Snapchat FINALLY lets users change their username on the app

It’s been one of the most highly requested features since Snapchat launched back in 2011, and now the app has finally confirmed that it will let users change their username.

From February 23, users will be able to alter their username without any impact on their friends list, Snap code, Snap score or memories.

A Snapchat spokesperson said: ‘As an app built around ephemerality, we know that people grow and change – we certainly have over the last ten years – and couldn’t be more excited to bring this top requested feature to Snapchatters.’

Your Snapchat username is set when you first create your Snapchat account, and until now has been unchangeable for security reasons.

‘When we first launched Snapchat in 2011, we structured our platform around accounts with unique usernames, much like email accounts at the time,’ Snapchat explained.

‘In order to rebuild that framework, we had to develop a new way to identify each Snapchatter without asking our community to build new profiles from scratch.

‘Now, we’ve implemented a User ID-based system that provides flexibility when it comes to usernames.’

To change your username, open the Snapchat app and tap the Bitmoji icon in the top right corner of the Camera to head to the profile screen.

Select settings by tapping on the gear icon in the top right corner of the profile.

Tap ‘Username,’ just below Name, and select ‘Change Username’ marked in blue.

Type in a new username, hit next, and log back in to Snapchat to finalise.

While users can now change their usernames, there are some important caveats.

While users can now change their usernames, there are some important caveats. Snapchatters will only be able to change their username once a year, and will be unable to revert to any previously owned usernames – including their own

Snapchatters will only be able to change their username once a year, and will be unable to revert to any previously owned usernames – including their own.

Changing your username will not have any impact on your friends lists, Snap code, Snap score or memories, Snapchat has reassured.  

The update has come as a huge relief for many Snapchat fans who have been stuck with ’embarrassing’ usernames.  

Taking to Twitter, one user wrote: ‘A win for all of us who chose embarrassing names as childs.’

Another joked: ‘I feel like I’ve just left a huge chapter of my past behind I feel like a new person.’

The update has come as a huge relief for many Snapchat fans who have been stuck with ’embarrassing’ usernames

And one added: ‘I can finally move on from my sixth grade username.’ 

The update comes shortly after Snapchat joined forces with Ticketmaster to develop a new tool called ‘Ticketmatcher’ that will suggest events to users based on their interests.

The Ticketmatcher feature includes a first-of-its-kind Map Layer, as well as an in-app Mini – Snapchat’s platform for social experiences.

‘We’ve partnered on an innovative experience within the Snapchat app that not only matches Snapchatters with events they might like based on their indicated preferences, but allows Snapchatters to swipe left and right on upcoming shows, and even discover events nearby, right there where they are already finding their friends on Snap Map,’ Snapchat explained.