<p>Instagram is preparing to launch a new messaging service on its platform this year as soon as its event this Thursday TechCrunch has heard from a variety of sources. This isn't too shocking, as Om Malik reported in a piece last month that the service would be coming very soon.</p><p>What we've also heard, however, from a few sources, is a very interesting rumor: Instagram's messaging feature will feature messages that will disappear over time.</p><p>We haven't been able to get a solid confirmation of this one so let's call a spade a spade this is conjecture. Hence the headline with a question mark up there. But, since we're here, let's talk it out.</p><p>From what we understand of the messaging feature, it will be a part of the main app but may not be dedicated to a separate section on the tab bar. This leads us to believe that it will be an offshoot of the profile section of the app, similar to how Twitter's previous app handled DMs, though yesterday's update places messages right in the tab bar.</p><p><a href="http://techcrunch.com/2013/12/11/will-instagrams-messaging-moments-be-ephemeral/">Keep reading...</a></p><p>Read also:</p><p><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/10513281/Instagram-to-launch-private-messaging-service.html">Instagram &#039;to launch private messaging service&#039;</a> (Telegraph.co.uk)</p><p><a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/230335">Top 10 Apps for Instant Messaging (Infographic)</a> (Entrepreneur)</p><p><a href="http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2013/12/twitter-private-photo-sharing/">Twitter Makes Its Play for Private Messaging</a> (Wired)</p><p>Explore: <a href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=dxN6vrA2QcHUWFM7Q7y48_j4vQyeM&ned=us">30 additional articles.</a></p>