WhatsApp has announced a new username feature that will allow users to connect with others without sharing their phone numbers.
The Meta-owned messaging platform disclosed the update in a blog post on Monday, saying the feature is expected to roll out later this year.
According to WhatsApp, usernames are designed to give users greater control over their privacy, particularly when interacting with people they do not know personally.
"You want to join the parent chat for the soccer team but you're not ready to give your phone number to people you've never met. That's why we're introducing usernames for WhatsApp," the company said.
Ahead of the official launch, WhatsApp said users can begin reserving their preferred usernames, giving them an opportunity to secure their chosen identity before the feature becomes widely available.
The platform also said creators, businesses and organisations will be able to claim the same usernames they already use on Instagram or Facebook, helping them maintain a consistent identity across Meta's platforms.
To reserve a username, users must update to the latest version of WhatsApp and access the option through their account settings.
The company said the feature will be introduced in phases, with users receiving notifications when it becomes available in their country.
The announcement is part of Meta's broader effort to expand features across its platforms. Earlier this year, the company unveiled plans for a premium subscription service that will offer users additional tools and more control over how they communicate and share content on Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram.
