The Social Handle Checker supports all major social media platforms where businesses establish their online presence. Understanding each platform helps you decide which ones are most important for your business to secure and actively use.
Major Social Networks
Best for: Visual brands, retail, lifestyle, restaurants, personal brands
- Username length: 1-30 characters
- Allowed characters: Letters, numbers, periods, underscores
- Why it matters: Over 2 billion monthly active users; essential for visual storytelling and reaching younger demographics
- Business features: Shopping, insights, ads, direct messaging
Twitter/X
Best for: News, customer service, B2B, thought leadership, real-time updates
- Username length: 4-15 characters
- Allowed characters: Letters, numbers, underscores only
- Why it matters: Primary platform for news, customer service, and professional networking
- Business features: Ads, analytics, Twitter Blue verification
With only 15 characters allowed, Twitter often requires shorter username variations. Plan accordingly when choosing your brand handle.
Best for: Local businesses, community building, events, older demographics
- Username length: 5-50 characters
- Allowed characters: Letters, numbers, periods
- Why it matters: Nearly 3 billion users; essential for local business visibility and community groups
- Business features: Pages, groups, marketplace, shops, comprehensive ads platform
Best for: B2B companies, professional services, recruiting, thought leadership
- Username length: 3-100 characters (custom URL)
- Allowed characters: Letters, numbers, hyphens
- Why it matters: The professional network with 900+ million members; essential for B2B
- Business features: Company pages, ads, recruiting tools, Sales Navigator
TikTok
Best for: Reaching Gen Z and Millennials, creative content, trends, entertainment
- Username length: 2-24 characters
- Allowed characters: Letters, numbers, underscores, periods
- Why it matters: Fastest-growing platform; massive organic reach potential
- Business features: Business accounts, ads, creator marketplace, shopping
Video Platforms
YouTube
Best for: Tutorials, how-to content, product reviews, brand documentaries
- Handle length: 3-30 characters (custom handles with @)
- Allowed characters: Letters, numbers, underscores, hyphens, periods
- Why it matters: Second largest search engine; long-form video dominance
- Business features: Monetization, ads, YouTube Shorts, community posts
Twitch
Best for: Gaming, live events, interactive content, creator communities
- Username length: 4-25 characters
- Allowed characters: Letters, numbers, underscores
- Why it matters: Dominant live streaming platform with highly engaged audiences
- Business features: Subscriptions, bits, ads, extensions
Visual and Creative Platforms
Best for: Retail, home decor, DIY, recipes, wedding industry, fashion
- Username length: 3-30 characters
- Allowed characters: Letters, numbers, underscores
- Why it matters: High purchase intent users; pins drive traffic for years
- Business features: Rich pins, shopping, ads, analytics
Snapchat
Best for: Reaching teens and young adults, AR experiences, behind-the-scenes
- Username length: 3-15 characters
- Allowed characters: Letters, numbers, hyphens, underscores
- Why it matters: High engagement with younger demographics; AR filters
- Business features: Ads, AR lenses, Discover, Spotlight
Content and Community Platforms
Best for: Community engagement, niche audiences, research, customer feedback
- Username length: 3-20 characters
- Allowed characters: Letters, numbers, underscores, hyphens
- Why it matters: Authentic community discussions; valuable for research and engagement
- Business features: Subreddits, ads, AMAs
Reddit users are sensitive to marketing. Focus on genuine community participation rather than promotion. Build credibility before sharing business content.
Medium
Best for: Thought leadership, long-form content, SEO, professional writing
- Username length: Varies (uses display name and custom URL)
- Why it matters: High domain authority; great for establishing expertise
- Business features: Publications, partner program, custom domains
Tumblr
Best for: Creative brands, fan engagement, visual storytelling, younger audiences
- Username length: 1-32 characters
- Allowed characters: Letters, numbers, hyphens
- Why it matters: Loyal creative community; good for specific niches
- Business features: Customizable blogs, sponsored posts
Platform Priority by Business Type
Local Service Business (Plumber, Dentist, Restaurant)
Priority platforms:
- Google Business Profile (not a social handle, but essential)
- Facebook – local search and reviews
- Instagram – showcase work
- LinkedIn – professional credibility
E-commerce/Retail
Priority platforms:
- Instagram – product showcase and shopping
- Pinterest – high purchase intent traffic
- Facebook – ads and marketplace
- TikTok – viral product potential
B2B/Professional Services
Priority platforms:
- LinkedIn – essential for B2B
- Twitter/X – industry conversations
- YouTube – educational content
- Medium – thought leadership
Creator/Personal Brand
Priority platforms:
- Instagram or TikTok – depending on content type
- YouTube – long-form content
- Twitter/X – engagement and networking
- Platform specific to niche (Twitch for gaming, etc.)
Even if you only plan to use 2-3 platforms actively, secure your username on all major platforms to protect your brand and prevent impersonators.
Check Your Handle Now
Ready to see which platforms have your username available? Use the Social Handle Checker to check all platforms at once.
Not sure which platforms are right for your business? Our team can help develop a social media strategy tailored to your goals. Start a project with Lead Marketing Strategies.