# Disappearing Chat Social media sites are introducing features to delete user content and messages. By [Grace Mahas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Grace.Mahas), VP of Content & Insights | Published Nov 24, 2020 | Category: [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/social-media-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/disappearing-chat ## Key Figures - Trend score: 1.5/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Disappearing Chat trend? **Disappearing Chat:** As social media continues to be a primary tool in daily communication, apps are fighting to be the top choice for consumers' online chats. To appeal to consumers, these platforms are introducing new features that automatically erase messages and posts after a specified time, enabling online activity to be temporary. ## The consumer insight behind the Disappearing Chat trend The permanence of what users post on social media has caused a lot of controversy among consumers, leaving many to discuss the importance of being mindful online. Social media sites are responding by offering less permanence and more privacy controls to allow users to experiment and be more impulsive with what they choose to share. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 20 to Nov 17, 2020 - Published: Nov 24, 2020 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Disappearing Chat trend ### Disappearing Social Media Content Social media platforms are introducing temporary messaging and post features to increase user privacy control and experimentation opportunities. ### Social Media Chat Features Social media platforms are updating their chat features to enhance user experience, including customization options and simultaneous viewing while video calling. ### Temporary Social Media Posts Social media sites like Twitter and Instagram are introducing temporary posting options, allowing users to experiment with more interaction without the pressure of permanent content. ## What the Disappearing Chat trend means for industry ### For Social Media Companies in the social media industry can explore temporary content and messaging features, customization options, and privacy controls to enhance user engagement and competition with other platforms. ### For Technology Developers in the technology industry can create apps that prioritize fun and experimentation opportunities through temporary content features and engaging chat options. ### For Marketing Marketers can leverage the trend of temporary social media content to boost the authenticity and FOMO-driven value of campaigns, maximizing engagement and reach through a sense of exclusivity for a limited time. ## Workshop question How can your brand cater to consumers' desire for privacy in your products or services? ## Trend signals for Disappearing Chat Trend score 1.5 out of 10, from popularity 25%, activity 11%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 25% - Activity: 11% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Disappearing Chat trend 4 featured examples from Mar 20 to Nov 17, 2020. - [Disappearing Social Media Text](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/text-messaging-feature): Instagram Confirmed It is Testing a New Text Messaging Feature (Category: Social Media) Implication: The disappearing text messaging feature allows marketers to create time-limited campaigns, driving urgency and engaging customers in a new way. - [Social Media Chat Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instagrams-dm): Instagram's DM Updates Feature Disappearing Messages (Category: Social Media) Implication: The messaging app industry can explore opportunities to integrate disappearing messages, customization features, and enhanced privacy controls to attract new users and retain exis… - [Disappearing Social Media Posts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twitter-fleets): Twitter Fleets Will Delete After 24 Hours (Category: Social Media) Implication: The trend towards temporary social media posts and privacy controls creates opportunities for social media companies to innovate and differentiate themselves from their competitor… - [Disappearing Chat Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/facebooks-vanish-mode): Facebook's Vanish Mode Makes DMs Temporary (Category: Social Media) Implication: The disappearing chat trend on platforms like Facebook Messenger presents opportunities for the social media industry to create new features and monetization methods. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Social Media - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [Nostalgic Dating App Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hily-dating) - [Weekly People's Choice Cookie Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/choice-menu) All articles: [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialmedia)