LINE Launches Hidden Chats: New Feature Allows Users to Send Time Limited Messages

TOKYO, Japan, July 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

LINE Corporation, owner and operator of the free call and messaging app LINE, today announced the release of the Hidden Chats feature for the Android and iPhone versions of the LINE app. The new feature lets users send messages with a time limit attached to them, perfect for private conversations.

Hidden Chats can be used in 1-to-1 chats between supported devices. A separate room exclusive to Hidden Chats is created and a filter attached to the messages makes it impossible to view the contents directly. Text, stickers, images, location info, and contact info can be sent, and viewing limits of 2 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 1 minute, 1 hour, 1 day, or 1 week can be attached to the messages.

The receiver of the message can tap the protected content to view it, at the same time starting the countdown timer for the message. After the predetermined amount of time passes, the contents of the message will be automatically deleted, making them perfect for sending information to be shared temporarily with friends, family, or loved ones.

Speaking of the new Hidden Chats feature, Sunny Kim, Head of LINE Europe, explained: "We are very excited to launch Hidden Chats in the UK and Europe. There is clearly a strong demand for private chat features in Europe currently and at LINE we are always trying to adapt our service to meet the latest user expectations. From multiplatform to free calls and video calls we believe in going the extra mile for our users, and LINE Hidden Chats is the next step in logical step in our journey. Hidden Chats will provide users with a new platform for private conversations, with the ability to share messages with friends and family that are only available for a pre-determined amount of time before being deleted. We are sure users will enjoy this new feature and the added privacy it offers."

Through the introduction of the Hidden Chats feature, LINE will increase the convenience and privacy that its service offers to its users. In order to experience the new Hidden Chats feature, current LINE users must update to the latest version available via the notices section of the app.

The feature expands on the existing range of services available via the LINE app, including: instant messaging, free calls and shareable stickers.

Worldwide downloads of LINE and LINE Family Apps reached 1 billion in June 2014.

Supported Environments for Hidden Chats 

iPhone 4,4S, or 5 smartphones with iOS 5.0 or later, or smartphones with Android 2.3 or later.

Feature can be used after updating the app to the latest version. The Hidden Chats feature is not available in Japan or China and does not offer support for BlackBerry, Windows Phone, or Nokia devices.

About LINE Corporation 

LINE Corporation is based in Japan and develops and operates the LINE app for smartphones. Since launching in June 2011, the LINE app has grown into a global service used in 230 countries, ranking first in the free app category in 60 countries. LINE offers free one-to-one and group messaging, as well as free domestic and international voice and video calls. LINE also includes a wide array of social elements such as fun and expressive stickers, a personal Home, a Timeline, and numerous LINE family apps, including LINE games and LINE camera. For more information about LINE, please visit http://linecorp.com/en/.