WhatsApp working on spoiler formatting feature for text messages

Spotted in the latest iOS beta version, the upcoming feature will allow users to conceal selected text behind spoiler formatting, requiring recipients to tap and reveal hidden content within chat conversations.

WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new spoiler formatting feature that will enable users to hide portions of their text messages within chats. The update was identified in the latest iOS beta version 26.6.10.71, according to a report by WABetaInfo.

The proposed feature is designed to allow senders to conceal specific words, sentences or entire messages so that recipients must tap on the hidden section to reveal the content. At present, the functionality appears to be limited to text messages, with no indication that images, videos or other media formats will support spoiler tagging.

How the spoiler feature is expected to work

As outlined in the report, users will be able to apply spoiler formatting through the text-formatting context menu. After selecting the desired text, an option labelled “Spoiler” will appear, enabling users to hide that portion of the message. Once applied, the selected content will be masked by default within the chat window.

Technically, the feature uses two vertical bars — commonly referred to as double pipes — placed before and after the selected text. Users may also manually enter the formatting by typing “||text||” to mark content as a spoiler. The formatting can reportedly be applied to individual words, sentences, or entire messages.

Once sent, spoiler-tagged messages will remain concealed until tapped. Even after being revealed, the formatting is expected to reset if the user exits and reopens the chat, ensuring the content remains hidden by default.

Gradual rollout in beta phase

While some beta testers may already see the Spoiler option within the formatting menu, the feature is still under development and not yet fully functional. A broader rollout is anticipated in a future beta release.

The move would align WhatsApp with platforms like iMessage, which offers a similar “invisible ink” feature for hiding text. If introduced widely, the spoiler option could add a new layer of conversational control and privacy to the messaging experience.