Add MobiGyaan as a preferred source on GoogleWhatsApp is reportedly rolling out a new shortcut that makes it easier to share Instagram Reels in chats. The feature adds a dedicated Reels button to the chat attachment menu, allowing users to browse their recently watched, saved, and liked Instagram videos and share them directly in WhatsApp conversations.
The feature is currently rolling out to select Android beta testers through WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.42.9. WhatsApp has not announced a wider rollout date.
WhatsApp Reels Shortcut: How It Works
According to WABetaInfo, the new Reels button appears in the chat attachment menu. Tapping it takes users to their Instagram activity, where they can browse Reels they have watched recently, saved, or liked.
Users can select a video from any of these sections and share it in a WhatsApp chat. This provides a more direct way to find and share Instagram Reels without navigating through the existing media picker.
WhatsApp & Instagram Accounts Must Be Linked
To use the new shortcut, users will need to link their WhatsApp account to Accounts Centre. Those who prefer to keep their WhatsApp account separate from Instagram and Facebook can continue using the apps without linking them, but the dedicated Reels button will not appear in their chat attachment menu.
WhatsApp already allows users to share Instagram and Facebook Stories, posts, and Reels through the media picker. However, users must open the picker and navigate to the relevant section to find the content they want to share.
The new shortcut gives Reels a dedicated entry point in the attachment menu, making it easier to browse Instagram activity and share videos in conversations.
WhatsApp Reels Shortcut Availability
The feature has been spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.42.9, available through the Google Play Store. It is rolling out to select beta testers, so installing the latest beta version does not guarantee that the feature will be available immediately.
WhatsApp has yet to announce when the Reels shortcut will be available to all Android users or whether it will arrive on iOS.