Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to share photos, videos, and messages that disappear after being viewed. One of Snapchat’s signature features is its unique usernames that act as identifiers on the platform.
When Snapchat first launched in 2011, usernames could not be changed once created. This meant users were stuck with whatever username they chose when they first signed up, even if it was something silly or unprofessional.
In 2014, Snapchat eventually allowed users to change their username. This was a highly requested feature and marked a major shift in Snapchat’s policies.
There are several key reasons why Snapchat likely decided to enable username changes:
Allowing Greater Flexibility
Not allowing username changes meant users were permanently stuck with usernames they may have created casually or hastily when first joining Snapchat.
As Snapchat evolved into a more popular social platform, the lack of ability to change usernames became frustrating for users who wanted to portray a more mature identity, separate personal and professional accounts, or simply correct an embarrassing username.
By allowing one username change, Snapchat gave its users greater flexibility in crafting their identity and reputation on the platform.
Encouraging Broader Adoption
Snapchat’s growth into a mainstream social network meant it needed to appeal to a broader, more mainstream audience.
Strict unchangeable usernames may have deterred some new users who worried about being permanently associated with a silly or unprofessional username.
Introducing username changes opened Snapchat up to new demographics who wanted the flexibility to modify their account over time.
Driving Increased Engagement
Allowing users to update their usernames gave existing users more incentive to engage actively with Snapchat and its features.
The ability to change usernames led some users to post more content and build a larger audience, as they could shape the identity and brand around their account.
Aligning with User Expectations
By 2014, most major social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram all allowed username changes. Snapchat allowing changes brought it more in line with broader user expectations.
Users expected to be able to modify and update their social media identities over time as they matured. Snapchat enabling changes reflected this norm.
The Initial Policy
When Snapchat first launched in September 2011, usernames were permanent and could not be changed.
This policy was in line with Snapchat’s initial identity as an ephemeral messaging app. Usernames were never shown publicly, so there was no need to change them.
Snapchat co-founder Evan Spiegel explained the rationale behind unchangeable names in 2012:
“We want to make it so that you don’t have to worry about what it’s called because no one else can see it.”
Essentially, Snapchat originally saw usernames as private and temporary identifiers rather than persistent public identities. Preventing changes reflected that ethos.
However, as the app rapidly evolved, the strict policy became problematic.
User Frustration Mounts
By 2013, Snapchat had millions of users. It introduced features like Stories and expanded partnerships.
As the app became more popular and public, embarrassing or unprofessional usernames that were fine privately became a source of frustration.
Some early adopters were stuck with silly names they created as teenagers. Others wanted to change from a personal to business account.
The lack of ability to change usernames was the subject of frequent complaints and requests from Snapchat users.
Competing Platforms Allow Changes
Meanwhile, other major social platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube had always allowed some form of username change.
Users of these platforms were accustomed to having control over their identities. Snapchat’s refusal to allow changes made it an outlier.
This disparity between Snapchat and competing platforms contributed to users’ frustrations over their permanent usernames.
Introducing Username Changes
In February 2014, Snapchat finally introduced the ability to change your username. Here is an overview of how username changes were implemented:
The First Change is Free
Snapchat enabled a single username change for free. Users could pick any new valid username as long as it wasn’t already taken.
This immediately allowed millions of users to modify usernames they were unhappy with. Adopting a one-time free change model minimized abuse.
Subsequent Changes Cost $5
After changing their username once for free, users could pay $5 to change it again. This let Snapchat generate revenue while minimizing frivolous changes.
Some Limitations
Snapchat imposed some restrictions on username changes. Notably, a user could only change to an unclaimed name and could not switch back to a deleted username.
Seamless Transition
When a user changed their username, Snapchat updated it across the entire app and seamlessly redirected friends to the new profile. This created a smooth transition.
The Impact of Allowing Changes
Allowing username changes significantly improved the Snapchat user experience and supported the app’s continued growth. Some of the notable impacts included:
Happier Users
Users embraced the ability to change embarrassing or unprofessional usernames. This made the Snapchat identity and brand more flexible and mature.
Increased Engagement
Some studies found users were more active on Snapchat after changing usernames. This change drove greater usage and content creation.
New Demographics
Mainstream social media users who avoided Snapchat due to its rigid naming system started using the app once changes were allowed.
Shift to Mature Branding
Snapchat became seen as a more professional and dynamic platform. Allowing mature and branded usernames reflected this.
Ongoing Evolution
Snapchat has continued iterating on its username policy over time:
2017 | Let users revert to a previously deleted username for a fee |
2019 | Allowed unlimited paid username changes |
2021 | Introduced ability to change display name separately from username |
These changes give users even more flexibility and control over their identity. The evolution reflects Snapchat’s growth into a diverse social media platform.
Conclusion
Allowing username changes marked a major shift for Snapchat as it transitioned from a niche messaging app into a mainstream social network.
The decision provided users with greater flexibility and control over their digital identity. It helped drive increased mature engagement from Snapchat’s growing user base.
Ultimately, the move aligned Snapchat’s username policy with broader user expectations and competitive platforms. It was an important factor in Snapchat’s expansion far beyond its ephemeral messaging roots.