Discord automatically generates previews for many websites when users share links in chats, direct messages, and servers. These previews can include the page title, description, thumbnail image, and other information pulled from the website. While link previews are useful for providing context, there are situations where users may want to hide them. For example, a preview can make a message look cluttered, reveal information before someone clicks the link, or simply take up unnecessary space in a channel.
Discord provides built-in ways to suppress link previews without modifying the destination URL. This allows you to share links cleanly while still letting recipients open the website if they choose. Whether you’re sharing articles, videos, downloads, documents, or other content, knowing how to hide link previews can help keep conversations organized and professional.
This guide explains several methods to disguise links and hide link previews on Discord using simple steps.
What Are Discord Link Previews?
When you paste a supported URL into Discord, the platform attempts to retrieve metadata from the website and display a preview card.
A typical preview may include:
- Website title
- Page description
- Thumbnail image
- Video preview
- Website name
These previews are generated automatically whenever Discord detects a supported URL.
Method 1: Add Angle Brackets Around A Link
The easiest way to hide a link preview is by surrounding the URL with angle brackets.
Steps
- Open Discord.
- Go to the channel or direct message.
- Type the link as follows:
<https://example.com>- Send the message.
Discord will display the link without generating a preview card.
Example
Instead of:
https://example.com
Use:
<https://example.com>This method works on both desktop and mobile versions of Discord.
Method 2: Remove The Preview Before Sending
Discord sometimes provides an option to remove a preview before posting the message.
Steps
- Paste a link into the message box.
- Wait for Discord to generate the preview.
- Look for the small X icon on the preview.
- Click the X.
- Send the message.
The link remains clickable, but the preview card is removed.
Method 3: Use Markdown Hyperlinks In Supported Areas
Certain Discord features support Markdown-style links.
Example
[Visit Website](https://example.com)Where supported, this allows a cleaner appearance without showing the full URL.
Keep in mind that standard Discord chat messages do not support all Markdown hyperlink formats, so availability depends on where the link is being used.
Method 4: Split The URL
Another simple approach is to slightly break the URL format.
Example
Instead of:
https://example.comUse:
example[.]comor
https:// example.comRecipients can copy and correct the link manually.
This prevents Discord from recognizing the text as a clickable URL and therefore stops preview generation.
Method 5: Disable Link Embeds For Your Server
Server administrators can restrict embed permissions.
Steps
- Open your Discord server.
- Go to Server Settings.
- Open Roles.
- Select the desired role.
- Locate the permission:
Embed Links- Disable the permission.
- Save changes.
Users with that role will no longer be able to generate embedded previews.
Method 6: Delete The Preview After Posting
If a preview appears after you’ve sent the message, you can edit the message.
Steps
- Hover over the message.
- Click the three-dot menu.
- Select Edit Message.
- Add angle brackets around the URL.
- Save the edit.
Discord will remove the preview.
Why Hide Link Previews?
Many users choose to hide previews for various reasons:
- Cleaner chat appearance
- Reduced visual clutter
- Better formatting
- Less distraction in busy channels
- Preventing large image embeds
- Maintaining a professional look
The actual destination URL remains unchanged.
Benefits Of Hiding Link Previews
Using hidden previews can provide several advantages:
- Shorter messages
- Cleaner conversations
- Faster channel navigation
- Reduced scrolling
- More organized announcements
- Improved readability
This is especially useful in announcement channels and support servers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hiding a preview change the destination URL?
No. The URL remains exactly the same and continues to direct users to the intended website.
Can users still click the link?
Yes. A hidden preview only removes the embed card. The link remains clickable unless you intentionally break the URL.
Do angle brackets work on Discord mobile?
Yes. Angle brackets work on both Discord desktop and mobile apps.
Can server owners disable previews for everyone?
Server owners can disable the Embed Links permission for specific roles, which prevents users from generating embeds.
Is hiding link previews against Discord rules?
No. Using Discord’s built-in methods to suppress previews is completely allowed.
Final Thoughts
Discord’s automatic link previews are useful, but they can sometimes make conversations look cluttered or reveal information you would rather keep hidden until someone clicks the link. Fortunately, Discord offers simple ways to suppress previews while keeping links functional.
For most users, adding angle brackets around a URL is the quickest and easiest solution. Administrators can also manage embed permissions at the server level when greater control is needed. Whether you’re sharing articles, videos, documents, or websites, these methods can help keep your Discord channels clean, organized, and easier to read.
