name
- The account appears inactive (e.g., no tweets, no updates, etc.)
Include documentation to back up your claim, such as a business license, trademark certificate, or even a government-issued ID if the handle matches your personal name.
Step 5: Respond to Twitter’s Verification Requests
If your request is approved, Twitter may contact you to verify your identity or confirm your desire to claim the username. Respond promptly to these verification emails and provide any requested documentation. Though it’s not guaranteed, being proactive can help increase the likelihood of success.
Step 6: Secure Your Old Username as a Backup
If you successfully acquire the new username, your old Twitter handle will become available for others to claim. To avoid any confusion, consider reclaiming your old username temporarily. This allows you to leave a forwarding message in the bio directing followers to your new account. Over time, you can decide whether to keep or deactivate your old handle.
Why Claiming an Inactive Twitter Username is Worth It
1. Brand Recognition
For individuals and brands alike, securing a consistent username across all social media platforms can significantly enhance brand recognition. Having a unified online identity helps people find and identify you or your brand, strengthening your digital presence.
2. Professionalism
A clean and straightforward username looks professional. A handle like @FirstLast or @BrandName projects a polished image as opposed to usernames filled with numbers or extra characters.
3. SEO Benefits
Consistent usernames can also contribute to better search engine optimization (SEO). When people search for your name or brand, having the same handle across different platforms improves your chances of showing up in search results in a cohesive way.
What if claiming an inactive account doesn’t work?
Trying to get a username from an inactive account doesn’t always pan out. If your efforts fall flat, you’ve still got options:
Get crafty with variations
If @JaneSmith is taken, try mixing it up with underscores, abbreviations or add-ons.
For example:
- @Jane_Smith
- @JSmith
- @JaneSmithWrites
- @JaneSmithNYC
Reach out to the account owner
Longshot, but you could try contacting the owner of the inactive account. If you can track them down, shoot your shot with a polite message asking if they’d be willing to give up the handle. Maybe offer to buy it off them. Stranger things have happened.
Report trademark violations
If you’re a company and the inactive account is using your brand name or logo, you might have a trademark claim. Review Twitter’s trademark policy to see if you have a case and how to report it.
Benefits of a consistent username
Is it worth jumping through hoops to get the perfect Twitter handle? For many people and brands, absolutely. Having a consistent username across social platforms can be a big win for your online presence.
Brand recognition
Using the same handle everywhere makes you easier to find and identify online. It connects your profiles into a cohesive personal brand.
Professionalism
A straightforward username looks sharp and professional. Think @FirstLast or @CompanyName vs. @CatLover478.
SEO
Consistent usernames can give your SEO a boost. When people search for you or your brand, your social profiles are more likely to pop up together.
Conclusion
Claiming an inactive Twitter username takes patience, persistence and a smidge of good fortune. There’s no magic formula, but following these steps can boost your odds:
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Secure the matching domain |
| 2 | List domain on your Twitter profile |
| 3 | Verify target account is inactive |
| 4 | File an impersonation claim |
| 5 | Confirm you want the username |
| 6 | Grab your old handle as a backup |
In the end, it may not work out. But by exploring every avenue, doing your homework and making a compelling case, you give yourself the best shot at landing that dream handle. And if all else fails, get creative and make that plan B username work for you.
ALSO READ: How Much Is Your Twitter Account Actually Worth?
Frequently Asked Questions
It varies. Some people hear back in a few days, others wait weeks. There’s no official timeline.
Probably not, unless you can prove a trademark violation. Twitter typically won’t release usernames for this reason alone.
Unfortunately you can’t claim suspended usernames. They’re basically in limbo – unavailable to anyone else, but not up for grabs.
It’s a gray area. You can try making a case, especially if the inactive account is misrepresenting or impersonating your brand. But there’s no guarantee.
Never say never, but there are no signs of this happening anytime soon. And even if they did, those usernames would likely get snatched up lightning fast.
