WhatsApp web will soon let you create a unique username for yourself

WhatsApp has grown into a more comprehensive platform following the addition of new features and Meta AI. But the Meta-owned company is not just expanding new features to its smartphone app. In a recent post by WABetaInfo, Meta was found testing a feature that will allow users to chat without exchanging their contact details. The new feature, which was spotted on the web client, will introduce usernames to connect with people and will do away with the hassle of saving a contact first.

WhatsApp username creation: What's there to know?

Like other media platforms, WhatsApp users will be able to create unique usernames to converse with their friends, family or business contacts. According to the report, the new feature will essentially let you choose a username for yourself as long as it is not taken or in use.

Unlike platforms such as Discord, WhatsApp will only allow unique usernames and not ones with a discriminator or tag. The report mentions that this will help usernames stay one-of-a-kind and will keep duplications at bay. It goes on to state that users will be able to choose their distinctive name at the time of setup, which will be allotted to them subject to availability. The approach ensures privacy and irons out the process of establishing an individual online presence without sharing a phone number.  

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On setting a username, your contacts will still be able to find you — that said, anyone other than your saved contacts will be required to know your username before they can get in touch with you. This process adds an extra layer of privacy and ensures only the known can converse with you on WhatsApp.

When will WhatsApp's unique username feature be available to everyone?

WABetaInfo mentions how this feature, so far, has only been spotted on the WhatsApp web client. However, the instant messaging platform has been working on individual usernames for a while now and it is likely to make its way onto the smartphone app sometime soon as well. While the exact timelines remain under wraps, you can always come back to Unboxed by Croma to read more about any new developments, features or launches by Meta.