Meta Adds Usernames to WhatsApp for Enhanced Privacy and Growth

Meta Platforms is expanding WhatsApp with usernames that let users connect without sharing phone numbers, marking the latest step in its privacy-focused strategy. The development follows the June 23 rollout of Instagram for TV to Samsung Smart TVs, which boosted Reel time spent by 10% and Facebook video time by 8%. Additional positives include AI translation tools reaching over 500 million weekly viewers, Kunal Shah’s appointment to lead WhatsApp, and CRED’s $900 million fundraising involving Meta. The company maintains Q2 2026 revenue guidance of $58-61 billion while raising 2026 capex to $125-145 billion. META shares remain down 7.2% year to date despite these product initiatives.