WhatsApp is testing a new feature that could make sharing Instagram Reels with friends much easier. The messaging app is adding a dedicated Reels shortcut to its chat attachment menu, allowing eligible users to find and share videos without searching through the usual media picker.
The feature is currently rolling out to select Android beta testers. WABetaInfo has spotted it in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.42.9. Users must link their WhatsApp account to Meta's Accounts Center to access the shortcut.
A Dedicated Reels Button in WhatsApp Chats
The new shortcut gives Instagram Reels a separate place in WhatsApp's attachment menu. Users can open a conversation, tap the attachment icon, and select the Reels option to browse eligible Instagram content.
Previously, users with access to Instagram media in WhatsApp had to navigate the media picker to find it. The new button makes the option easier to find and reduces the steps needed to share a video. The feature is particularly useful for people who regularly send funny clips, trending videos and other Instagram content to friends and family.
Find Recently Watched, Saved and Liked Reels
The shortcut opens a dedicated screen with three tabs: Recents, Saved, and Liked. Each tab helps users find different types of Instagram content.
The Recents section shows Reels you watched recently, while Saved contains videos you bookmarked on Instagram. The Liked tab helps users find Reels they have previously liked.
After finding a video, users can select it and share it directly in a WhatsApp conversation. This could save time when someone wants to send a Reel they watched earlier but did not share immediately.
Linking Accounts Is Required
To use the new shortcut, users must connect their WhatsApp account to Meta's Accounts Center. The feature builds on Meta's existing cross-platform integration, which allows users to access Instagram and Facebook media within WhatsApp.
However, linking accounts remains optional. People who prefer to keep their WhatsApp account separate from Instagram and Facebook can keep using the messaging app normally, but they won't have access to the dedicated Reels shortcut.
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When Will the Feature Reach Everyone?
For now, only some Android beta testers can access the shortcut, and not everyone running the compatible version will see it immediately. WhatsApp has not announced a date for a wider public rollout or confirmed when the feature may arrive on iPhones. Users who cannot see the Reels button may need to wait until WhatsApp enables it for their accounts.