Your Facebook username is the unique name that identifies your profile on Facebook and appears in the URL for your profile page. It is different from your display name, which is the name you choose to display on your profile and that your Facebook friends see.
When you first create a Facebook account, you are prompted to choose a username or URL for your profile. This becomes your unique identifier on Facebook and is used in the web address for your profile page. For example, if your username is “johnsmith123”, your profile URL would be www.facebook.com/johnsmith123.
Your username can contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. It must be at least 5 characters long and cannot contain spaces. Facebook will check to make sure the username you choose is available and provide suggestions if your desired username is taken.
Your username is public and visible to anyone on or off Facebook. It can be searched, so others can look up and find your profile using your username. For this reason, you want to choose a username that you are comfortable being associated with publicly.
Display Name vs Username
Your Facebook display name is different from your username. Your display name is the name that appears at the top of your profile page and that your Facebook friends will see.
For example, your display name could be your first and last name, like “Jane Smith”, while your username is something unique like “jane.smith.75”. Your display name does not have to be a real name and can contain spaces, unlike your username.
You can change your display name at any time in your profile settings, but your username can only be set when you first create your account. It is possible to change your username later on, but the process is more difficult than changing a display name.
Choosing a Username
Here are some tips for choosing a good Facebook username:
- Make it personal – Include your name, initials, nicknames, birth year, or other details about you.
- Keep it simple – Short, memorable usernames are best.
- Avoid numbers only – Mixing letters and numbers is more distinguishable.
- Consider alternatives – If your first choice is taken, brainstorm other options.
- Check availability – Make sure no one else has your desired username.
- Mind privacy – Don’t include sensitive info you want to keep private.
Some example username ideas:
- john.smith.75
- jane_smith
- jsmith85
- johnsonmary
- marykay123
Changing Your Username
If you want to change your Facebook username after initially setting it, here are the steps:
- Go to your Facebook profile and click “Settings”.
- Select “Username” in the left column.
- Click “Edit” next to your current username.
- Type in the new username you want and click “Check Availability”.
- If available, click “Change Username” to confirm.
There are a few limitations around changing usernames:
- You can only change it a few times within a certain time period.
- Your previous username becomes unavailable for anyone else to claim.
- Any old profile links with your old username will no longer work.
So it’s best to choose a username you want to stick with when first creating your account.
Usernames vs URLs
Facebook usernames are not the only part of your profile’s web address. The full URL has the format:
www.facebook.com/username/?id=profileID
So in addition to your unique username, there is a numeric profile ID assigned to your account behind the scenes. Usernames are meant to be more memorable handles for profiles, while the ID deals with technical lookups.
Even if you change your username, that profile ID will remain the same. So any links directed at your ID will still work, even if the username changes.
Usernames for Businesses and Organizations
Facebook Pages for businesses, organizations, public figures, artists, brands, etc. also have unique usernames as part of their profile URL, similar to individual accounts. The username for a Page is considered the “vanity URL”.
Page admins can choose a username that represents their business or brand when first creating the Page. The username should be short but memorable and capture the essence of the organization.
For example, a local restaurant called “The Plaza Diner” could have the username “theplazadiner” for their Facebook Page URL. A makeup artist named Lisa Frank could use “lisafrankmakeupartist” or something similar.
Vanity URLs for Pages on Facebook are important for branding and being easy to find. The username should align with the Page’s name and identity.
Privacy Considerations
When choosing a Facebook username, keep in mind privacy and security:
- Avoid using personal details like your phone number or address.
- Do not include sensitive information like financial accounts or passwords.
- Be wary of using your full real name, especially as a minor.
Your username will be visible to anyone on the internet, so don’t share anything you want to keep private. Use nicknames or initials instead of legal names if desired.
Also know that your profile can be found via search engines when someone searches your username. Consider the types of information on your profile and who you are comfortable having access to it.
Pros and Cons of Facebook Usernames
Some pros of having a unique username on Facebook:
- Allows others to easily identify and find your profile
- Lets you brand your profile and choose how you want to represent yourself
- Is more recognizable and memorable than just a numeric ID
- Gives you a customized profile link to share
Some potential downsides:
- Usernames are public and searchable
- You can’t change it easily after initial set up
- You may feel pressure to choose a good username
- The one you want could already be taken
Overall, the benefits of having your own distinct username outweigh the negatives for most Facebook users. Just put thought into choosing one that appropriately represents you or your organization.
Conclusion
Your Facebook username is a key part of your identity and branding on the platform. When chosen well, it can make your profile easy to find and remember for your intended audience.
Make sure to pick a username that fits your name or brand, checks availability, and avoids privacy risks. While not absolutely necessary, having a customized, personalized username can enhance your Facebook experience and online presence.