The new feature in WhatsApp’s Android beta introduces a dedicated chat attachment shortcut, allowing users to share recently viewed, saved and liked Instagram Reels.

WhatsApp is testing a dedicated Instagram Reels sharing shortcut that will make it easier for users to send videos directly into conversations without navigating through the media picker.

According to WABetaInfo, the feature has appeared in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.42.9, available through the Google Play Store. Tapping the new shortcut in the chat attachment menu opens a dedicated screen where users can select an Instagram Reel or post to share.

WhatsApp previously allowed users to share Instagram and Facebook Stories, posts and Reels through its media picker. The new shortcut aims to make the process more straightforward by bringing the option directly into the attachment menu.

The dedicated screen features three tabs: Recent, Saved and Liked. The Recent tab displays Reels recently viewed on Instagram, while Saved contains bookmarked videos and Liked lists Reels that users have liked. Users can select any available Reel to share in a WhatsApp conversation.

However, the feature comes with an important limitation. It is available only to accounts linked through Meta’s Accounts Centre, meaning users must connect their accounts to access the functionality.

Accounts Centre remains optional. Users who prefer to keep WhatsApp separate from Instagram and Facebook can continue using the messaging service without linking their accounts.

Nevertheless, the integration may encourage more users to connect their Meta accounts by offering additional convenience. The feature is currently being tested in the Android beta, and its wider availability has not been confirmed.