YouTube revives direct messaging so you can finally share videos without leaving the app

YouTube is rolling out expanded in-app video sharing and messaging for users aged 18 and older in the United States and other global locations. This feature allows viewers to connect directly through the YouTube app by using a new messaging icon to share videos and react in real time.

To ensure privacy and prevent unwanted contact, users begin conversations by sending an invite link through a third-party service such as WhatsApp, Messages, Signal, or SMS. Only after the recipient accepts the invitation will they be added as a YouTube messaging contact.

Once connected, users can freely exchange text messages, react to video content instantly, unsend individual messages by long-pressing them, delete entire conversations, and block or report contacts if necessary.

These chats are designed for video-centric communication, as only YouTube content, including videos, livestreams, and Shorts, can be shared. Images, GIFs, and files are not supported within the chat window.

Returning to the platform after its removal in 2019, direct messaging on YouTube is being reintroduced with expanded capabilities tailored to its video-sharing audience.