YouTube brings back direct messaging feature after six years
Key takeaways
- Add ARY News on Google AAResize Six years after You Tube discontinued direct messaging, the platform has announced its return.
- The You Tube app now features a new messaging icon, allowing users to invite friends to share videos.
- READ MORE: Canada introduces legislation to ban social media for children under 16, regulate AI chatbots
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
Add ARY News on Google AAResize Six years after You Tube discontinued direct messaging, the platform has announced its return. On Wednesday, after six months of testing, You Tube revealed that users can now share videos through a revamped messaging feature. In November 2025, Google, the platform’s owner, identified direct messaging as a “top feature request.”
The You Tube app now features a new messaging icon, allowing users to invite friends to share videos. Recipients can accept or decline these invitations, helping to minimize spam and unwanted messages. However, to send direct messages, users must be over 18, have their age verified, and be signed in to a personal YouTube channel with their Google Account.
YouTube first introduced direct messaging in 2017 but discontinued it in 2019. At that time, Google explained that it was “reevaluating our priorities” and chose to focus on improving public interactions, such as comments and posts.