How to Set a Nickname on Instagram: A Complete Guide
Instagram just released a fun new feature called ‘Instagram Nickname’ where people can give friends and family in DMs a nickname. This new feature makes it possible to have fun whilst chatting with other people in your chats. If you wish to call your friend by another name or even set a nickname for yourself, this service is user-friendly. Here is how to make the best out of this feature and how to use the Instagram nickname feature properly.
What is the Instagram Nickname Feature?
The Instagram feature called Nickname allows users to give their interlocutors in the DMs individual and specific names. This nickname is only active in the certain chat or the group where it has been set. Instagram says the nickname will not be seen anywhere else on the app and your user name won’t be altered. This means that the person’s username remains the same throughout the application, and the nickname is only visible in the chosen chat.
By default, the option of setting a nickname is enabled for followed people only. However, you can change this so that only you can change your nickname or you can allow the members of the chat to change your nickname too.
How to Set a Nickname on Instagram on Android & iOS
Open Instagram Direct Messages
Go to the DM icon at the top right corner of the Instagram home page. This will lead you to your direct messages inbox where you will begin to set up nicknames for your friends.
Select a Chat
Select the conversation in which you would like to change the nickname for someone. This is the screen where, be it in a group conversation or in a direct message, you will set the nickname.
Access Chat Settings
Once you’re in the chat, tap the chat name at the top of the screen to open the chat settings. This will open the chat settings menu and in there, you will see the nickname option.
Tap ‘Nicknames’
The change can be made in the chat settings – in the section called Nicknames, tap on it to start the editing.
Set a Nickname
When you press on the Nicknames option, you will be presented with the list of people in the chat. Choose the individual you wish to have a nickname for. Then, merely, type in the name you want. It could be a funny nickname, a pet name or any other name which the two of you have that is special to your relationship.
Save the Nickname
After entering the nickname, click on the Done in the right top corner of the screen and changes will be saved.
How to Control Who Can Edit Your Nickname
In the chats, Instagram gives you an option to decide who can edit the Instagram nickname. It can be made private and only you can edit it or you can give the rights to everyone in the chat to edit it. Here’s how to manage nickname editing permissions:
Open the Chat
Click on the chat name at the top of the DM conversation.
Tap ‘Nicknames’
If you are in the chat settings menu, select the option that says Nicknames.
Select The People That Can Change Your Nickname
In the upper right corner of the screen, select Edit, and then under the section Change who can edit your Nickname. There will be a choice to make for Everyone in this chat or Only you.
Some Relevant Facts Regarding the Instagram Nickname Option
- Nickname Visibility: Nicknames are only used in the chat where they are set and cannot be seen in other chats even if you are in a group with the person.
- Notification Alerts: Instagram informs users whenever a nickname is added or edited in a chat, so the changes are known to all.
- Privacy Controls: You have the control who can change your nickname on Instagram which means you have more control over your interactions.
Why the Instagram Nickname Feature Matters
This Instagram nickname feature brings more personality into your chats, and as a result, makes it more entertaining to chat. In fact, nicknames make it possible for people to say what they want to say in a more creative manner, for instance within a circle of friends, or within a family. It’s also a great tool for making your chats feel more casual and thus easily relatable to your target audience.
This feature helps improve the user experience in the sense that messaging on Instagram would be made personal though this feature helps to create a relaxed environment.
Using the nickname feature on Instagram, one can change the way people interact with their friends and close ones – making every message exchanged, unique.
Source:; msn.com
