WhatsApp is set to introduce a new feature, enabling users to view and share photos, videos, stories, posts and reels from Instagram and Facebook directly in the WhatsApp app.
The feature will be available in WhatsApp chats as well as WhatsApp statuses, according to media reports. The new functionality will require users to connect their WhatsApp account with Meta’s Accounts Centre to use it.
It’s available to some users with the latest beta versions of WhatsApp for Android and iOS. The company is going to roll out to additional users in the next few weeks.
Facebook and Instagram Content on WhatsApp
Last year, WhatsApp brought integration with Accounts Centre, which enables users to link their WhatsApp to Meta apps. Users can make use of a number of features available across platforms once their accounts are connected, such as sharing WhatsApp Status updates to Instagram Stories or Facebook.
The new feature will enable users to directly access media from their linked Facebook and Instagram profiles from WhatsApp. This will spare them from having to double-tap the Instagram and Facebook apps to choose material to post to.
It seems that users can select pictures, videos, stories, posts and reels from their integrated Meta services without leaving WhatsApp. The feature aims to simplify sharing of content across Meta’s platforms without the need to switch between apps.
The Account Centre link is not required
WhatsApp has confirmed that accounts can be linked via the Accounts Centre, and this is a voluntary process. Users can decide to either enable or disable the feature or keep their accounts separate.
The company has also stated that connecting WhatsApp to Accounts Centre will not impact the security of private communications. Whether or not users connect their accounts, personal messages and calls will continue to be protected by end-to-end encryption.
The new integration is part of Meta’s wider initiative to integrate its various platforms and offer users a greater cross-platform feature set. But for the time being, it’s still limited, and it’ll be rolling out in the coming weeks.