Facebook takes on Snapchat by testing self-destructing messages

Facebook is testing a new feature that lets users post self-destructing messages that disappear after a set period of time. The feature is being trialled with a limited number of users, some of whom spotted it on their iOS apps earlier this week. Facebook is letting users opt to show their posted message for a period of between one hour to seven days, after which it disappears from public view.

We’re running a small pilot of a feature on Facebook for iOS that lets people schedule deletion of their posts in advance.

Facebook spokesman, speaking to thenextweb technology site

After that, Facebook’s servers take up to 90 days to delete the data from offline backups and logs. The feature is similar to the popular Snapchat app, which lets users send photographs and videos that disappear after several seconds or a specified number of views. Facebook recently launched a Snapchat rival called Slingshot. In July, it offered users up to $192 to test out the photo-sharing app for a three-month period.

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