The feature is expected to roll out to WhatsApp’s more than three billion users over the coming months.
Starting Monday, users will be able to reserve their preferred usernames, although using a username will not be mandatory.
WhatsApp also announced that users will be free to change or remove their usernames whenever they wish.
Once the feature becomes available to everyone, users will be able to search for and message one another using these usernames instead of phone numbers. Existing privacy features, including the ability to block unwanted contacts and messages, will remain unchanged.
Usernames will be limited to a maximum of 35 characters, and WhatsApp will introduce guidelines to protect the names of public figures, celebrities, and government officials from being claimed by unauthorized users.
The company says the system will also help reduce impersonation by making it harder for people to misuse the identities of celebrities and other well-known individuals.
Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp’s Head of Product, said the company developed the feature in response to user feedback, particularly from people who were uncomfortable sharing their phone numbers in order to communicate with others, especially in group chats and online communities.
“I hope this feature will give people greater control over how they want to be seen,” Newton-Rex said.
Although phone numbers will no longer be visible to other users once the feature is fully rolled out, they will still be required when creating a new WhatsApp account.
