Major social media app is about to make a huge change to how people can connect

A change is coming to WhatsApp that could affect how users connect with one another.

WhatsApp announced in a blog post Monday that it will allow users to connect through usernames, rather than requiring them to share phone numbers. The company said it is making the change with its users in mind.

"Usernames are our latest step to make WhatsApp even more private," the company said. "There's no directory to browse and no suggestions — people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time. To help control who can reach you on WhatsApp with your username, we've built an optional username key that others will need to know to message you."

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The company said people will be able to request their preferred usernames by by navigating to Settings, then Account, then Username.

WhatsApp said it will also take steps to protect the usernames of prominent public figures, allowing them to claim their existing Facebook or Instagram usernames on the platform.

Meta-owned WhatsApp has 3 billion users across 180 countries, according to the company.

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