WhatsApp has announced that it will soon allow users to connect using unique usernames instead of phone numbers, introducing a major privacy enhancement for its more than 3 billion users worldwide.
The Meta-owned messaging platform revealed that users can begin reserving unique usernames ahead of the feature's public rollout, which is expected later this year. Once available, users will have the option to be discovered and contacted using their username rather than exposing their phone number.
According to WhatsApp, the new system is designed with privacy at its core. Unlike other messaging platforms, there will be no searchable username directory or automatic username suggestions. Instead, someone will need to know a user's exact username before initiating a conversation.
"We have designed this as a core privacy feature," said Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp's Vice President of Product.
Currently, anyone with a user's phone number can initiate contact on WhatsApp, with privacy controls largely limited to blocking users or silencing calls from unknown numbers. While WhatsApp already supports profile names, these are only displayed in group chats for people who have not saved the user's contact information.
To encourage early adoption, WhatsApp has opened username reservations ahead of the feature's official launch. Usernames must be between three and 35 characters long.
To help prevent impersonation, WhatsApp will reserve usernames associated with high-profile individuals and organizations, including celebrities, public figures and government entities. In addition, businesses, organisations and creators with existing Instagram or Facebook accounts will have the opportunity to claim matching usernames on WhatsApp.
Although SMS remains the preferred messaging platform for many users in the United States, WhatsApp continues to dominate in Europe, Asia and many other regions. The introduction of usernames is expected to make it easier for users to connect while offering greater control over their personal information.
Meta Acquires Stake in Cred, Appoints Founder to Lead WhatsApp
Meta has announced a $900 million strategic investment in Indian fintech company Cred, acquiring a 20% stake in the business as it looks to strengthen WhatsApp's commercial ecosystem in its largest market. As part of the deal, Cred founder Kunal Shah will take over as the new head of WhatsApp, succeeding Will Cathcart.
According to Bloomberg, the investment values Cred at approximately $4.5 billion.
Founded in India, Cred is a members-only fintech platform that rewards users with strong credit histories through exclusive offers, cashback and financial services. The company says its suite of products is designed to help creditworthy consumers accelerate both their financial and lifestyle goals through partnerships with premium brands. The platform currently serves more than 25 million members.
The investment underscores Meta's continued efforts to expand WhatsApp's role beyond messaging by integrating financial services and business tools. India remains WhatsApp's largest market, with an estimated 858 million users, making it a key region for Meta's long-term growth strategy.
Despite WhatsApp's massive user base, Meta has faced challenges in monetising the platform in India. Regulatory scrutiny and concerns over foreign technology companies gaining excessive influence have made it difficult for global firms to deepen their presence in the country's digital economy.
Over the past few years, Meta has pursued several investments aimed at strengthening its foothold in India, including backing social commerce platform Meesho, whose services were later integrated with WhatsApp, as well as investing $6 billion in telecommunications giant Reliance Jio in 2022. While these partnerships have expanded Meta's local presence, they have yet to unlock the level of business growth the company had hoped for.
Meta is now betting that its partnership with Cred, coupled with Shah's appointment to lead WhatsApp, will accelerate the platform's evolution into a broader digital commerce and financial services ecosystem. Shah's deep understanding of India's fintech landscape and consumer behaviour could also help Meta navigate local regulations while strengthening relationships with businesses and users across the country.
Whether the move will significantly boost WhatsApp's business ambitions in India remains to be seen, but it represents one of Meta's biggest strategic investments in the country to date.
WhatsApp to Let Users Connect Using Usernames Instead of Phone Numbers
