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In what we can call a direct challenge, Facebook is testing the self destruct messaging feature that was introduced by Snapchat. A Facebook spokesperson confirmed in an email statement, "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. Starting today, we're conducting a small test in France of a feature that allows people to send messages that disappear an hour after they're sent. Disappearing messages gives people another fun option to choose from when they communicate on Messenger." According to Facebook, this feature is only being tested in France for Android and iOS users but it would also be made available to other users globally. This new feature will show in the app as an hourglass icon which can be turned off or on using the app settings, reports The Telegraph.

As told to The Verge, the users can tap on the hourglass to toggle the feature on/off. When on, it would only be applicable to that single chat and not the other chats. It can also be turned off at any time. Disappearing messages have been used by many other chat services and it is highly likely that the Facebook messenger users too will rate the app feature favorably after use. This feature, once successfully tested in France, will be rolled out to the other parts of the world too, says Tech Post.

This feature will only be available on the app which was disintegrated from the main Facebook software only last year. The messages will auto delete from the desktop if the conversation is being held on the app. Facebook previously had tried to buy Snapchat but the app refused the rumored $3 Billion offer, reports the Independent.