Threads is letting users hide spoilers in latest test
Meta’s latest Threads feature aims to help users avoid spoilers.
Spoiler alert: Threads is testing a spoiler alert
Nobody likes spoilers. Whether it’s a shock plot in a new TV show, a cameo in a film, or the features on an album with a hidden guestlist. Thankfully, Threads is testing a new feature to help: the ability to hide spoiler content.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg confirmed in a Threads post that the platform is testing a way to “hide spoilers in your Threads posts”. Currently available to some users, the feature lets you hide spoilers to any post. That way, other users have to tap to reveal the content.
Image credits: Threads
How it works
When composing a Thread, users in the test group can select an option to “mark spoiler” before posting which will blur out content by tapping an image or highlighting the spoiler text.
As of right now, the spoiler feature looks different across devices. Spoilers on desktop are hidden by a grey block, while spoilers are hidden behind floating dots on mobile.
Alec Booker told The Verge that:
“This feature is currently optimized for mobile, but we’re working to improve the experience for desktop.”
Could it be used in the music industry?
Movie and TV spoilers aside, the feature could also be useful for other purposes. TechCrunch notes that it could also be used to blur text and images that are disturbing but don’t violate Terms of Service.
As for the music industry, it could be used to hide:
- Surprise album features
- Leaked clips from listening parties
- Unannounced tracklists
All of these moments can be spoiled before fans have a chance to experience them. For artists and labels, leaks and spoiler posts can take the sting out of a carefully planned rollout. A feature like this could help keep the magic intact for longer, all while still encouraging fan engagement.
It could even add a bit of hype, given the novelty behind revealing what’s hidden. In a way, it could act in a similar way to Instagram’s unlockable reels. As seen with The Weeknd’s teaser for his film, it requires some deeper fan engagement to unlock the post and furthers the hype around a release.
When a big artist drops an album with hidden guest features, fans could enjoy the first listen without being worried about seeing spoilers. One of the most noticeable examples of this was Travis Scott’s Astroworld which had hidden features when it first dropped. Just imagine if you saw spoilers beforehand.
Wrapping up
No matter how it’s used, it’s always nice to be able to scroll on social media without seeing unexpected spoilers. It hasn’t rolled out to all users and it’s not clear how many people will gain access to it. However, Booker has said it’s a “global test”- so perhaps more people will have access soon.
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