YouTube has brought back direct messaging, allowing you to share videos without having to exit the app.

      YouTube's direct messaging feature has returned and is now available in the US.

      YouTube has officially announced that its in-app video sharing and messaging feature is being launched in the US, UK, Brazil, and Singapore, increasing the total number of supported countries to 40.

      This feature is accessible to users aged 18 and older who are logged into a YouTube account. The rollout will take place gradually, so it may not appear in your app right away.

      How to send a DM on YouTube?

      Rachit Agarwal / Digital Trends

      Once the feature is activated for your account, a messaging icon will show up in the top right corner of the app. You can also share any video or Short directly from the Share button while watching.

      However, initiating a conversation isn't as straightforward as merely searching for someone. You'll need to first send an invite link through a third-party app such as WhatsApp, iMessage, or SMS. The recipient must then accept the invitation to be added to your YouTube contacts. This added step is meant to reduce spam and unwanted messages.

      After you are connected, you can freely send text messages, react to content in real time, retract messages by long-pressing them, delete entire chat threads, and block or report contacts as necessary. The only type of content you can share within the chat is YouTube material, including videos, livestreams, and Shorts; sharing images, GIFs, or files is not permitted.

      What prompted YouTube to reintroduce messaging now?

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      YouTube previously had a direct messaging feature in 2017, but it was quietly discontinued in 2019. Now, it has been reintroduced in a much more significant manner.

      This feature has been available in over 30 European countries since March 2026. YouTube stated that the positive feedback from regions where the feature was already active influenced its decision to expand. Recently, the platform has added three new podcast features, though these are exclusive to Premium subscribers.

      Manisha Priyadarshini is a tech and entertainment writer with more than nine years of editorial experience.

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