YouTube is taking another shot at bringing private messaging back to its platform. The company, which removed the original messaging tool in 2019, has quietly rolled out a new version of the feature to a limited group of users.
In this test, users can share YouTube content directly inside the mobile app — whether it's long-form videos, Shorts, or livestreams. Tapping the Share button now opens a full-screen chat window where users can start a private one-to-one conversation or create a group thread. Friends can respond by sending another video, typing a message, or reacting with emojis.
At the moment, the experiment is available only to users aged 18 and above in Ireland and Poland, YouTube confirmed.
This update is widely welcomed, as sharing YouTube videos currently relies on external apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram DMs, email, or SMS. The company said in-app messaging has consistently been one of the most requested features.
When YouTube removed its original messaging system five years ago, it never thoroughly clarified the reason. Many assumed the feature wasn't used enough, a common reason for many tools' retirement. Others speculated that the system was more popular among younger users, which could raise concerns for a platform already monitored closely for child safety, inappropriate content, and predatory behaviour.
These safety concerns may explain why the new test is restricted to adults and why similar age limitations might remain if the feature is released more widely.
YouTube has also added several safeguards, including invite-based chat initiation, message-unsending, blocking, and reporting options. The company will review chats to ensure they follow the same Community Guidelines that apply across the platform, from comments to videos.
This renewed experiment appears to follow Spotify's party, which introduced its own in-app messaging experience back in August.
