YouTube is testing a direct messaging feature in its mobile application, restoring a favorite tool the platform dropped in 2019. Currently, testing is only available for users above the age of 18 in Ireland and Poland.
This move is in response to continued demands from users for an in-app messaging system that enables them to share and discuss videos within the same platform.
The new feature lets users send links to long-form videos, Shorts, and live streams directly to their contacts within YouTube. They can initiate a conversation by sending an invitation that the recipient can either accept or decline. It also includes options for blocking users and reporting inappropriate messages, providing user control and safety.
YouTube officials have mentioned that direct messaging is the community's most requested feature. Without a native chat function, users are forced to switch to other platforms, such as WhatsApp or Instagram, to discuss content. This reduces user engagement on the platform itself.
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YouTube has made it clear that messages ‘may be reviewed’ to make sure they meet its Community Guidelines. This suggests that conversations are not necessarily private and may affect how freely users communicate using the feature. The company is treading a fine line between user interaction and content moderation, a challenge for many social platforms.
YouTube has not confirmed if or when the DM feature will go live globally. The platform is still gathering feedback from users in this testing phase. The addition of DMs could be a strategic move, with YouTube bracing itself up to compete with Instagram and TikTok.