How to Get the Originally Known As Badge on Discord - A Comprehensive Guide for Streamers and Gamers

Have you noticed the new "Originally Known As" badge on some Discord profiles lately? As a fellow streamer and gamer, I‘m excited to explain what this badge is all about and walk you through how to get it yourself.

In this in-depth guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about the Originally Known As badge, from what it represents to step-by-step instructions for claiming your own. Let‘s dive in!

What is the Originally Known As Badge on Discord?

The Originally Known As badge displays your previous Discord username with discriminator on your profile. It was introduced as part of Discord‘s major username system update in late 2022.

Previously, all Discord usernames had a four digit number after them known as a "discriminator" to distinguish between users with common names (e.g. Player1234). Now, Discord allows you to claim a unique username without any numbers attached.

To help you retain your identity during this transition, Discord automatically grants you the Originally Known As badge when you update to a discriminator-less username. This badge lives under your new unique name and shows off your original handle.

Here‘s a quick example:

Previous Username: Player1234
New Unique Username: Player
Badge: Originally Known As Player1234

So in summary, the Originally Known As badge represents your OG Discord identity even after you adopt a new vanity username. It‘s a way to flex your seniority and give your profile some gravitas.

Why Did Discord Add This Badge for Streamers and Gamers?

As a fellow streamer and gamer myself, I can think of several excellent reasons why Discord introduced the Originally Known As badge:

Shows your status as an early adopter: Having this badge under your name indicates you‘ve been on Discord since the early days before unique usernames existed. It‘s a sign of your OG credibility.
Helps friends recognize you: If your friends know you by your old discriminator tag, the badge makes it easy for them to identify you even after you change your name.
Provides identity continuity: The badge lets you retain parts of your old identity under your new vanity username, giving your profile a sense of history.
Symbol of seniority: It demonstrates you‘ve been in the streaming/gaming community for a long time and deserve respect.

As streamers and gamers, our usernames and brands are very valuable. The Originally Known As badge allows us to upgrade to unique names while still honoring our roots. It‘s a smart addition from Discord that caters to longtime users in the streaming and gaming space.

When Do You Get Access to Change Your Username?

Since this is a major system change, Discord is slowly rolling out the ability to remove discriminators and claim unique usernames. Here‘s the current timeline:

October 2022: Discord Nitro subscribers granted early access
November 2022: Non-Nitro early adopters given access
December 2022 Onwards: All users gradually get the update

Don‘t worry if you can‘t yet change your username – Discord is working through accounts methodically. I recommend watching your notifications closely so you can claim your unique name right away when it‘s your turn.

As a Nitro subscriber myself, I was lucky to get access in October 2022. But my non-paying friends had to wait until late November. So be patient, your time is coming!

Step-By-Step Guide to Getting the Originally Known As Badge

Ready to embrace your new unique username and get that coveted Origianlly Known As badge on your profile? Let‘s walk through the process together:

Step 1: Receive the Update Notification

Keep an eye out for an in-app notification from Discord informing you that you can now remove your discriminator and set a unique username. It will include a prompt to "Review your username now."

This means it‘s your time to change your name! If you‘re still waiting on access, just sit tight until Discord sends you the notification.

Step 2: Enter Your Desired Unique Username

Click on the notification which will open a username customization window. Enter your new desired username without any numbers after it.

I recommend your main streaming/gaming handle if it‘s available. Double check the name isn‘t already taken before confirming.

Step 3: Confirm the Username Update

After entering your new unique username, verify this is the name you want before confirming the change. Once confirmed, your old username and discriminator will be removed.

No going back after this so make sure you choose wisely!

Step 4: Check Your Profile for the Badge

The second you confirm the update, the Originally Known As badge will automatically pop up under your new username on your public profile.

You don‘t have to change any settings or manually activate it. Discord adds it as soon as your update is complete.

And that‘s it, you officially have your unique name and the badge to go with it! Congrats on showing off your OG Discord status.

Displaying Your Originally Known As Badge Proudly

Now that you have this badge of honor, here are some tips for showing it off in the streaming and gaming community:

Add it to your channel banners and graphics: Include your new username with the Originally Known As badge displayed prominently on your stream graphics.
Update your social media bios: Let your entire community know you have the badge by updating all your social media profiles with your new Discord handle.
Show it off on stream: Point out the badge and what it represents to viewers when welcoming them to your streams.
Mention it in videos: If you make YouTube videos, consider giving your Originally Known As badge a shoutout.

As streamers and gamers, we put a lot of work into building our personal brands and communities. The Originally Known As badge is something to be proud of, so be sure to show it off!

Key Takeaways

To summarize this comprehensive guide:

The Originally Known As badge displays your old Discord discriminator name.
It represents your OG status and loyalty to the platform.
Discord is slowly rolling out discriminator removals so wait for the notification.
Once notified, pick a unique username, confirm the change, and the badge will appear.
Proudly display your badge across your streaming/gaming brand.

Thanks for letting me share everything I‘ve learned about getting the Originally Known As badge as a fellow streamer! I‘m excited to connect with more of the OG gaming community on Discord.