WhatsApp Tests Instagram Reels Shortcut for Android
WhatsApp is rolling out a dedicated Instagram Reels shortcut to select Android beta testers. The feature lets users find and share Reels directly from a chat’s attachment menu. As a result, users can access videos more quickly without searching through the existing media picker.
The update appeared in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.42.9, available through the Google Play Store. However, the rollout remains limited, and not every beta tester has access. WhatsApp has not announced a public release date.
How the New Reels Shortcut Works
The new button appears in the attachment menu inside WhatsApp chats. When users tap it, they can browse Instagram Reels through three sections: Recents, Saved, and Liked. This lets them find videos they recently watched or previously bookmarked and liked.
Previously, users with linked accounts could access Instagram content through WhatsApp’s media picker. However, they had to navigate extra menus to find Reels. The dedicated shortcut makes the option easier to find and reduces the steps needed to share a video.
Meta Accounts Centre Linking Required
To use the shortcut, users must link their WhatsApp account to Meta’s Accounts Centre. This connection enables the cross-platform feature between WhatsApp and Instagram. Meanwhile, users who prefer to keep their accounts separate can continue using WhatsApp normally, without the new shortcut.
The Recents tab can help users retrieve a Reel they watched but did not share immediately. Similarly, Saved lets users access bookmarked videos, while Liked shows Reels they have liked on Instagram. As a result, users can return to relevant content without reopening Instagram and searching again.
The feature adds to Meta’s broader efforts to connect its messaging and social media services. Nevertheless, the shortcut does not replace Instagram’s main browsing experience. Instead, it provides a more direct way to share existing Instagram content during conversations.
For now, WhatsApp is gradually rolling out the feature to eligible Android beta testers. Users who cannot see the button may need to wait for access, even if they install the compatible version. Furthermore, the company has not confirmed when the feature will reach all Android users or arrive on iOS.
