Facebook-owned WhatsApp has announced the introduction of disappearing messages feature, a move ramping up its challenge to rival Snapchat.
According to messaging service, no fewer than two billion users will have the options of deciding whether they can keep their messages or allow them to automatically delete after seven days.
“Today, WhatsApp messages often live on our phones forever. While it’s great to hold onto memories from friends and family, most of what we send doesn’t need to be everlasting,” a WhatsApp blog post said.
“Our goal is to make conversations on WhatsApp feel as close to in-person as possible, which means they shouldn’t have to stick around forever. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the option to use disappearing messages on WhatsApp.”
It would be recalled that Facebook previously introduced a similar option for its Messenger platform in imitation of Snapchat, which has amassed a strong following among young smartphone users.
WhatsApp chose a seven-day window “because we think it offers peace of mind that conversations aren’t permanent while remaining practical so you don’t forget what you were chatting about,” the blog post said.
“The shopping list or store address you received a few days ago will be there while you need it, and then disappear after you don’t.”
