Following Android and iOS users, WhatsApp has now officially launched the username reservation system for Cloud API partners. With its official announcement, the company stated that businesses can reserve their own usernames early via Meta Business Suite, WhatsApp Manager or Username API.

This development stands out as a part of WhatsApp’s digital transformation strategy, which is aimed to be completed by 2026. Businesses are invited to migrate to this new identification infrastructure to make their systems independent of the phone number requirement.

Username Reservations Open for Businesses

WhatsApp’s latest attack is not limited to individual accounts, but also includes businesses using large-scale Cloud API. These businesses had the opportunity to secure usernames identified with their brands before their Competitors. Selected usernames will be automatically activated as soon as the feature is rolled out across the region.

Businesses will now be able to contact their customers without sharing their phone number.

New Communication Tools Introduced for Businesses

The platform has developed two new features with the aim of increasing customer interaction of businesses. The “Send to BSUID” feature allows companies to send notifications directly using BSUID instead of phone number. On the other hand, the “Request Phone Number” button added to the conversation interface allows businesses to automatically save customer information in their databases by obtaining approval.

How the Username Era Will Change Communication

When the system is fully activated, a new era will begin for businesses. When a user sends a report via username to a business with which he/she has not interacted before, only the BSUID will be sent to the business’s API system instead of the phone number. For existing customer connections, the phone number will continue to be an identifier.

In order for the systems to operate uninterruptedly, BSUID integration needs to be done as soon as possible.

Systems Must Be Updated for Username Migration

WhatsApp recommends that all Cloud API partners complete their BSUID integrations quickly. By following the current instructions in the developer documents, businesses can optimize their systems according to the new infrastructure in the test environment. Businesses that do not prepare early run the risk of experiencing technical glitches when the feature becomes available for general use.

Username Feature is Gradually Becoming Widespread

The username feature, which is expected to be available to all users in the coming weeks, takes the WhatsApp experience to a more privacy-oriented point. Users can make their own preferences from the account settings section within the application. WhatsApp will continue to report all developments regarding the process directly through the application in the coming days.

How do you think the arrival of usernames will affect our communication with businesses? You can share your opinions and questions about this new feature with us in the comments section.