Discord is about to make you pick a new, unique username

Discord is changing the way usernames work, including cutting out the four digits at the end of each handle. The chat platform announced the change through an official blog post on May 3. The announcement says the change will take place “in the coming weeks”.

Currently, Discord allows users to choose any username they want and then cap off that name with a random four-digit code. This means that thousands of users can all choose the name MasterChiefFan420 without conflicting with each other. Users can also choose to customize their code through Discord Nitro, the platform’s subscription service. Now each user must choose a new, unique username. “New usernames are lowercase, alphanumeric, limited to certain special characters, and have no separators, making them easier to remember, read, type, and share,” the blog post reads.

Usernames are limited to 32 characters and are restricted in certain ways. For example, a handle cannot attempt to impersonate or impersonate Discord employees, server messages, or other individuals, groups, or organizations. It’s unclear how Discord plans to enforce these policies or confirm users’ identities, especially given how authentication-related fiascos have played out on Twitter.

Although users must choose a unique entry, they can continue to use display names. As Discord explains, “[A display name] is your most prominent form of identity on Discord, and it’s how other users will see you in DMs where a friend nickname isn’t set, on servers where a server nickname isn’t set, and in other places like friend requests.

With the new system, users have a unique username, a display name, and, if desired, server-specific handles. If you use Discord, you’ll get an in-app notification when you’re eligible to choose your new username and set up a display name. The change will roll out to older accounts first, so veterans on the platform will be the first to choose a new name for their account.