WhatsApp declares war on spoilers: a feature to hide messages on the way

The world’s most popular messaging app is also the one that implements new features the slowest. In recent hours there is talk of an upcoming addition for WhatsApp, spotted thanks to the latest beta version released for Android (2.26.7.10).

This is the formatting spoiler, capable of concealing the content of a message or part of it: a feature already present in Telegram since 2021. Better late than never, one might say, although it’s not yet time to celebrate victory.

Avoid unwanted spoilers: here’s how the spoiler will work on WhatsApp

As anticipated at the opening, in fact, the WhatsApp spoiler feature has been identified in the app’s beta version but for now it is a hidden feature and tests have not yet started. Consequently there will still be a wait for the debut, both at the experimental level and for all users.

The spoiler formatting works similarly to what Telegram users know well. In the future it will be possible to use new text formatting tools and — based on what has emerged — among these there will also be the spoiler.

As shown in the image, using this special feature the content of the message will be hidden; for now it refers to text but it is likely that in the future it will also be extended to other types of messages (such as photos). To view the hidden text simply click on it to make the ‘censorship’ disappear.

The ability to create a spoiler button is particularly important, especially in group chats, where many users discuss a wide range of topics. The new formatting will allow avoiding unwanted spoilers about movies, TV series, books, games and more.

There are groups where users fear viewing the content precisely because of possible spoilers: thanks to this precaution it will be possible to have conversations without risk.