Facebook usernames, also known as vanity URLs, allow you to customize the URL for your profile page. For example, instead of your profile URL being facebook.com/jsmith1234, you could make it facebook.com/john.smith. Vanity URLs make your profile easier to find and share.
By default, Facebook hides your username from being publicly visible. You have to actively go into your settings and make your username public. There are a few reasons why Facebook keeps usernames hidden by default:
- To prevent impersonation or fake profiles pretending to be you
- To maintain some privacy and prevent spam/unwanted friend requests
- To encourage use of real names rather than nicknames on the platform
But for branding, promotion and easy link sharing, you probably want to make your username visible. Here’s how to do it.
Make Your Facebook Username Visible
Making your Facebook username public only takes a few seconds. Here are the steps:
1. Go to your Facebook profile page and click on the down arrow in the top right corner. Select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu.
2. On the left sidebar, click “Settings”.
3. Under the “Public Posts” section, find the option for “Username”.
4. Click on “Edit” next to your username.
5. Select “Public” from the dropdown menu.
6. Click “Save Changes” at the bottom.
That’s it! Your username is now visible to anyone who visits your profile.
To double check, you can log out of your Facebook account and try looking up your profile by username. Or you can ask a friend to check if they can see your custom URL.
Choose a Good Facebook Username
When making your username public, you want to make sure you choose a good one. Here are some tips:
- Use your real name or a variation of it, like “johnasmith” or “mary-jane”
- Keep it simple and easy to spell
- Make sure it’s unique – common names may not be available anymore
- Avoid numbers or special characters like dots or underscores
- Don’t use anything inappropriate
You can always change your username later if you want to update it. But try to pick something lasting that reflects your identity.
Customize Your Profile URL on Other Platforms
In addition to Facebook, many other social media sites allow you to customize your profile URL including:
- YouTube
- TikTok
- Twitch
The steps to set a custom URL vary by platform, but the general process is similar to Facebook:
- Go to account settings
- Find the option to edit your profile or username
- Enter your desired custom URL
- Save changes
Using consistent usernames across multiple platforms makes it easier for your audience to find and connect with you online.
Pros of a Public Username
Here are some of the main benefits of making your Facebook username public:
- Branding & Recognition – A customized URL looks more professional and is easy to remember.
- Marketing – You can promote your custom profile link on websites, business cards and advertisements.
- Connecting – Friends can find you more easily and share your profile link.
- SEO – Public usernames improve your search engine optimization since they use keywords related to you.
For public figures, content creators and businesses, a customized profile link is especially useful for growing your audience.
Cons of a Public Username
However, there are some minor drawbacks to consider:
- Lost anonymity – Strangers can directly view your profile if they know your username.
- Name squatting – Your preferred usernames may be taken already.
- Impersonation – A public page is easier to spoof or imitate.
- Hard to change later – Once you build up recognition of your URL, it’s tough to change.
These risks are relatively small for most Facebook users. As long as you choose a suitable username and enable extra security settings, the benefits tend to outweigh the potential downsides.
Facebook Username FAQs
Some common questions around Facebook usernames:
How do I find my Facebook username?
Go to your profile, click the three dots in the cover image, and choose “Username”. This shows your current username, whether it’s visible to the public or not.
Can I change my Facebook username?
Yes, you can change your username at any time! Just go to your profile, click “Username” and enter a new one.
Does my Facebook URL have to match my username?
No – your URL can be different than your username. For example, your username could be “maryjane123” while your profile URL is facebook.com/maryjanesmith.
What happens if I make my username hidden again?
If you make your username non-public again, people will no longer be able to access your profile by searching that name. But existing profile URLs will still work.
Can someone else take my username?
Usernames must be unique, so no one else can use your exact username. Even if you hide it, that name remains tied to your account.
Conclusion
Displaying your username publicly on Facebook makes it easier for new people to find and connect with you online. It’s great for building your personal brand and promoting your business or creative endeavors.
The process only takes a minute – just go to your profile settings, edit the username privacy to be public, and save changes. Pick a username that represents your identity in a professional way.
While there are some minor risks like impersonation or lack of anonymity, for most users the benefits outweigh any potential downsides. Public usernames help build recognition and allow consistent personal branding across multiple social media platforms.