DS-160 Social Media Helper
Format your social media accounts correctly for the U.S. visa application
Since May 31, 2019, the DS-160 visa application requires applicants to provide social media identifiers used in the last 5 years. This tool helps you format them correctly.
Select the platforms you've used in the last 5 years
Enter your username/handle for each platform
Important: Enter only usernames — not full URLs. Do not include @ symbols unless the platform requires it.
Your DS-160 Social Media Entry
| Platform | Identifier | Format Used |
|---|
DS-160 Social Media Do's and Don'ts
- DOList all platforms used in the past 5 years, even if the account is now deleted or deactivated
- DOInclude secondary or alternate accounts on the same platform
- DOProvide the username as it appears on the platform (e.g.,
john.smithnotfacebook.com/john.smith) - DOSelect "Does Not Apply" only if you genuinely have no social media presence
- DON'TOmit platforms you've used — the consular officer may cross-reference your online presence
- DON'TEnter full URLs (e.g.,
https://twitter.com/john) — only the handle/identifier - DON'TProvide false information — lying on the DS-160 can result in permanent visa ineligibility
- DON'TDelete your social media accounts before the interview to avoid disclosing them
Platform Format Reference
| DS-160 Platform Name | What to Enter | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Username from profile URL | john.smith.123 | |
| Handle without @ | john_smith | |
| X (Twitter) | Handle without @ | johnsmith |
| Vanity URL slug | john-smith-abc123 | |
| YouTube | Channel handle without @ | johnsmithvlogs |
| TikTok | Username without @ | john.smith |
| Username without u/ | john_smith_99 | |
| Sina Weibo | User ID or custom URL | johnsmith |
| QQ / WeChat | QQ number or WeChat ID | 12345678 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The DS-160 asks for social media identifiers used within the past 5 years. If you had an account during that period — even if deleted or deactivated — you should list it. Provide the username you used at the time.
List all accounts. You can click a platform multiple times to add another entry. For example, if you have a personal and a business Instagram, list both handles.
The DS-160 provides a dropdown with major platforms including Facebook, Flickr, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Reddit, Sina Weibo, Telegram, TikTok, Tumblr, Twitter (X), Twitch, and YouTube. There's also an "Other" option for platforms not listed.
Only if you genuinely have not used any social media platform in the last 5 years. If you select this but the consular officer finds social media accounts linked to you, it could lead to questions about the accuracy of your application.
Consular officers may review your social media as part of the visa adjudication process. This is one reason why accuracy matters — inconsistencies between what you report and what they find can raise concerns.
The DS-160 currently focuses on social media platforms where you have a public or semi-public profile. Private messaging apps (WhatsApp, Signal) are generally not required unless they have a public profile component. However, WeChat and QQ are listed because they function as social networks in addition to messaging.
This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Built by VisaVerge.com — Immigration Answers