- The WhatsApp Reels button is being tested to share Instagram videos directly inside chats.
- Users can access recently watched, liked and saved Reels from the chat attachment menu.
- The feature is rolling out first to Android beta testers with Accounts Centre linking required.
The WhatsApp Reels button is a new feature being tested to make sharing Instagram Reels in chats more direct. Instead of opening the usual media picker and searching for content, users can access a dedicated Reels option from the chat attachment menu.
The new option brings recently watched Reels, liked Reels or videos, and saved Reels into one place for sharing. It is currently rolling out to Android beta testers, while a wider release for all users is expected later.
How the WhatsApp Reels button works
The dedicated button appears in the attachment menu inside a chat. Tapping it lets eligible users browse Reels they recently watched, liked or saved, then choose a video to send in the conversation. This reduces the steps needed to find a Reel they want to share.
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The feature depends on linking the WhatsApp account with Accounts Centre. People who keep WhatsApp unlinked from Instagram or Facebook will not see the Reels button and will continue using the usual media picker.
How to share Instagram Reels on WhatsApp
- 💬 Open WhatsApp and enter the individual or group chat where you want to share a Reel.
- 📎 Tap the attachment button and look for the dedicated Reels option.
- 🎬 Browse your recently watched, liked or saved Reels and select the video you want to send.
- ➡️ Confirm the selection and send it to the chat.
These steps apply when the option is available on your account. If the WhatsApp Reels button is missing, check whether WhatsApp is linked in Accounts Centre and whether the feature has reached your beta build.
Android beta rollout and availability
The WhatsApp Reels button is rolling out first to Android beta testers using WhatsApp Android beta version 2.26.42.9, available through Google Play. The initial release is limited, so installing the beta does not necessarily mean the button will appear immediately. A broader rollout to other users is expected later. Once the wider rollout begins, more details should appear on the official WhatsApp website.
WhatsApp has also been adding tools to make conversations easier to manage. For another recent change, see the WhatsApp Mentions and Replies filter update, which helps users find chats that need attention.
For more Instagram-related updates, read about the Instagram Home experience testing with Reels. Users interested in privacy can also review these Instagram privacy settings and tips.
Conclusion
The new Reels shortcut is designed to make sharing Instagram videos in WhatsApp chats quicker by bringing watched, liked and saved Reels into the attachment menu. For now, it is limited to a gradual Android beta rollout and requires Accounts Centre linking. Users who have not linked their accounts will continue to see the standard media picker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the WhatsApp Reels button do?
It lets eligible users browse recently watched, liked and saved Instagram Reels and share them directly in a WhatsApp chat.
Which WhatsApp version is testing the Reels button?
The feature is rolling out to Android beta testers using WhatsApp Android beta version 2.26.42.9 through Google Play.
Why can’t I see the Reels button in WhatsApp?
Your WhatsApp account needs to be linked with Accounts Centre, and the feature must be available to your account. Unlinked accounts keep the usual media picker.
When will the WhatsApp Reels button reach everyone?
It is being rolled out to Android beta testers first. A wider release for all users is expected later, but no exact date is specified here.
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