WhatsApp brings in feature that sees messages disappear after seven days

Instant messaging application WhatsApp is introducing a new feature that will mean messages will disappear after seven days.

The feature, called "disappearing messages", will need to be turned on by a user and will not become the standard for the messaging service.

Currently messages sent and received on WhatsApp live until they are manually deleted.

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WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook, said the purpose of disappearing messages was to make conversations seem "lighter" and more "real".

"Our goal is make conversations on WhatsApp feel as close to in-person as possible, which means they shouldn't have to stick around forever. That's why we're excited to introduce the option to use disappearing messages on WhatsApp," the service said on its blog.

"When disappearing messages is turned on, new messages sent to a chat will disappear after seven days, helping the conversation feel lighter and more private.

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"In a one-to-one chat, either person can turn disappearing messages on or off. In groups, admins will have the control."

The service said it was "starting" with a time limit of seven days as it means important information like shopping lists and addresses will remain current a few days after they were sent.