Socialscan: how to use it, and a browser alternative

Socialscan takes a different approach from most username tools. Instead of loading a profile page, it asks each platform's registration system whether a name or email is free. That makes it accurate on the few sites it supports. Here is how it works and how it compares with a broad browser search.

Username and email availability (CLI and library). Project: github.com/iojw/socialscan · License: MPL-2.0 · Last reviewed 2026-10-17

What is Socialscan?

Socialscan is a Python project by iojw under the Mozilla Public License 2.0, last pushed in August 2026. Its README lists 11 platforms: nine for usernames and seven for email addresses, with some overlap. For each query it returns available, taken or invalid.

The README argues that profile-page checks miss reserved words and the names of deleted or banned accounts, and claims its method avoids those false results. Because it talks to sign-up servers, it can check email addresses too, which profile-page tools cannot.

It runs queries concurrently, takes a file of names, supports proxy lists and can write JSON. You can also import it as a Python library.

How to use Socialscan

Install it with pip, or from source.
Run socialscan followed by one or more usernames.
Use --platforms to limit the check, or --input with a text file for bulk queries.
Add --json with a file name to save the results.

Example commands from the project's README (check it for the current version):

pip install socialscan
socialscan username1 username2
socialscan --input input.txt --json results.json

Socialscan vs WhatsMyName Apps

Feature	Socialscan	WhatsMyName Apps
Sites checked	11 platforms per its README (October 2026)	3,165+ sites, merged from the WhatsMyName, Sherlock and Maigret lists
Method	Sign-up and registration endpoints	Public profile pages at a username
Result states	Available, taken or invalid	Four statuses: found, not found, blocked, unknown
Email check	Yes, on seven platforms	Email and phone tools are coming soon, not live yet
Setup	pip; Python required	Nothing to install. It runs in the browser
Automation	CLI and Python library	No API and no CLI
Price	Free, open source	Free, no sign-up

Based on Socialscan's own documentation as of 2026-10-17. Tools change; the project page is the final word.

Pros and cons of Socialscan

Pros

Asks sign-up systems directly, so reserved and banned names show as taken.
Separates available, taken and invalid.
Works as a CLI or a Python library; MPL-2.0 license.

Cons

Only 11 platforms in its README.
Answers availability, not whether a public profile exists, so it is less useful for OSINT profile discovery.
Needs Python and a terminal.

Who Socialscan is for

Socialscan suits developers and brand owners who need a precise availability answer on a handful of big platforms, inside a script. For a wide sweep of where a handle is in use, a browser search across many sites is faster.

Try a username search in your browser

Free, no sign-up. Checks 3,165+ sites; the username is not stored or logged.

Frequently asked questions

What does Socialscan check?

Whether a username or email address is available, taken or invalid on the 11 platforms listed in its README.

How do I install Socialscan?

Run pip install socialscan, then socialscan followed by the usernames or email addresses to check.

Socialscan vs WhatsMyName Apps: which should I use?

Use Socialscan for a precise availability answer on a few large platforms inside a script. Use WhatsMyName Apps for a broad browser search of 3,165+ sites with no install.

Related tools and guides

Namechk: Username and domain availability
Instant Username Search: Username availability (search as you type)
Namecheckup: Username and domain availability
Sherlock: Username search (CLI)
All OSINT tools compared
OSINT username search · Reverse username lookup · Platform username checkers
Username OSINT for beginners

Names and trademarks belong to their owners. WhatsMyName Apps is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Socialscan or its authors.