Symbols for Twitter Username — Stand Out in the Feed
Your Twitter (X) display name is one of the few ways to express yourself visually on the platform. Usernames are locked in, but display names? Those you can customize. And adding the right symbols makes you instantly more recognizable in a crowded timeline.
Let me walk you through which symbols work, which ones to avoid, and how to create a name that people remember.
Twitter/X Display Name Limits
First, know the rules. Your display name can be up to 50 characters. That's more generous than most platforms. But not all symbols display correctly on all devices. Some look perfect on your iPhone but show as boxes on Android.
The trick is using widely-supported Unicode characters. Stay away from the newest emoji releases — older devices won't render them.
✦ Star Symbols for Twitter Names
Stars are safe bets. They work on virtually every device and add just enough visual interest without being distracting.
★ ☆ ✦ ✧ ⋆ ✮ ✯ ✩ ✪ ⚝
Name examples:
★ SarahAlex ✦⋆ Mike ⋆✧ Jamie's Corner ✧
♡ Heart Symbols in Twitter Names
Hearts are universally understood and work great for personal accounts. They add warmth without being too decorative.
♡ ♥ ❥ ❦ ❧ ❤ ❣ 🖤 🤍 💜
Arrow and Direction Symbols
Arrows can point to your handle below, or just add dynamic energy to your name. They're especially popular among creators and brands.
→ ← ↑ ↓ ➤ ➽ ⟶ ⇢ ➔ ⇒ ↬
Using arrows:
→ JessicaMarketing ➤⇢ daily thoughts
Special Characters for Twitter Names
Beyond standard symbols, there are special characters that can make your name unique:
™ © ® • · | ¦ ┃ ჻ ⋮ ⋯ ⤵
The trademark symbol is popular for personal branding. Copyright and registered symbols add an official feel. Vertical bars work as dividers.
Creating a Consistent Look
Whatever symbol you choose, use it consistently. If you're "★ Alex" on Twitter, don't be "Alex ✦" on Instagram. People recognize patterns. Consistency builds recognition.
Also match your symbol choice to your content vibe:
- Professional accounts: Clean stars, simple hearts, arrows
- Creative accounts: Decorative symbols, aesthetic combinations
- Personal accounts: Hearts, flowers, personal favorites
- Brand accounts: Trademark symbols, checkmarks, minimal decoration
Symbols to Avoid on Twitter
Not all symbols are created equal. Here's what to skip:
- Boxes (□ ▢) — These look like broken characters on some devices
- New emoji releases — May not display on older OS versions
- Obscure Unicode — If it's rare, it might break
- Too many symbols — One or two is memorable; ten is clutter
Testing Your Name
After changing your display name, check it on:
- Mobile app (iOS and Android)
- Desktop browser
- Embed preview (how it looks when embedded on other sites)
More Symbol Resources
Looking for specific symbol types? We've got dedicated pages:
The Bottom Line
A well-chosen symbol in your Twitter display name makes you memorable. Keep it simple, test across devices, and stay consistent. In a timeline of plain text names, a single star or heart can be the difference between being forgettable and being recognized.