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WhatsApp to Launch Usernames by 2026, New Business Pricing Model

WhatsApp is developing a username system to allow messaging without revealing phone numbers, with a global rollout targeted for 2026. The optional feature aims to enhance privacy while preventing user migration to competing platforms. Additionally, the platform is exploring a real-time bidding model for business marketing messages, slated for testing in late 2026. These moves come as WhatsApp remains crucial in India, where it significantly influences retail discovery and purchases.

Key Points: WhatsApp Usernames & New Business Pricing Coming in 2026

  • Usernames to hide phone numbers
  • Optional feature rolling out by June 2026
  • Dynamic pricing for business messages
  • Testing in late 2026, launch in 2027
  • India is a key market with 500M users
2 min read

WhatsApp plans usernames, new pricing model to enhance privacy, empower businesses

WhatsApp plans usernames for privacy and a dynamic pricing model for businesses by 2026-27, aiming to connect users without sharing phone numbers.

"We are excited to bring usernames to WhatsApp... without having to share their phone numbers. - WhatsApp"

New Delhi, March 20

Popular messaging platform WhatsApp is planning to introduce usernames and unique IDs, enabling users to send messages and make voice or video calls without revealing their phone numbers, according to reports.

The new feature is expected to be rolled out globally by June 2026.

Both individuals and businesses are likely to be able to reserve unique handles, similar to other social media platforms, according to them.

"We are excited to bring usernames to WhatsApp in the future to help people connect with new friends, groups and businesses without having to share their phone numbers," the company said in a statement.

The feature is expected to be optional, allowing users to continue using phone numbers if they choose. This approach is aimed at avoiding disruption and preventing users from shifting to rival platforms.

In addition, WhatsApp is exploring a dynamic pricing model for businesses, where companies may bid in real time to send marketing messages, said reports.

The new system is likely to undergo testing in the second half of 2026 and could be implemented in 2027, according to reports.

India, with over 500 million users, remains one of WhatsApp's key markets globally.

Earlier in February, a report said social media platforms currently influence 77 per cent of retail purchase decisions in India, with Meta platforms driving 96 per cent of social discovery.

The report by Meta and the Retailers Association of India (RAI) said short-form video and creators are accelerating product discovery, with 97 per cent of consumers watching short videos daily and 60 per cent of time on Facebook and Instagram spent on video.

The report added that 72 per cent of product discovery happens on the messaging platform WhatsApp.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Usernames are good, but the real story is the new pricing model for businesses. If companies start bidding to send me ads, my WhatsApp will become a spam fest. They need to be very careful with this, especially in a market like India where we already get so many promotional messages.
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Aman W
As a small business owner, I'm cautiously optimistic. A unique handle for my shop could be great for branding. But this "dynamic pricing" for marketing messages sounds expensive. Will it only benefit the big corporations? Need more clarity.
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Sarah B
The stats in this article are mind-blowing! 72% of product discovery on WhatsApp? It shows how central this app is to daily life here. No wonder they're focusing on business features. But please, keep the core messaging simple and free for regular users.
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Vikram M
Good move by WhatsApp. In our family groups and housing society groups, sometimes you don't want everyone to have your personal number. A username will help maintain that boundary. Hope it's easy to set up for my parents too.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, I think the timeline is too slow. 2026 for usernames? By then, other apps might have copied the feature. For a market of 500 million users, they should prioritize India for early testing. We are the ones driving their growth, after all.

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