WhatsApp Introduces ‘Spoiler’ Formatting to Enhance Messaging Privacy
WhatsApp is developing a new feature aimed at enhancing user privacy and control over message content. This upcoming ‘Spoiler’ formatting option allows users to conceal specific parts of their messages, requiring recipients to tap to reveal the hidden text. This functionality is particularly beneficial for sharing sensitive information or discussing plot details in group chats without immediately exposing the content to all participants.
Integration into WhatsApp’s Formatting Tools
The ‘Spoiler’ feature is currently being tested in the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.6.10.71, available through TestFlight. It is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing text formatting options such as Bold, Italic, and Strikethrough. Users can select the ‘Spoiler’ option from the formatting menu, which will apply a gray overlay to the chosen text, effectively hiding it until the recipient decides to reveal it by tapping.
Manual Syntax for Spoiler Formatting
In addition to the menu-based selection, WhatsApp plans to support a manual method for applying spoiler formatting. Users can enclose the text they wish to hide within double vertical bars, like this: ||hidden text||. The app will automatically recognize this syntax and format the text accordingly, providing a quick and efficient way to conceal information without navigating through the formatting menu.
Functionality and User Experience
When a message is marked as a spoiler, the concealed text remains hidden by default within the chat. Recipients must tap on the message bubble to reveal the content. Notably, even after viewing, the spoiler remains active; if the app is closed and reopened, the text will be hidden again, requiring another tap to view. This design ensures that sensitive information stays concealed unless the user actively chooses to access it.
Current Development Status and Future Plans
At present, the ‘Spoiler’ feature is focused solely on text messages, with no confirmed support for images or videos. WhatsApp is conducting tests on both Android and iOS platforms to ensure a consistent user experience across devices. While beta testers may notice the option in their menus, the feature is still under development and not yet functional. Once testing is complete, WhatsApp plans to roll out the ‘Spoiler’ formatting in a future update, further enhancing user control over message visibility and privacy.
