Your username is set during account creation and can be changed once per month

When you sign up for Spotify, you choose a username that becomes your public profile name. This is the name other people see when you share playlists, follow each other, or they search for you. You set it the first time you create your account, and you can change it later — but Spotify limits you to one change per month, so choose carefully if you decide to switch.

The username is different from your display name. Your display name is what appears on your own account and can be changed anytime without limits. Your username is the permanent-ish identifier that goes in your profile URL and shows up when you collaborate with others.

Key Takeaways

  • You create your username when you first sign up for Spotify, and it becomes part of your public profile URL.
  • Usernames must be between 3 and 30 characters, contain only letters, numbers, and underscores, and cannot start with a number.
  • You can change your username once per month through your account settings, but you cannot revert to an old username.
  • Your display name is separate from your username and can be changed anytime without restrictions.
  • If your desired username is taken, you will need to choose a variation or add numbers and underscores to make it unique.

What makes a valid Spotify username

Spotify has specific rules about what characters and lengths are allowed. Your username must be between 3 and 30 characters long. You can use letters (a–z, A–Z), numbers (0–9), and underscores (_), but nothing else — no spaces, hyphens, periods, or special characters.

Your username cannot start with a number. It can contain numbers anywhere else, but the first character must be a letter or underscore. For example, spotify_user_2024 works, but 2024_spotify_user does not. Spotify also does not allow consecutive underscores, so spotify__user will be rejected.

Usernames are case-insensitive, meaning Spotify treats SpotifyUser and spotifyuser as the same account. When you search for someone or share your profile, the case does not matter for finding the account.

Creating a username when you first sign up

During the Spotify sign-up process, you will reach a screen asking for your username. Type your choice into the username field. Spotify will tell you when ready if the name is already taken or if it breaks the character rules. If it is taken, you will see a message saying the username is unavailable, and you can try a different one right away.

Take your time at this step because changing it later means waiting a month between changes. If you are unsure, you can always use your display name as a placeholder — remember, your display name is what your friends see most often, and you can change that anytime. Your username is more about having a unique identifier in the system.

How to change your username after sign-up

Once your account is created, you can change your username through your account settings. On the Spotify app or website, go to your profile (usually in the top right corner), then select Account or Settings. Look for a section labeled Username or Profile. Click the option to edit or change your username.

Type your new username and check that it follows the rules: 3 to 30 characters, letters and numbers only, underscore allowed, no starting with a number. Spotify will show you whether the name is available. If it is, confirm the change. The new username takes effect when ready, but you will not be able to change it again for 30 days.

If you change your mind within a few minutes, you may be able to change it back before the 30-day lock begins, but this depends on how quickly you act. Once the 30 days start, you are locked in. Spotify does not make exceptions to the monthly limit, so plan your change carefully.

What happens to your old username after you change it

When you change your username, your old one becomes available for someone else to claim. You cannot get it back later, even after the 30-day waiting period ends. If you think you might want to use an old username again, do not change away from it. Instead, consider using your display name as the public-facing identity and keeping your username stable.

Any links to your old profile URL will stop working. If you shared your Spotify profile link with friends or posted it online, those links will break after you change your username. You will need to share your new profile URL. Friends who already follow you will still see you in their followers list — the follow relationship does not break — but the URL changes.

Choosing a username that works for you

Think about whether you want your username to be personal or anonymous. Some people use their real name or a variation of it, while others prefer a nickname or something completely unrelated to their identity. There is no right answer — it depends on how public you want your Spotify activity to be.

If your first choice is taken, try adding a number or underscore to make it unique. Common additions are birth years, favorite numbers, or underscores between words. For example, if musiclover is taken, you might try musiclover_2024, musiclover1, or music_lover. Keep it short enough to remember and type easily, especially if you plan to share it with others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use spaces or special characters in my username?

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

What is the difference between my username and display name?

Your username is your unique identifier and appears in your profile URL. Your display name is what shows on your account and in playlists you create. You can change your display name anytime, but your username is limited to once per month.

Can I change my username back to one I used before?

No. Once you change away from a username, it becomes available for others to claim, and you cannot reclaim it. If you think you might want to use a username again, do not change away from it.

How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere?

Your new username takes effect when ready in your account settings and profile. However, it may take a few minutes to update across all Spotify apps and devices if you are logged in on multiple places. Log out and back in if you do not see the change right away.

What if someone else has the username I want?

You will need to choose a different username. Try adding numbers, underscores, or a variation of the name. Spotify does not have a waitlist for usernames, so you cannot reserve one that is currently taken.