Facebook is testing a new self-destructing feature on its Messenger app in France. The feature allows users to send messages with a built-in auto-destruct timer. It is quite similar to Snapchat, where instant messages and photos automatically get deleted soon after a user reads or views it.

According to 13WMAZ, the feature, which can be activated by tapping an hourglass icon in the top right corner of the chat window, will allow people to send messages that automatically disappear after an hour. A second tap on the hourglass will turn the disappearing messages feature off.

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According to Digital Trends, only those in the specific conversation will be affected by the disappearing messages, which means you can turn it on or off depending on who you are talking to. Anyone in that chat can enable or disable the feature at any time from within the thread by just tapping the hourglass icon.

According to screenshots of the app, it looks as if the chat bubbles will remain for the self-destructed messages. Instead of the traditional blue with white text, there will be an empty white box.

As with Snapchat, users can always screenshot the chat window to save a photo of the messages - athough it is unknown if Facebook will send a notification that this has happened.

In a statement provided to USA TODAY, Facebook said it is experimenting with the feature in France, but it may expand to other countries in the future.

"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," reads the statement. "Disappearing messages gives people another fun option to choose from when they communicate on Messenger. We look forward to hearing people's feedback as they give it a try."

This isn't the first time Facebook has tested a similar service, Computer World reported.

In September 2014, the company confirmed that it was eyeing disappearing posts and comments with mobile users. At the time, Facebook called it a small pilot on Facebook for iOS users. The feature was not widely released.

It's been a busy week for Facebook. Earlier this week the company announced a new "Photo Magic" facial recognition feature for its Messenger app. On Saturday, the social network announced it would be bringing 360-degree News Feed video and ads to the iOS app.

TagsFacebook Messenger, Messenger App, Photo Magic, iOS app