Facebook Messenger is introducing a new feature that automatically destroys messages after a certain period of time. The feature is currently on its testing phase and is available to Messenger users in France.

The concept of self-destructing messages was first introduced by Snapchat. It appears that the feature is successful that it manages to persuade social networking giant Facebook to jump into the bandwagon as well.

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In a statement sent to USA Today, Facebook said, "We're excited to announce the latest in an engaging line of optional product features geared towards making Messenger the best way to communicate with the people that matter most. Disappearing messages gives people another fun option to choose from when they communicate on Messenger."

Facebook Messenger users in France have noticed the new feature and started spreading the news all over the Internet. Users can turn on the new feature by tapping the hourglass icon on Messenger. Tapping the icon again will turn off the feature.

Facebook said that, depending on user feedback, it might end up releasing the new Messenger feature outside of France, according to Slash Gear.

Many tech analysts said that the latest move from Facebook is part of the company's effort to snatch users away from Snapchat. Some speculations claim that the announcement of the new Messenger feature coincides with the same day Facebook tried to acquire Snapchat for $3 billion two years ago.

Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel revealed early in November that Snapchat users access more than 6 billion videos daily. This figure is close to Facebook's 8 billion daily video views.

TagsFacebook Messenger, messenger, snapchat, Facebook Features, Messenger features