The quick answer
The best material is already in your chat history: the meal that went wrong, the misheard lyric, the nickname nobody planned, or the phrase one friend always says. Use Imp to extend that story with exact words rather than explaining the joke to outsiders.
In a group, design for the full audience. Even when only a few people open the emoji, the message should not become harmful if every member sees it. Shared games and callbacks are stronger than exclusion.
Step by step
- Choose a shared memory that feels good to everyone involved.
- Write a fresh callback instead of simply repeating the old line.
- Pair it with the object, place, food, or reaction emoji tied to the story.
- Share it privately or in the group where the joke belongs.
Remember: Imp creates and reveals the hidden emoji message. The actual conversation and sharing still happen through the chat app you choose.
Ways to use this idea
The sequel
Imagine what happened next to a character or object from the original story.
The anniversary
Send the emoji on the date or place where the joke began.
The prediction
Use the running joke to predict what a friend will order, say, or forget next.
Why the format works
Use hidden emojis as occasional highlights. If every line requires a reveal, the format becomes work; when one arrives at the right moment, it feels like an event inside the conversation.
The reveal is strongest when it has a purpose. Use it to create timing, add tone, or reward shared context—not simply to make an ordinary sentence harder to read. A clear hidden line and a well-chosen emoji usually do more than an elaborate code.
Use good judgment
- Retire jokes that no longer make everyone laugh.
- Do not turn a person's embarrassing moment into a recurring public performance.
- Share to the smallest appropriate audience.
As with any message, the person who receives it may be able to copy, capture, or share what they reveal. Choose the audience and the words accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
How do I write a good inside joke message?
Start with a warm shared memory, add a new twist, and keep it short enough that recognition delivers most of the payoff.
Which emoji should carry it?
Choose the object, place, food, or reaction most closely associated with the original story.
Does the other person need Imp to reveal the message?
Yes. The emoji can travel through an ordinary chat, but the recipient uses Imp on iPhone to reveal the message hidden inside it.
Can a revealed message be copied or screenshotted?
Treat every revealed message as something the recipient could save or share. Imp changes how the message is presented, but it cannot control what another person does after opening it.