WhatsApp Adds Camera Shortcut and Media Sharing: WhatsApp is continuing its efforts to streamline the media-sharing experience with new improvements rolling out to beta testers. After previously introducing a camera shortcut inside the gallery sheet in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.24.23 update, the platform is now enhancing the chat attachment menu even further.
With the rollout of WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.37.4, select testers can now send media directly from an embedded gallery sheet inside the chat share menu, eliminating the need to switch screens while sharing photos and videos.
Camera Shortcut Returns With Better Integration
The earlier update brought the camera shortcut back inside the gallery panel, giving users a quick way to capture new photos or videos without navigating away. This approach merges the convenience of the old camera shortcut with the improved media browsing flow WhatsApp has recently adopted.
The goal is to create a smoother, faster experience when switching between viewing existing photos and capturing new ones—all without leaving the chat window.
New: Share Media Directly From the Chat Share Sheet
Embedded Gallery View at the Bottom of the Attachment Menu
In the latest beta update, some users now see a gallery interface directly inside the chat share sheet, allowing them to browse recent photos and videos instantly.
This gallery panel includes:
- A camera shortcut at the top — offering instant access to take a new photo/video
- Recent media thumbnails — pulled directly from the device’s gallery
This means users no longer have to:
- Open the full gallery
- Leave the ongoing chat
- Switch between sections to locate recent media
For users with UPI or PIX payments enabled, the payments icon may replace the main camera shortcut to avoid redundancy.
A Faster and More Intuitive Media-Sharing Workflow
The new gallery sheet significantly reduces steps and interruptions:
- Open a chat
- Tap the attachment icon
- Access the camera or recent photos instantly
- Maintain awareness of the ongoing conversation
This improvement is especially useful for users who frequently share images and videos in groups and private chats.
Media Still Opens in the Editor Before Sending
Even with this faster selection interface, WhatsApp maintains a safeguard:
When a user taps on a photo or video from the gallery sheet:
- It opens in the media editor
- Users can add text, drawings, stickers, or make adjustments
- Nothing is sent automatically
This reduces the risk of accidental shares and gives full control over final edits.
Redesigned Share Options With a Cleaner Look
WhatsApp is also refreshing the look of the chat share options:
- Sharing icons now have a pill-shaped design
- The interface appears more organized and modern
- The “Documents” option has been renamed to “Files”
The new name reflects the ability to send any file type, especially helpful since WhatsApp now supports sending files up to 2GB.
Feature Still Experimental and May Not Roll Out to All Users
It’s important to note that the embedded gallery sheet is part of a limited experimental rollout. WhatsApp often tests new interfaces with small groups before deciding whether to:
- Roll out the feature widely
- Modify its design/functionality
- Or discard it entirely
Feedback from beta testers will determine how this feature evolves.
Availability
The new media-sharing interface is available to some users running the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.37.4 from the Google Play Store.
WhatsApp will continue adjusting the feature during this testing phase, with a wider release dependent on stability and user feedback.
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