One of the most eagerly anticipated features on WhatsApp is finally stepping out of beta. The messaging giant, used by an astounding 3 billion users worldwide, has announced that usernames will soon be available to its user base.

This new feature offers a privacy-friendly alternative to sharing phone numbers for connecting with others. Alice Newton-Rex, vice president of Product at WhatsApp, highlights the optionality and flexibility of usernames: you can choose your own, change them whenever you like, or remove them entirely.

However, getting that dream username might be harder than it seems. High-profile names will be reserved for their legitimate owners, meaning @kimkardashian is off-limits to everyone else. But fret not if you have an existing Facebook or Instagram handle; those are up for grabs during the reservation period.

The rollout of usernames marks a significant shift in how we interact on WhatsApp, offering enhanced privacy and flexibility without compromising on personal identity. Whether it’s the common user or the celebrity, everyone gets a fair chance at claiming their preferred username – albeit with some exceptions.