What is the difference between a username and a display name?¶

A username generally identifies an account within the service. A display name is the label shown to users and may be freely chosen or supplied by the viewer's contact book. Neither is necessarily a verified identity.

The fields have different stability¶

Usernames can form profile links, mentions or search keys but may change. Display names can be duplicated and different recipients can see different contact labels for the same account. A provider's internal account or user ID usually offers stronger continuity.

Preserve the complete identifier set¶

Record username, display name, profile URL, stable account ID, service-specific user ID, telephone number, profile image, source and date. Use original screenshots or exports showing how fields relate rather than typed notes alone.

When comparing sources, identical labels do not prove the same account and changed labels do not prove a new one. Report each field according to its function instead of turning a displayed name into personal identity.