New Delhi, March 20: WhatsApp is set to introduce usernames and unique IDs, allowing users to send messages and make calls without sharing their phone numbers, in a move aimed at enhancing privacy and user convenience.
The feature, expected to roll out globally by June 2026, will enable both individuals and businesses to create unique handles, aligning the platform with broader social media trends. The optional feature will allow users to continue using phone numbers, ensuring minimal disruption to existing user behaviour.
Owned by Meta Platforms, WhatsApp said the initiative is designed to help users connect with friends, groups, and businesses while safeguarding personal information.
In parallel, the platform is exploring new monetisation strategies, including a dynamic pricing model for business messaging. Under this model, companies could bid in real time to deliver marketing communications, with testing expected in the second half of 2026 and a potential rollout in 2027.
India remains a key market for WhatsApp, with over 500 million users, making it central to the platform’s growth and innovation strategy.
According to a joint report by Meta and the Retailers Association of India, social media platforms influence 77 per cent of retail purchase decisions in India, with Meta platforms driving 96 per cent of social discovery.
The report also highlighted the growing role of video and messaging in commerce, noting that 97 per cent of consumers watch short-form videos daily, while 72 per cent of product discovery occurs on WhatsApp, underscoring its expanding role in digital commerce and customer engagement.
