News in Short

• WhatsApp is testing a dedicated Instagram Reels shortcut inside its chat attachment menu.
• Users can browse recently watched, liked and saved Reels before sharing them.
• The feature is rolling out to select Android beta testers.
• Users must link WhatsApp to Meta’s Accounts Centre to access the shortcut.
• WhatsApp has not announced a wider rollout date.

WhatsApp is testing a new shortcut that makes sharing Instagram Reels in chats easier. The feature adds a dedicated Reels button to the messaging app’s attachment menu. It lets users browse their Instagram activity and share videos without navigating through the existing media picker.

The feature is currently rolling out to select Android beta testers. WhatsApp has not confirmed when it will reach all users.

WhatsApp Adds a Dedicated Instagram Reels Button

According to WABetaInfo, the new shortcut is available to some users running WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.42.9. The update is distributed through the Google Play Store.

The Reels button appears in the chat attachment menu. Tapping it lets users browse Instagram Reels they have recently watched, liked or saved. They can select a video from these sections and share it directly in a WhatsApp conversation.

This gives users a quicker way to find Reels they want to send to friends or family. They may no longer need to navigate through the media picker to locate the relevant Instagram content.

WhatsApp already supports sharing Instagram and Facebook posts, Stories and Reels through its media picker. The new shortcut adds a more direct route for sharing Reels, making the process simpler for users who frequently send short videos in chats.

WhatsApp Reels Shortcut Has One Important Requirement

The new feature comes with a condition. Users must link their WhatsApp account to Meta’s Accounts Centre to access the dedicated Reels shortcut.

Those who prefer to keep their WhatsApp account separate from Instagram and Facebook can continue using the apps without linking them. However, they will not see the new Reels button in the chat attachment menu.

This requirement could influence how users choose to manage their connected Meta accounts. The shortcut offers convenience, but users who prefer separate accounts will need to continue using the existing sharing method.

The feature also does not mean Instagram Reels are becoming part of WhatsApp itself. Instead, the shortcut provides a more direct way to browse selected Instagram activity and share videos through WhatsApp chats.

When Will the WhatsApp Reels Feature Reach Everyone?

The shortcut is currently available only to some Android beta testers. Installing WhatsApp beta version 2.26.42.9 does not guarantee access, as the rollout remains limited.

WhatsApp has yet to announce a timeline for a wider release. The company could expand availability after testing, although no public rollout schedule has been confirmed.

For now, users can continue sharing Instagram Reels through WhatsApp’s existing media picker. Those who receive the new shortcut will get a dedicated option for browsing recently watched, liked and saved Reels.

If WhatsApp expands the feature to more users, it could make sharing short videos between the two platforms more convenient. However, access will depend on the rollout and the requirement to link accounts through Meta’s Accounts Centre.