Facebook challenges Snapchat with 'dissapearing message function'
Facebook is trialing a new feature that can destroy messages up to an hour after they have been sent.
The Snapchat-like function has been designed for use on the social network's Messenger app. Users can turn on the feature by pressing a small 'egg-timer' button on the top-right hand side of their screen and any message sent in that conversation will self-destruct.
Commenting on the move, Facebook said: “We look forward to hearing people’s feedback as they give it a try.”
So far, the feature is only available in France, but Facebook has indicated that a further roll-out will follow if it performs well.
Facebook reportedly tried to purchase Snapchat for $3bn in 2013 but the startup turned down the offer, and in 2014 the social behemoth "accidently" debuted a rival product named Slingshot before removing it from the App store.
Today's launch follows figures released earlier this week which indicate that Snapchat is outpacing its competitor in terms of video views, having tripled its daily plays since April.