YouTube turns into a messenger: the platform has returned the function of private messages

A few years after abandoning its own messaging system, YouTube is relaunching in-app private chats. Now users can send each other videos, shorts and live broadcasts without having to go to third-party messengers. However, the new system is markedly different from the usual messaging services and has a number of limitations.

How private chats work on YouTube

To start communication, it is not enough to simply find a person on the platform. To add an interlocutor, it is necessary to send him a special invitation through any external messenger or other communication channel. The link is valid for seven days. After confirming the invitation, the user appears in the list of contacts within the program.

After that, face-to-face correspondence becomes available. Through the chat you can share regular videos, shorts and live broadcasts. At the same time, forwarding of private content is not provided – only publicly available materials can be sent.

The function is primarily focused on communicating with people you already know. Searching for new contacts, interacting with subscribers or creating new acquaintances within YouTube is not provided.

What the new service can do

Messages are accessed through a separate chat button at the top of the mobile application. While watching the video, it is enough to open the “Share” menu, select a contact and send the video directly through the built-in messaging system.

Users receive push notifications about new messages. Standard security tools are also provided: the ability to block the interlocutor or send a complaint about correspondence. Only adult users of the platform can use private messages.

At the moment, there are no group chats, so communication is limited to personal dialogues between two users.

Why YouTube decided to return the message

Built-in chats already existed on the platform before. The private messaging service operated for several years, but was shut down in 2019. At that time, the company explained the decision by the low popularity of the function and the desire to focus on other areas of development.

The situation changed after testing the updated version of the service in a number of countries. According to the results of the experiment, private messages turned out to be one of the most popular functions among users. As a result, YouTube decided to return the communication tool, but in a more simplified format, abandoning many features of classic messengers.

YouTube is gradually expanding the functionality of the platform

The return of private messages became part of a broader strategy for the development of the service. In recent months, YouTube has been actively introducing new tools for interaction between users.

Previously, the platform featured voice responses in comments, shopping functions directly from the video, as well as an updated message system that automatically reduces the number of messages from channels with which the user has not interacted for a long time.

These changes indicate the company’s desire to gradually transform YouTube from simple video hosting to a more universal platform for communication and interaction with the audience.

When the function will appear in Ukraine

At the moment, the new private message system is not available in all countries. Chats are currently live for users in the US, UK, Brazil and Singapore.

There is no official information about the timing of the launch of the function in Ukraine and other regions. The company also does not disclose plans for further expansion of the geography of the service. The possibility of the appearance of embedded messages in new ones