WhatsApp to soon let you search through usernames: here’s how it will work

WhatsApp usernames

• This feature was spotted by in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.25.19 update. It isn't available for beta testers though, according to WABetaInfo.
• According to the latest update, WhatsApp has added the ability to search for people with usernames. This isn't to be confused with your WhatsApp name that's currently available on the app.
• WhatsApp will let you create a unique username that can be used by others to find you on the app. This eliminates the need of having to share your phone number to connect on WhatsApp.
• So now if you have share your username you can simply type it in the search bar, and it will appear. You can then directly chat with that person on WhatsApp. 

With usernames, WhatsApp users are expected to get another layer of privacy especially if they don't want to share their personal phone numbers. The feature is still in testing so it isn't exactly clear how the final version will work once it's released. But we're expecting WhatsApp usernames to start rolling out for beta testers soon. 

This feature seems similar to Telegram usernames. Telegram also lets you set a public username that can be used by others to find you on the app. This way others can message you on Telegram even without having access to your phone number. But WhatsApp is expected to give users control over who can message you even through usernames.