Snapchat made so-called "ephemeral messaging" a thing, and now Facebook is getting in on the action too.
Facebook on Thursday said it is testing disappearing messages within its Messenger app for users in France.
"Starting today, we're conducting a small test in France of a feature that allows people to send messages that disappear an hour after they're sent. Disappearing messages gives people another fun option to choose from when they communicate on Messenger," the company said in a statement to NBC News, confirming an earlier Buzzfeed report.
Users turn on the disappearing feature by tapping on an hourglass icon on the screen prior to sending a message. The message will disappear one hour after it's sent (see above photo). Anyone in the conversation can switch the feature on or off at any time from within the thread.
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At the moment, the feature is being tested for iOS and Android users in France only. Facebook says it may be available in more countries over time, but there’s no firm schedule for that.
