Username Reservation Rules

Every platform needs username reservation rules. Not just a blocklist, but a policy framework that explains what is blocked, what is restricted, and how disputes are handled. Here is how to structure those rules.

Start with clear categories. System terms are always blocked — no exceptions. Brand names are blocked or require verification. Celebrity names might be restricted pending identity verification. Premium handles could be reserved for paid accounts. Each category needs explicit rules.

Define your appeals process. When a user believes their username was incorrectly blocked, what happens? Who reviews the appeal? What documentation is required? Platforms like Twitter and Instagram have formal dispute processes for trademark claims.

Document your enforcement approach. Are blocks automated or manual? Do restricted usernames go into a queue for human review? What happens to accounts that somehow registered restricted usernames before blocks were in place?

Plan for edge cases. What about parody accounts? Fan accounts? Legitimate name collisions (someone actually named "John Google")? Your rules need to address these scenarios before they become support tickets.

Key Takeaways

  • Define clear categories: fully blocked, restricted with verification, premium reserved
  • Create an appeals process with documentation requirements
  • Document automated vs. manual enforcement approaches
  • Address edge cases: parody accounts, fan accounts, name collisions
  • Review rules quarterly as new abuse patterns emerge

Common Reserved Categories

System & Infrastructure

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Technical usernames like admin, root, and api that platforms block to prevent conflicts with core functionality and administrative access.

@admin@administrator@root@system@api

Brand Names & Trademarks

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Trademarked company names and brand identifiers that platforms protect to prevent impersonation and trademark infringement.

@google@apple@microsoft@amazon@meta

Celebrities & Public Figures

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Names of famous individuals, influencers, politicians, and public personalities that require identity verification.

@elonmusk@taylorswift@mrbeast@pewdiepie@oprah

Geographic Locations

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City names, country names, states, and notable locations that platforms often reserve for official regional accounts.

@paris@tokyo@london@newyork@california

Try It Yourself

Enter any username to see if it would be flagged as reserved, premium, or available.

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