Users can begin reserving unique usernames now, but the rollout will happen gradually over the coming months. Meta shares closed up 2.24% on Monday and gained a further 0.16% in after-hours trading after the announcement.
WhatsApp Usernames Are Finally Coming
Meta announced on Monday that WhatsApp users can begin reserving unique usernames ahead of the feature's full rollout later this year. The update is designed to let people communicate with new contacts, classmates, neighbors, or members of community groups without revealing their personal phone numbers.
The feature is expected to be particularly useful in group chats, where users often need to interact with people they do not know personally. Instead of exchanging phone numbers, users will be able to share a unique WhatsApp username, which adds an extra layer of privacy.
With more than three billion users worldwide, Meta is opening reservations early to give people the opportunity to secure their preferred usernames before the feature becomes widely available. Users can either create their own username or use WhatsApp's built-in username generator for suggestions. Businesses, creators, and organizations will also be able to claim usernames that match their existing Instagram or Facebook accounts.
Meta says privacy is very central to the rollout. There will be no public directory of usernames, and users cannot browse for other accounts. Instead, someone will need to know a person's exact username before initiating contact. WhatsApp is also introducing an optional username key, giving users another level of control over who can send them messages.
Once the feature launches, users who enable usernames will no longer expose their phone numbers when messaging someone or a business for the first time. Existing chats and phone number-based communication will continue to work as normal.
Reserving a username only takes a few seconds through the latest version of WhatsApp by navigating to Settings > Account > Username. Meta said the feature will roll out gradually over the coming months, and users will receive in-app notifications once it becomes available in their region.
Meta share price over the past 24 hours (Source: Google Finance)
Investors reacted positively to the expansion of WhatsApp's capabilities. Meta Platforms shares closed Monday's regular trading session up 2.24% before adding a further 0.16% in after-hours trading.
