Snapchat is reportedly valued at over $10 billion. So it’s no surprise that Facebook is experimenting with messages that expire – and that brands and organizations are thinking creatively about how to use these types of services to prove that they aren’t just for the teenage set anymore. How can you take advantage of these advances in messaging (and look pretty cool to the teens in your life at the same time)?

Even if you’re not sexting (and we believe you, although, let’s be honest, the numbers don’t lie), there are several reasons you might want to experiment with messages that expire:

1. Send messages more securely. The more we work online, the more available our information is, and messages that leave no trace could eventually become secure and useful means for sending payment information and other sensitive materials, setting up meetings, and of course planning Mission Impossible-style encounters. A company called CrypText is just one company that’s gotten press lately as they target ways to improve on the ‘disappearing message’ phenomenon to make mobile messages more secure.

2. Tell a better story.  The new Snapchat stories tool creates timelines that aggregate user videos and photos to give a 360-view of live events. Want to be at Coachella without the heat and the boho flower headbands? Watch a Snapchat story and feel like you were there – or if you are there, add your images to a larger event feed and really feel like part of the event, both online and off. NowThisNews has built a significant audience on Snapchat jumping off from this model, making smaller clips of the buzziest news stories of the day.

3. Find a new audience. Every social media tool has its pros and cons, but experts agree that targeting content specific to each type of channel – Twitter, Facebook, SnapChat, etc one of the best ways to build buzz. So disappearing message options provide a new – maybe younger, definitely growing – audience for content.

4. Solve visual problems quickly. Stuck on a crossword clue? Need a protip to get beyond the next level of a game? Not sure if the paint color you chose for the bedroom is exactly right? There’s a good chance someone out there is only a click away from helping you out – in nearly real time. And who needs to save a crossword clue? A disappearing clue is way faster than emailing your mom a photo or paying for a hint.

5. Meet new people. It may seem a little weird now to meet new people on a social service that’s not geared towards dating, but Snapchat already has a track record in the video game space, hooking up players for various games and showing fans sharing parody content. It makes total sense that Facebook would want in on this part of the disappearing messaging action – wouldn’t it be cool to integrate quick visual messaging with friends of friends you’ve already vetted via the biggest social network out there?

6. Get sneak peeks. Fashion and beauty releases are a natural fit for disappearing message services. Just like they say on Project Runway, one day you’re in and the next, well, you know. Makeup line NARS has already taken advantage of Snapchat, using the service to release a sneak peek at a special line released last fall. Designer Rebecca Minkoff has also used the service preview new clothing lines and sponsor product giveaways for fans.

Are you on Snapchat or would you use a disappearing message service if it came to Facebook? Tell us your experiences below or tweet us @dotcomplicated!

By Laura Hertzfeld

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