WhatsApp has announced the global rollout of usernames as it looks to add another layer of privacy for users by protecting their phone numbers.

The service is being introduced as a privacy feature rather than a social media handle. According to a note shared by WhatsApp, there is no directory for people to browse, which means users will need to know the exact username to make contact.

To communicate the feature, WhatsApp has rolled out a film in India featuring actor Aamir Khan.

The film shows two girls having a conversation at a bar about a boy one of them has just met and whether she should share her phone number with him. Khan overhears the conversation, tells her it is natural to feel hesitant, and suggests that she share her WhatsApp username instead of her number, thereby introducing the feature.

What we think about it: Not the most creative film, but it does an effective job of introducing the feature and explaining its privacy benefit.