The original owner may sign up again with the name
Instagram’s help page says you can create an account again with the same username, or add it to another profile, as long as it has not been taken by a new person.
Nobody else is promised the handle
The page does not describe a release date for other people. Treat any claim of an exact date from a seller or a service with caution.
A removal for policy reasons changes the answer
Instagram says that when a profile is removed for violating Community Standards, you may not be able to sign up again with the same username.
Deletion has a window, deactivation is temporary
Instagram says deleted content is permanently removed after 30 days and that the full process can take up to 90 days. Deactivation hides the profile for now and can be reversed.
If the handle was yours, check the previous-username route
Read the rules in how Instagram usernames work. If the handle is still free, switching back needs no claim.
Official sources
- Instagram Help Center: permanently delete or deactivate your profile
- Instagram Help Center: using a previous username
Platforms change their help pages and forms often. Follow the wording on your own screen and the current Help Center. Atclaim is an independent service and is not affiliated with Meta or any platform named on this site.