YouTube is currently testing a new direct messaging feature that lets users share videos and chat privately within the mobile app, and it feels a bit like the platform circling back to something it once offered. The idea isn’t entirely new, since YouTube had a similar option before it was discontinued in 2019. Now the company seems ready to try again, perhaps because the way people share content has shifted. For now, the experiment is limited to users in Poland and Ireland who are 18 or older. The main goal is fairly simple. YouTube wants to keep conversations and video sharing inside the app rather than seeing users send links through WhatsApp, Instagram, or Telegram.
Key Takeaways
- Testing Location: The feature is currently available to select users in Poland and Ireland.
- Who Can Use It: The test is limited to users who are 18 and above.
- Main Function: Users can share Shorts, long-form videos, and live streams directly to a private chat.
- Privacy Note: Messages are not fully private because YouTube scans them to enforce Community Guidelines.
- Previous Attempt: YouTube had a messaging feature from 2017 to 2019 before removing it to focus on public comments.
When it comes to how the new messaging system works, the process is fairly straightforward. It is built directly into the standard share menu. If you are part of the test group and tap the Share button on a video, you will see a new option that lets you send it directly to a contact on YouTube. To start a conversation, you must first send an invite link, and the other person needs to accept it. This extra step is, I think, a way to prevent spam or unwanted messages. Once both users are connected, they can share content, discuss videos, and delete their own messages if they choose. The feature supports all types of videos, including standard uploads, Shorts, and live streams.
Safety and moderation remain important parts of the experience. Unlike some private messaging apps that offer end-to-end encryption, YouTube reviews messages through its automated systems to make sure they follow Community Guidelines. These scans can help identify harmful content, harassment, or violations of platform policies. Users can also block accounts or report conversations that feel abusive. It is not surprising, considering YouTube continues to emphasize safety across the platform.
The decision to bring direct messaging back appears connected to the growing competition from TikTok and Instagram. On those platforms, sending videos through private messages is a major source of engagement, and users tend to stay within the app while they discuss what they watch. YouTube users, however, often copy a link and then continue the conversation on WhatsApp or Discord. With a built-in chat feature, YouTube hopes to close that gap. If users can watch, share, and talk without switching apps, they are more likely to spend more time on the platform. YouTube has referred to this feature as a top request from its community, which suggests that many viewers genuinely want a private sharing option again.
Long-time users may remember that this is not the first time YouTube has tried something like this. Back in 2017, the platform launched a native chat tool that offered similar sharing capabilities. It was shut down in 2019, with the company saying it wanted to prioritize public conversations such as comments and Community posts. The online landscape has changed quite a lot since then, especially with the rise of short-form video making private sharing feel more natural and more common. That shift may be why YouTube thinks now is the right moment to bring direct messaging back into the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I turn off the direct messaging feature?
A. During this test phase, there is no specific toggle to disable the feature entirely in settings, but you can simply choose not to accept chat invites. You can also block users who try to message you.
Q. Is my chat on YouTube private?
A. Your chats are private between you and the recipient, meaning other public users cannot see them. However, YouTube’s automated systems scan messages to prevent abuse and ensure safety, so they are not private from the platform’s moderation tools.
Q. Why did YouTube remove messages in 2019?
A. YouTube stated in 2019 that they removed the feature to focus resources on improving public interactions, like the comments section and the Community tab.
Q. Can I share YouTube Shorts in the new DMs?
A. Yes, the feature supports sharing Shorts, standard long-form videos, and live streams.
Q. Do I need a Premium subscription to use DMs?
A. No, the feature is currently free to use for eligible testers and does not require a YouTube Premium subscription.
