WhatsApp usernames launch ‘later this year’ – here’s how to get yours now - 9to5Google

WhatsApp has just announced that usernames are officially coming, but you might not be able to get yours just yet. In a blog post today, WhatsApp confirms that usernames are arriving for users in a gradual rollout “over the coming months,” so you might not have access right away. That said, reservations are opening today. Usernames on WhatsApp can be reserved starting “this week” to be used when the feature actually launches later this year. You’ll be able to select your username of choice, including the abilty to leverage existing Facebook/Instagram usernames on WhatsApp. That’s why we’re introducing usernames for WhatsApp. Starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch this feature. With over three billion people on WhatsApp a lot of names overlap, which is why we’re opening reservations early so everyone has the opportunity to select the username that matters to them. …We also know that some people like creators, small businesses, and organizations may want to maintain a consistent presence online. For them, we reserved an option to claim their existing Instagram or Facebook username on WhatsApp. You’ll be able to claim your username via Settings > Account > Username or via the Profile (also in Settings). WhatsApp details the process on a support page.