Ephemeral

Private messages · A more open world

Conversations that expire, between people who chose each other.

Ephemeral is a private messenger in development. There are no usernames or phone numbers. Every contact starts with a one-time invitation, and messages expire in Ephemeral an hour after they arrive.

In development · not yet available Android first

Built to know less

The design keeps no accounts, contact lists, message history or message queues on our server. Message content and keys are meant to stay on your devices.

Messages expire

Received messages are removed from Ephemeral one hour after they arrive. Undelivered messages are removed when their delivery deadline passes, which can be anywhere from 1 hour to 7 days.

Invite, don't search

There's no directory to search. You connect by scanning a QR code or opening a one-time link, then check each other's safety phrase.

What this server does

It does

  • Helps two devices that are online at the same time find each other, then steps aside.
  • Forwards short, encrypted connection details between them.
  • Tells your device its public network address (STUN).

It doesn't

  • Relay or store messages. If two devices can't connect directly, Ephemeral says so rather than routing through us.
  • Keep request logs, accounts or contact lists.
  • Use analytics, advertising or third-party fonts.
Honest limits While you're connected, the server can see your IP address, and the people you talk to see it too. Ephemeral can't erase screenshots, copies others make, or anything on a compromised device. Ephemeral is in development and has not been independently reviewed yet.