WhatsApp on Thursday said it would introduce a “disappearing messages” feature on its platform that would allow new messages sent to a chat to vanish after seven days. The feature will be rolled out to all users this month.

The Facebook-owned company said the goal was “to 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. When the ‘disappearing messages’ feature is turned on, new messages sent to a chat will disappear after 7 days, helping the conversation feel lighter and more private,” it said in a statement.

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

“We’re starting with seven days because we think it offers peace of mind that conversations aren’t permanent, while remaining practical so you don’t forget what you were chatting about. The shopping list or store address you received a few days ago will be there while you need it, and then disappear after you don’t,” WhatsApp said.

Earlier this week, WhatsApp had said it had redesigned the storage management tool to make it more useful for people to easily identify, review and bulk delete content that may be filling their phone.