So first of all, you need to ask yourself, what represents a good streamer name? It should represent you, speak to your audience, should be memorable and somewhat creative. Sometimes it is good to play with a few names before you settle for one, a bit like trying out an online casino; trying them out to see how they feel. Obviously, you need to check out the availability of your chosen username on all platforms. It will be better to use the same name on all your games and including numbers in your name should only be if they have some relevance.
What is considered a good Streamer name?
It needs to have an audience appeal. Better to be short and something that is particularly memorable. It needs to represent you and the content that you produce. You want it to be available on all platforms so that your audience can easily find you. Just for your information, it seems that people prefer funny, off the cuff, usernames. A survey of 241 gamers showed that 82% were drawn to funny names as opposed to more serious ones. So maybe take that into account.
Selecting a name is a big deal as it is going to represent you and your future channel. There are already 1.3 billion YouTube and 15 million Twitch users so finding that unique name may be a little daunting. However, don’t lose faith, keep at it and it will pay off. Below is a list of creative ideas to help you come up with the right name for your brand.
Choose something, short and simple
Choose something that will stand out in the crowd. Ideally, you want to make life easy for your audience and sponsors. A distinctive name will help to make you come up first on google searches. And be careful to choose a name that is easily pronounceable so that it is not a problem each time you live stream.
Don’t try to use a variation of someone else’s name. People will not appreciate your doing this. It is important to create your own brand and build your own future. The best names are short ones. They should ideally have no more than 10-15 letters. It is generally easier for people to remember shorter names so that is definitely an incentive.
Your Gamertag should be personal and creative
In order to help you get inspired, it can help to make a list of words that have some personal connection or meaning to you. For example, nicknames, or interesting initials, pets, cars, personal characteristics or particular habits, colors, flowers, plants, or even mythical creatures.
Using a thesaurus or regular dictionary can be useful. Trying out different adverbs or adjectives in conjunction with one of your personal words may produce something really interesting. Just being observant and checking out things around you can sometimes ignite an idea.
Spend some time going over the list you have made and see if you can join two of them together to make an interesting name that would be suitable for your brand, something unique and attractive.
You could name yourself exactly what your brand is at the current time but this is only good if you are sure that you will not move in a different direction in the future.
For example, CarlStreamsFBS, GlenOilColors.
Names to avoid
You should not use names that represent your own label. This will limit you in the future if you decide to sell other products. Better not to use current trends in your name, for instance, “TV”, as this is likely to become dated.
Use Twitch Name Generators
If you find yourself really stuck and unable to get inspired you could try out one of the following name generators.
SpinXo – gives you up to 6 categories at a time and then will produce 30 names. It is possible to reroll and generate more names as many times as you like.
If fantasy or fiction is something you are into you could check out Fantasy Name Generators.
Funny or quirky names are the most popular so finding them on a name generator may not be easy. Success can come from randomly generated names. Both, Post Malone and Childish Gambino, internationally known rappers, got their names from random generators.
Make sure your Username has longevity
This industry is still in its early phase. Video streaming is growing and you will no doubt be able to grow your brand and expand it in many directions. It is worthwhile at this early stage to have a future plan of where you hope to be in the future. You want to ensure that the name you choose will be relevant not only now but in the future. Don’t let your name limit the potential of your brand.
Don’t overthink it
Don’t let finding that perfect name become too much of an ordeal. Try to enjoy the process and keep it fun, as this will have an impact on your final choice of name.
Adding numbers to your name can sometimes cause confusion. Your name can often get confused with someone else’s name. You should add numbers only if there are really meaningful to you and really sit well with your name.
Try out a few names before you decide on one
Maybe don’t go with the first name you come up with but play around a little first and try out a few to see how they feel and which suits you best. Try out different scenarios and ideas and see how they fit or look as a logo, perhaps using different fonts. It is always useful to ask friends and family to take a look at the names you have chosen and see what they think. Perhaps they’ll come up with something that you hadn’t thought of.
Username availability on all platforms
Your stream name needs to be available on all the platforms that you intend to be on. It needs to be easy for your audience to find you and is definitely more professional. It is possible to check the name through Namechk which is very simple to use and is free. This online tool allows you to check your prospective name over many platforms simultaneously.
Be consistent: use the same name for all your games
Once you’ve settled on a name you should use it always. Make sure you use it when you are playing multiplayer games. You will start to be recognized and your brand will grow and you will become more popular. This will allow you to make new contacts and grow your brand. If you see that on a particular game your name isn’t available, may try to use a variant of it.
Use numbers only if they are meaningful
Try not to use numbers. We are so used to seeing numbers on email addresses. It can also be confusing and can lead to mix-ups with other names. The only time to use numbers is if they have a significant meaning to you and fit well into your name. Also, try to avoid using underscores if possible.
Finding the right stream name can be a struggle. Try not to get too discouraged. The right name is out there. Look around for inspiration and keep upbeat in the process.