This is a walking a tightrope situ just like on X imo. While I am eyeing up a username, it just feels like there are those who would like certain usernames to be remembered as a sort of 'legacy' like reckful, but then that begs the question: "WHICH accounts?". Imagine someone who had a twitch friend or relative that passed away years ago and someday out of the blue, they find someone with the same handle streaming or trolling in chat, I'd be pretty shocked. HOWEVER, if it was for a name that someone owned originally but forgot the details for and can prove it was theirs, then I'm all for it.

I've been waiting to change my name to a different user and i checked and no has taken it, but when i try to change it. It says that user is not available. So how can I get it change to the user I want?

"We’re reviewing this. Curious how long you think would be ok." at least shorter than your consideration regarding this request, voted by 1152 people. :)

Does Active Directory have an expiration date.
https://minimilitiaoldversion.com

IMHO a pretty fair timeline and approach could be like...

- after 1 year of complete inactivity: send an e-mail to the account owner to warn about them losing their username
- the e-mail should contain easy instructions and potentially a link for the user to hold on to their username for longer
- 8 weeks later reset their username, if user hasn't taken any action
- if user becomes active again check availability of the old username => if it's still available, restore it
- if old username is unavailable, give the user an easy prompt to change their username

Twitch changed their username policy and hasn't made ANY announcement whatsoever here and on the uservoice. The new article mentions NOTHING about recycling usernames. Stupid how most inactive names are locked to 2% of users, partners.

There seems to be a little update to this. Not sure if I can freely post links, that’s why I’ll just quote the tweet from zachbussey:

“ Twitch updated the Help Article on Username Transfer and Recycling.

They mainly updated the wording, but they did remove a section about recycling inactive usernames. (I'd wager they won't ever release inactive account names.)

[Screenshot of Help Article with Chances highlighted]”

Would love an update on this! So many great usernames are taken by accounts made a decade ago. Curious if the team has made any decisions on this yet?

I tried to change my name so it has no underscores and guess what, NO ONE has that name but I cant have it LOL What a joke. No other website has these weird username policies.

It's a shame that I can't get back an older username of mine! In the policies it only says that the username will be available again in 6 months and it's pure lies! I'm affiliate and it's been said to me today in the help chat that my older username will never ever be available again for anyone. That's not what was informed to me in the namechanging menu. If that information was clear I wouldn't ever changed my username.

It is interesting that this original post was published May 2015 here and there are still no updates. It has been 9 years since an Admin responded that they were reviewing the post yet we have no action or further response. I wonder what is the best way to address the issue given the 9 year no response period.

Can there be an update on this please?

Would be nice to have platform parity but this is the only platform I cant use my normal name on (est. 2018)

it has been almost 9 years and there are account that made their last stream 6 yrs ago and they are still keeping the same name even after not even using twitch after 6 whole years

TWITCH WAKE UP ON THIS REQUEST ALREADY. IT ALMOST BEEN 10 YEARS.

can we speed this up? why is this from 2015 and still nothing is being done? names being used mostly by bot spammers that make accounts to then raid other streamers with new made accounts ruining the activity and viewer average. ive seen streams that have been Bot raided 4 times in 10 hrs all of those hundreds of accounts were made and wasted.
we need a system to rid these unused inactive accounts ASAP we needed this since twitch became twitch.

1. Defined inactivity period:
a) 6 months minimum – 1 year
b) Account activity tiers: Inactive (no login after creation – scalpers/scraper), moderately active (occasional login), highly active (regular login/broadcasting).
c) Factor in chat interactions, content creation, etc. for more nuanced approach.

2. Transparent communication:
a) Announce upcoming username pool releases with specific dates.
b) Multiple notifications: Email, in-platform messaging, website banners to warn inactive users.
c) Appeal/backup option: Allow users to flag accounts for preservation up to additional 1 year (e.g., due to illness, hiatus).

3. Gradual recycling process:
a) Recycle usernames in batches based on inactivity level or date starting with Justin.TV usernames.
b) Consider offering first access to users impacted by username changes or facing harassment.

4. Preventing malicious takeover:
a) Captcha & 2FA verification: Implement safeguards to prevent bots or malicious actors like username scrapers and scalpers.
b) Empower users to report suspicious activity related to username changes.

5. Addressing ethical concerns:
a) Data anonymization: Ensure complete deletion of associated personal data before username release.
b) Community feedback: Regularly gather feedback and adapt the policy based on user needs and evolving online culture.

Additional considerations:
a) Impact on content creators with established brands: Offer alternative solutions for those whose identity is heavily tied to their username.
b) Addressing impersonation risks: Implement measures to protect users from being impersonated with recycled usernames.

5 years seems like a good middle ground for what was recommended in the comments. 5 years could be the default, then people could set it higher or lower in their own settings if they so please.

Is there ANY movement on this at all? Like, come on, the original idea was posted almost 9 years ago.

Good morning, 2024!