WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature aimed at improving user experience by allowing its users to add their Instagram account link directly to their profiles. This development, still in the testing phase, aims to facilitate faster and more coherent interactions between WhatsApp and Instagram, two platforms owned by Meta.
As of March 21, 2025, WhatsApp users on iOS devices can activate this feature by following a few simple steps. First, users need to open the WhatsApp app and navigate to the settings menu. From there, they will click on their profile picture, select 'New Links', and finally add their Instagram account link.
The introduction of this feature not only allows users to share their Instagram accounts with contacts more seamlessly but also grants them control over who can view their linked Instagram profile. Users on iOS devices can choose from various privacy settings: 'Everyone', 'Contacts Only', 'Contacts Except...', or 'No One'. This choice enhances user privacy and personalization in a social media landscape increasingly focused on connectivity.
It’s important to note, however, that the availability of these privacy options on Android devices remains uncertain. WhatsApp has not yet confirmed whether Android users will receive the same range of privacy settings as their iOS counterparts when it comes to sharing their Instagram link.
Adjusting privacy settings on an iPhone is a straightforward process. Users can go to 'Settings', select 'Privacy', find the relevant link option, and choose their preferred privacy level based on their social media habits and comfort level. This feature is entirely optional, meaning users can decide whether to enable it or ignore it without affecting the core functionalities of the application.
WhatsApp users interested in testing this new feature must be part of the WhatsApp Beta program. This program allows select users to experience new features before they are officially launched. To join this program, Android users can visit the Google Play Store, search for the WhatsApp page, and opt-in to the beta program. Meanwhile, iPhone users would need to download the TestFlight app from the App Store and sign up for the WhatsApp Beta using the link provided by WhatsApp.
Meta has made it clear that the aim of this integration is to enhance the connectivity between its various social platforms, creating a more interactive and fluid user experience. While this feature is still undergoing testing, it is anticipated that it could potentially launch in regions such as the Middle East, including Yemen, in the near future.
As social media platforms continue to evolve, ease of connectivity among them remains a focal point. The introduction of features like linking Instagram accounts to WhatsApp profiles not only simplifies user interactions but also reflects a broader trend toward integrated social media experiences.
In a nutshell, this new feature exemplifies WhatsApp's commitment to providing users with options that enhance how they connect with friends, family, and contacts through social media. As users await further developments, the anticipation for a filled-out experience across Meta’s platforms is palpable.
