YouTube direct messaging (DM), initially limited to some European countries, is now being launched in more global markets, such as the US, the UK, Brazil, and Singapore.
In November 2025, YouTube began testing a feature that lets users chat with each other in its mobile app.
Besides in-app messaging, this feature allows YouTube users to share videos, including long-form content, Shorts, and live streams.
How to access YouTube DMs?
To access the in-app video sharing and messaging feature, you need to be at least 18 years old, logged into your YouTube account, and have the latest version of the YouTube app on your device. It works on both Android devices and iPhones and iPads.
To access the DM feature, simply tap the Messages button located in the top right corner of the YouTube app, then select “Invite to chat.”
You can send this invite to anyone on the platform you wish to communicate with, and they can decide to Accept or Decline it.
The messaging feature also enables YouTube users to unsend a message by long-pressing it and selecting “Unsend.” Additionally, you can delete a conversation (only from your side) and block a user.
In 2017, the platform attempted to attract users from competitors like Instagram and Twitter by launching a mobile-focused messaging service that allowed private discussions about trending videos.
However, that feature was short-lived.
By 2019, YouTube decided to abandon its direct messaging, opting to focus on public comments instead until now.
Other platforms, such as Snap, TikTok, and Spotify, have followed Instagram’s example by improving their own direct messaging features.
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