According to Digital Trends, WhatsApp’s beta version 2.25.32.3 reveals a username reservation system that gives priority to people who already have matching handles on Instagram or Facebook. The platform plans to let users and businesses secure their preferred usernames before the full system launches in 2026. Business accounts will gain access to unique usernames by June 2026 specifically. The verification process happens through Meta’s Account Center, linking the username directly to your WhatsApp account. This represents Meta’s next big step toward unified digital identity across its platforms.
Meta ecosystem play
Here’s the thing – this isn’t just about convenience. It’s a strategic move to further lock users into Meta’s ecosystem. If you want that sweet username reservation, you need to already be playing in Meta’s sandbox with matching handles. Basically, they’re rewarding loyalty while making it harder for newcomers or people who use different names across platforms.
And let’s be real – who actually uses the same username everywhere? Most people don’t. So this system heavily favors creators, businesses, and professionals who’ve already built their brand within Meta’s walls. Regular users? They’ll probably have to wait until 2026 when the full system launches.
Business implications
The business angle here is massive. Business accounts getting username access by June 2026 means companies can finally move beyond phone numbers for customer connections. Think about it – no more sharing your personal number with random customers. That’s huge for privacy and professionalism.
But there’s a catch. The verification process sounds pretty stringent. You’ll need to prove you own that Instagram or Facebook handle through Meta’s Account Center. So businesses that haven’t secured consistent branding across Meta’s platforms might find themselves at a disadvantage.
Competitive landscape
WhatsApp is seriously late to this party. Telegram and Signal have had username systems for years. Why is Meta only getting around to this now? Probably because they’ve been focused on other things – like that whole metaverse situation that hasn’t exactly taken off.
Now, the big question: Will this actually make WhatsApp better, or just make Meta more dominant? Usernames are definitely more convenient than phone numbers, but tying them to your existing Meta accounts feels… limiting. What if you want a fresh start? What if your Instagram handle is something embarrassing from 2014?
Still, for businesses and creators who’ve invested in building their presence across Meta’s platforms, this could be a game-changer. Being able to maintain consistent branding from Instagram to WhatsApp creates a smoother customer experience. And let’s face it – in today’s digital world, that consistency matters.
