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The Snapchat cloning continues! But the new “vanish mode” on Facebook’s Messenger app offers some cool features worth familiarizing yourself with.

How it Works

The mode is currently only available on Messenger but is coming soon to Instagram DMs as well (which we learned last month is now integrating directly with FB Messenger, after all).

The main quirk to take note of is that, as opposed to a time delayed disappearance, 'vanish mode messages will disappear when you leave the chat. This is opposed to the new disappearing messages feature on WhatsApp, in which messages can be set to autodelete after 7 days.

The steps to use the vanish mode feature are very straight forward:

“To turn it on, swipe up on your mobile device in an existing chat thread and you’re in vanish mode. Swipe up again and you’re back to your regular chat. That’s it!”

— Facebook

This gesture-based interaction is sure to throw off some of the older demographics, but it should also be natural to many users accustomed to these types of interfaces.

Some additional details to know:

• You can only use this feature with people you’re connected to (“friends”)

• Users choose whether to enter vanish mode with someone

• Have no fear: You will see a notification if someone screenshots the convo

• You can block someone and report a conversation if you feel unsafe

Also, the first time you use the feature, you should see a walkthough explaining how it works.

Vanish mode has arrived in Messenger! Swipe up in a chat thread to enter. Swipe up to turn off. Some things aren’t meant to last. #vanishmode https://t.co/kq6icgAiW2 pic.twitter.com/xAFdgRB3g6

— Messenger (@messenger) November 12, 2020

Why it matters

Facebook is making a concerted effort to improve it’s direct messaging offerings, and privacy is a central component. Autodeletion is just one facet of this.

While Vanish Mode is unlikely to come into play in many social media marketing strategies, it’s important to understand how interaction on these platforms is changing overtime.

Related News

This month, we’ve also got you covered on these important social media news items:

Blog

Instagram encouraging users to “Try a New Account”

Twitter gives their ad creator a facelift

Reels and Shops getting prime Instagram app real estate

Introducing “Vanish Mode” in Facebook Messenger and Instagram

TikTok now connects with Shopify

More noteworthy news items from this month:

• Pinterest launches new tools for product optimization (Pinterest news)

• Introducing Snap Connect: Specialized Courses Taught by Snapchat Experts (Snapchat Business)

• 5 new features for better watching on YouTube (YouTube blog

• New Pinterest iOS home screen widget for daily inspiration (Pinterest news)

• Instagram Direct: How to Change Chat Themes (Adweek)

• New ‘Neighborhood Sponsorships’ on Nextdoor (Nextdoor business)

• Twitter's Working on New Warnings for Likes of Tweets Which Include Disputed Claims (SocialMediaToday)

• TikTok announces agreement with Sony Music Entertainment (TikTok blog)

• Introducing Facebook Elevate: Resources for Black and Latinx and Hispanic-Owned Businesses (FB Business Blog)

• Facebook Shares New Insights into Evolving Consumer Behaviors Amid COVID-19 (SocialMediaToday)

• Twitter Labeled Some 300,000 Tweets for Violating Its Civic Integrity Policy (Adweek)

• Facebook Tests New Options to Add Motion Effects to Still Images in Feed (SocialMediaToday)

Here’s how Facebook’s new ‘motion effects’ feature for photo posts works... pic.twitter.com/FHqpOBbhsO

— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) October 28, 2020

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