YouTube is bringing back direct messaging, and this time it’s aiming to make sharing videos with friends a lot easier. After ditching the feature back in 2019, YouTube is expanding its in-app messaging to users 18 and older in the US and other regions.
Why does this matter? Well, for starters, it means you can share a funny Short or the latest music video instantly with your pals right within the app. But unlike before, you’ll need to verify your age and send an invitation link through other messaging platforms to start a chat. This setup aims to ensure you’re chatting with folks you actually know.
This move comes after YouTube tested these features in late 2025, responding to what they called a “top feature request.” With the new chat system, YouTube hopes to keep conversations more private and friendly, instead of turning into a public forum. If you’re curious about other messaging updates, check out how YouTube’s new in-app messaging is rolling out globally.
As YouTube applies its community guidelines to all shared content, they’re also planning to expand these features soon. So, keep an eye out for more updates and maybe even test out new features like a heart button on Shorts while you’re at it!
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