You can set a username when you first sign up, or change it later in your account settings

Your Spotify username is the name other people see when they look at your profile or you share playlists with them. You choose it during signup, but you can change it once after that — Spotify lets you modify your username one time for free, then charges a small fee for additional changes. The process takes less than a minute either way.

If you are setting a username for the first time during signup, Spotify will suggest one based on your email or name, but you can type anything you want as long as it is between 3 and 30 characters, contains only letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens, and is not already taken by another user.

Key Takeaways

  • You pick a username during signup, and Spotify suggests one based on your email or name that you can accept or replace.
  • Usernames must be 3 to 30 characters long and can only contain letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens.
  • You can change your username once for free; additional changes cost money.
  • To change your username after signup, go to your account settings, select "Edit Profile," and type a new name in the username field.
  • Other people see your username on your profile and when you share playlists, so choose something you are comfortable with long-term.

Creating a username during signup

When you sign up for Spotify using an email address, the app or website will generate a suggested username — usually something like "spotify" followed by numbers, or a variation of your email name. You do not have to use it. Below the suggestion, there is a text field where you can type your own username instead.

As you type, Spotify tells you whether the name is available. If it is taken, you will see a message saying so, and you can try a different one. Once you find one that works, finish creating your account and your username is set.

Changing your username in account settings

If you want to change your username after you have already signed up, open Spotify and go to your account menu. On the web, click your profile picture in the top right corner and select "Account." On the mobile app, tap the gear icon (settings) and then "Account."

Look for a section called "Edit Profile" or "Profile Information." Click or tap it, and you will see a field with your current username. Delete it and type your new username. Spotify will check whether it is available as you type. When you have chosen one that is not taken, save your changes.

The first time you change your username, there is no charge. If you want to change it again after that, Spotify will ask you to pay a fee — the amount varies by region and may change over time, so check your account settings for the current price in your location.

Rules for what makes a valid username

Spotify usernames have specific requirements. Your username must be between 3 and 30 characters long. It can contain uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, underscores (_), and hyphens (-), but nothing else — no spaces, no special characters like periods or commas, and no emoji.

The name also cannot be already taken by another Spotify user. If you try to use one that exists, Spotify will tell you it is unavailable and you will need to pick something different. Spotify does not reserve usernames, so if someone else is using "jane_music" you cannot have it, even if they have not used their account in years.

Choosing a username you will keep

Because you can only change your username once for free, it is worth thinking about what you want before you set it. Your username appears on your public profile, in the URL when someone visits your profile page, and when you share playlists or follow other users. Friends and strangers can see it.

Many people choose something straightforward and neutral — their first name, a nickname, or a combination of their name and a number. Others use something related to their music taste or a hobby. Avoid usernames with personal information like your full address or phone number, since anyone on Spotify can see it. Also avoid something you might be embarrassed by in a few years, since changing it again will cost you.

What happens if your username is taken

If the username you want is already in use, Spotify will not let you have it. You will see a message saying it is unavailable. At that point, you have a few options: try a variation (like adding a number at the end, or using an underscore), pick something completely different, or wait and try again later — though usernames are not released when accounts are deleted, so waiting is unlikely to help.

Some people add numbers, underscores, or their birth year to make a username unique. For example, if "alex_music" is taken, you might try "alex_music_2024" or "alex_music_88" instead. The key is finding something that is both available and something you actually want to use.

Viewing and sharing your username

Once your username is set, you can find it on your profile page. On the web, click your profile picture and select "Profile." On mobile, tap your profile picture at the bottom of the screen. Your username appears near the top of the page, along with your display name (which can be different from your username).

When you share your profile with someone, they can see your username in the URL. For example, if your username is "jane_music," your profile link might be something like "open.spotify.com/user/jane_music." You can also share playlists, and your username will appear as the creator of that playlist on other people's screens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use spaces or special characters in my username?

No. Spotify usernames can only contain letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens. Spaces, periods, commas, and other special characters are not allowed. If you want to separate words, use an underscore or hyphen instead.

What is the difference between my username and my display name?

Your username is what you use to log in and what appears in your profile URL. Your display name is what shows up on your profile and playlists — you can change your display name as many times as you want without any charge. Some people keep them the same, but you do not have to.

Can I delete my username and get a new one without paying?

You get one free username change after you create your account. After that, additional changes cost money. There is no way to delete a username without paying for a change, since Spotify does not offer a "reset" option separate from a paid change.

How long does it take to change my username?

The change happens when ready once you save it. Your new username will show up on your profile and in your profile URL right away, and other people will see the new name when they visit your profile or look at playlists you share.

What if someone else has the username I want?

You cannot have a username that is already taken. Try a variation with numbers, underscores, or hyphens instead. For example, add your birth year or a number that is meaningful to you. Spotify does not release usernames when accounts are deleted, so the name will likely stay unavailable.