WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new feature for its iOS app that will allow users to link their Instagram profiles directly to their accounts. According to a feature tracker, this update aims to help users showcase their social media profiles in one place, making it easier for their contacts to connect with them across platforms.
The feature was discovered in the latest beta version of the iOS app, but since it’s still in development, beta testers currently do not have access to try it out.
WhatsApp Users Will Be Able To Add Instagram Links?
As highlighted by WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, the messaging platform is working on this integration, which was spotted in the iOS beta version 25.2.10.72, available through the TestFlight beta program. However, the feature remains inactive in the current build. A screenshot shared by the tracker reveals that the new functionality will be housed within the Links section of the user profile interface. Here, a new option labelled “Add Links” allows users to insert their Instagram username by tapping a plus icon, simplifying the process of linking social media accounts within WhatsApp.
According to the feature tracker, the current version of this feature does not require users to verify the Instagram profile they add. This means users can simply enter a username, and the corresponding Instagram profile will be displayed on their WhatsApp account. However, this approach could raise concerns related to privacy and potential identity theft. It’s expected that WhatsApp may introduce an authentication step to address these issues before the feature is officially rolled out to all users.
Importantly, this feature is said to be entirely optional, allowing iOS users to choose whether or not they want to link their Instagram profiles. A similar feature already exists for WhatsApp Business accounts, but in that case, users must log into their Instagram accounts to verify the profile link. Currently, the feature only supports Instagram links, but there’s a possibility that WhatsApp may expand it in the future to include other Meta platforms like Facebook and Threads.
It remains unclear if the company will extend this functionality to third-party social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) or Snapchat.
