Threads Tests Spoiler Text Feature to Boost User Engagement

TL;DR

• Meta’s Threads is testing a spoiler text feature, announced by Mark Zuckerberg on the platform.
  
• The update allows users to hide text or images, which appear grayed out until clicked—aiming to foster open discussion without spoilers.
  
• This mirrors similar tools on platforms like Discord and Reddit.
  
• Threads aims to deepen its community roots among pop culture fans, especially during major TV events like The Last of Us or The White Lotus.
  
• The feature could also help users manage sensitive or off-putting content like injury photos or personal updates, enhancing platform moderation.
  

Spoiler Text Comes to Threads

Meta continues to iterate on its social platforms, and the latest update for Threads reflects that push. The company is testing a spoiler text feature, which enables users to blur out parts of a post—whether that’s a surprising TV show ending, a sensitive image, or just something not safe for every audience.

Mark Zuckerberg confirmed the feature in a post on June 16, noting that Threads wants to support richer discussions while allowing users to choose what content they see.

What Is Spoiler Text and Why Does It Matter?

Spoiler text has become a standard etiquette tool on many platforms. On Reddit, it’s often used in TV show or movie subreddits to protect viewers who haven’t caught up. Discord users rely on the feature to hide memes, match scores, or triggering images. Threads adopting the feature signals its intent to compete with these more conversational, community-oriented platforms.

From a product perspective, spoiler text aligns with Meta’s goal to increase user engagement during cultural moments, while minimizing friction between users who’ve “seen it” and those who haven’t.

How the Feature Works

Spoiler text on Threads currently remains in a limited test phase. For those included in the test:

• You can highlight text or an image before posting.
  
• A formatting menu appears.
  
• Select “Mark spoiler”, and the selected content will be grayed out.
  
• Viewers can tap the grayed area to reveal it.
  

Meta has not shared when the feature will be available globally, but internal sources say a broader rollout could follow in late Q3 2025 if initial tests succeed.

Enhancing Cultural Conversations on Threads

In a Meta press release, the company noted that major shows like The Last of Us and The White Lotus regularly trended on Threads during their original runs. By integrating spoiler controls, Meta is encouraging more users to engage in cultural discussions without fear of backlash.

This also hints at Threads’ ambitions to become more than just a Twitter/X alternative. With spoiler tools and an evolving ecosystem of creators, Threads is clearly investing in community-first features.

Beyond Spoilers: Sensitive and Custom Content Use Cases

While the feature is named “spoiler text,” its utility goes beyond TV reveals:

• Some users may blur graphic content like minor injuries (e.g. bruises, cuts, swelling).
  
• Others may hide personal updates that aren’t violations but might trigger emotional responses—grief, breakup news, or even graphic memes.
  
• There are also opportunities for gamers and sports fans to share match results without ruining the experience for others in different time zones.
  

In other words, the feature brings user-centric control to post visibility—key to modern platform safety design.

Threads’ Feature Development Strategy

Spoiler text follows a series of incremental upgrades to Threads in 2025, including:

• Trending Topics, to compete with X’s real-time conversations.
  
• Topic Tags, which help categorize content by genre or interest.
  
• Multi-profile support, allowing users to separate personal and public personas.
  
• API rollout, encouraging third-party developers to build for Threads.
  

These features show Meta is taking a slow, deliberate approach to growing Threads as a differentiated social space rather than just a Twitter clone.

Market Perspective and User Behavior

According to Statista, Threads had over 170 million monthly active users globally by May 2025. While early growth spiked due to Twitter dissatisfaction, ongoing retention hinges on continued feature development like spoiler controls.

A recent Morning Consult survey found that 43% of Threads users prefer the platform for entertainment and culture-related discussions—making the spoiler text rollout particularly relevant.

hreads Spoiler Feature Rollout

Conclusion: Small Update, Big Cultural Shift

While spoiler text may seem like a minor feature, it reflects a broader cultural and product shift. Threads is carving a unique space in the social media landscape by investing in safe, respectful, and context-aware communication tools.

As more pop culture moments unfold—new movie releases, live TV finales, or major sports events—spoiler controls could become one of the platform’s most appreciated features, giving users agency over how they engage and what they see.

For Meta, it’s another step in building community-led growth, rather than just algorithmic expansion.