The messaging app Signal has rolled out its first paid feature — the ability to create secure backups of media and text messages. For $1.99 a month, users can access media archiving and unlimited text storage.

All data is encrypted end-to-end, and access is granted only through a unique recovery key. If this key is lost, the company will not be able to assist with recovery.

Signal explains that this paid option is necessary to cover the costs associated with storing large volumes of data. As a nonprofit organization that does not monetize user data or display ads, the service is seeking alternative funding methods.

For users without a subscription, media is stored for only 45 days, while text messages are retained indefinitely but limited to 100 MB. According to VP of Engineering Jim O'Leary, this amount should be sufficient for even the most active users.

Backups are created daily and are not tied to an account or payment. In the future, Signal plans to allow users to save archives in a location of their choice.

The new feature is already available in the beta version of Signal for Android. A public release, along with support for iOS and desktop platforms, is expected soon.