Web Share API

ELI5 — The Vibe Check

The Web Share API triggers the native share sheet from a website — the same one native apps use. Instead of building a janky 'share to Twitter/Facebook' button grid, you tap one share button and the OS shows all the sharing options. Clean, simple, and surprisingly easy to implement.

Real Talk

The Web Share API invokes the platform's native sharing mechanism from web content, supporting text, URLs, and files. It requires user activation (click/tap) and a secure context (HTTPS). Availability varies by platform — well-supported on mobile, limited on desktop.

Show Me The Code

navigator.share({
  title: 'Cool Article',
  text: 'Check this out!',
  url: window.location.href
}).catch(console.error);

When You'll Hear This

"Use the Web Share API on mobile and fall back to a copy-link button on desktop" / "navigator.canShare() tells you if the browser supports sharing files"