Sharing your favorite Instagram Reels on WhatsApp is about to get easier—here’s how
Sharing an Instagram Reel you like to WhatsApp is set to become much simpler. WhatsApp is currently testing a new feature that adds a dedicated button for Instagram Reels within the chat attachment menu. Let’s take a look at how this feature works.
When you come across an entertaining video on social media, you naturally want to share it with your friends. Often, while browsing Instagram, you might find a Reel you love, but sharing it to WhatsApp currently requires extra steps to find the right option. To streamline this, WhatsApp is testing a new feature that introduces a dedicated button for Instagram Reels directly within the chat attachment menu.
This will reduce the number of steps required to find your favorite videos and share them with friends or family. The feature is currently being rolled out to select Android beta users. WhatsApp has not yet announced when it will be available to all users.
A dedicated Reels button in WhatsApp chats
According to reports, a new shortcut for sharing Reels has been spotted in the Android beta version 2.26.42.9 of WhatsApp. This update is available on the Google Play Store, and some beta testers are already able to use it. Once this feature is live, users will see a specific "Reels" option when they open the attachment menu in a chat. Tapping this will allow users to access videos they’ve viewed on Instagram, eliminating the need to search for Instagram content within the standard media picker.
Three options for sharing Instagram Reels
The new shortcut includes three distinct tabs: "Recents," "Saved," and "Liked." The "Recents" tab will display Reels you have recently watched on Instagram. The "Saved" tab will contain videos you have saved, while the "Liked" section will show the Reels you have "liked" on the platform. Users will be able to browse these three sections, select a video of their choice, and send it directly within a WhatsApp chat. This could also make it easier to relocate a Reel that was viewed previously.
Accounts must be linked to use the feature
To utilize this shortcut, users will need to link their WhatsApp account via Meta’s Accounts Center. This enables content sharing across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. However, linking accounts is optional; those who prefer to keep their WhatsApp separate from Instagram and Facebook can continue using the app as they always have—though they will not see the new Reels shortcut.
When will the feature be available to all users?
Currently, this functionality is limited to a select group of Android beta testers. Even users on a compatible version may not receive this option immediately. WhatsApp has not yet announced a date for a wider rollout. Furthermore, there is no official information regarding its availability for iPhone users.
