Popular streamer Imane Anys, known as Pokimane, recently surprised the online community by sharing an unbelievable but true story.
Specifically, she once spent $20,000 (over half a billion VND) just to reclaim an Instagram account with her real name.
During a livestream, the streamer openly talked about her journey to own the username Imane Anys, which matches her real identity.
The catch was that the account was already owned by someone else, so she had to reach out and negotiate to buy it. After finding the owner, Pokimane discovered it was a Moroccan woman. When asked about the price, the owner shocked many by asking for $20,000 in cash for a direct transaction.
Despite the hefty price, Pokimane decided to pay up and close the deal. For many, this might seem like an odd expense, but for one of the world’s most famous female streamers, it meant something completely different.
In the digital age, a social media username is more than just a label, it’s a key part of a personal brand ecosystem. For influencers like Pokimane with millions of followers, having a username that exactly matches their real name boosts recognition, authenticity, and professionalism. It’s easy to see how an account with the real name feels more official, reduces impersonation risks, and helps platforms and partners verify identity. So while the price tag of over half a billion VND might shock many, for influencers this can be a long-term investment in their brand that pays off much bigger down the line.
Pokimane’s story also highlights an interesting reality: even celebrities don’t always easily get their own names online. Popular, easy-to-remember usernames or those matching real names are often snapped up early. In many cases, these names become rare commodities sold for sky-high prices.
After the story went public, the online community quickly split. Some thought it was an extravagant, even unreasonable expense just for a username. Others argued that for Pokimane’s status, it was a smart, strategic move.
Regardless of opinions, one thing is clear: in the digital world, personal identity can be as valuable as any physical asset.
