YouTube Expands Direct Messaging Feature to US Users
YouTube has launched its experimental direct messaging feature in the United States, available to users 18 and older on mobile. The feature was previously tested in European countries including Ireland, Poland, and others starting in late 2023. The rollout represents YouTube's second attempt at direct messaging after discontinuing a similar feature in 2019.
YouTube is now rolling out its direct messaging capability to US users as part of an ongoing expansion that began with testing in Ireland and Poland in late 2023, followed by broader European availability in March 2024. The feature allows users to send chat invitations to other platform members, who can choose to accept or decline. Users access the feature through a Messages button in the top right corner of the YouTube mobile app. YouTube previously offered direct messaging from 2017 to 2019 before discontinuing it to encourage public comment section discussions. The company has indicated this renewed DM feature was among the most requested by users and plans to expand testing to additional regions.
What different sources said
- 9to5GoogleCenter
YouTube rolling out new in-app messaging with invite-only chats
- EngadgetCenter
YouTube expands direct messaging to the US
- The VergeLeft
YouTube is introducing DMs (again)
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