Telegram has many interesting features that not everyone knows about. One of them is a spoiler, or hidden text. With its help, you can hide the entire message completely or part of it. Let's figure out how and why to hide text in Telegram messages.

According to Mediascope.net, in March 2024, more than 60.5 million people in Russia alone accessed Telegram daily to communicate, read news on channels, and manage their channels. In total, more than 84.8 million people used Telegram in March 2024.

Most of them use only basic functions, unaware of or unwilling to explore new features. For example, the hidden text function in Telegram. It appeared at the very end of 2021 and quickly became popular. If you also want to hide text or an image under a spoiler but have not yet figured out how and why to do it, we will help to clarify.

Why hidden text is needed in Telegram

The hidden text function is also called a spoiler. In the message, the text or image is under a flickering (or pixelated) rectangle. And the reader decides whether they want to uncover the hidden information. If they want — they will click on the flickering rectangle. If not — they will ignore it. Hidden text is usually needed in the following cases:

• a spoiler may contain text that reveals the intrigue of a movie or literary work;
• public channels often hide 18+ content, which may be unpleasant for sensitive people or those who have not reached the appropriate age;
• presence of confidential information. Receiving a message under a spoiler, the reader can open it when there is no one around;
• passwords, access links, promo codes can be hidden under a spoiler;
• hidden text and images add intrigue to the message. By nature, people are curious and many will open the message under a spoiler simply because it is hidden.

How to hide text in Telegram

To hide text, you don’t need to write "Caution, spoiler!", just hide it under a flickering tab. If the content is targeted at readers over 18, it is better to indicate this.

In personal messages and in telegram channel messages to hide text, you need to follow the same algorithm.

Step 1

Write the text and highlight the part that you want to hide.

Step 2

In the desktop version, right-click on the text and select "Formatting", then — "Hidden".

On a smartphone, to add a spoiler, highlight the text by holding your finger on the screen for a few seconds, then click on the three dots in the menu that appears and select "Hidden".

How to hide an image in Telegram

Images are hidden under a spoiler by approximately the same algorithm as text.

Step 1

In the message line, click the paperclip icon and select the image you plan to add from the gallery.

Step 2

On a smartphone:

As soon as you select one or, for example, two photos, a message will appear at the top of the tab: "2 photos selected", and a menu of three dots on the right. Click on the three dots and select "Hide under the spoiler". After that, send the message.

On the desktop version:

After you select the desired shots, a window will appear, in the upper right part of which is a menu — three dots. Click on them and select "Hide under the spoiler".

How to hide video under spoiler in Telegram

You can hide not only text and photos but also video. The algorithm of actions is the same. First, you need to click on the "Clip" icon in the message line, then select the desired video. After that, click on the three dots on the right and choose "Hide under the spoiler".

When a spoiler is not needed

Hidden under a spoiler, the text or photo helps ensure the confidentiality of information, protect the readers' nerves, and add intrigue to the message. However, it is important not to abuse the use of hidden content to maintain the audience's trust and avoid the impression of manipulation.

If in every message or post, you hide insignificant information under a flickering rectangle, it may spoil the reputation of your channel. Gradually, subscribers will get the impression that you manipulate their attention, trying to create intrigue out of nothing, and they may unsubscribe.

Where messages appear as hidden

The text of the message under a spoiler will be hidden everywhere: in the chat itself, in the list of chats and channels, in notifications on smartphones, and on PC. If you open hidden text or an image, and then exit the chat or channel, the next time you enter, the text message will again be displayed as hidden.

How to hide the text of the message in the notification

Telegram allows you to hide text not only in dialogs or posts but also in pop-up notifications. To do this, you need to go to the Telegram menu and select "Settings", then — "Notifications and Sounds". Then — select the desired category: personal chats, groups, channels, stories, or reactions.

Suppose you want to disable push notifications in personal messages. Select "Personal Chats", and then in the settings, disable the "Show Text" function. You can also turn off the notification sound and alerts about new messages in personal chats. If necessary, add exceptions.

The settings to hide messages in a channel or group are the same.