YouTube has begun testing an in-app chat or direct messaging (DM) feature.
Here are the core details:
- The feature allows users to share videos—long-form, Shorts and live streams—directly inside the YouTube mobile app with other users and chat about them.
- It is currently available only to signed-in users aged 18 or older in Ireland and Poland.
- To start chatting a user needs to send (and the other accept) an invite; you can block or report people or delete conversations.
- The chats are subject to YouTube’s Community Guidelines; messages may be reviewed or scanned for harmful content.
Why YouTube is doing this
Bridging sharing and chatting
Until now, when you wanted to send a YouTube video to someone and discuss it, you often had to copy a link then switch to another app (WhatsApp, Messenger, etc.). With this test, YouTube tries to keep sharing and conversation inside its own app
Moving toward a more social experience
With built-in chat, YouTube is signalling that it’s not just a passive video-viewing platform—it can become more of a social hub where people not only watch but talk, react and share.
What this means for users and creators
For everyday users
- If you’re in the test region (Ireland/Poland), you may see a new chat or messages icon in the YouTube app.
- Sharing videos becomes faster: you open a video → tap “Share” → pick a contact inside YouTube → start the chat thread.
- You’ll still have controls: ability to block users, delete threads, unsend messages may be available.
- Privacy & moderation: Messaging is subject to review for policy-compliance, which means less anonymity than purely peer-to-peer chat
For creators & platform dynamics
- Creators may find viewers sharing their videos more directly, potentially increasing engagement and conversations around content.
- For YouTube as a platform, more in-app interaction could mean users spending longer inside the app rather than switching to other social apps for discussion.
- It may open up new monetisation or retention strategies: e.g., group chats around live streams, community features tied to messaging.
Limitations & things to watch
- Very limited rollout: Only in two countries and for users 18+. No guarantee yet of global release. 9to5Google
- Moderation concerns: Since messages are reviewed/monitored, some users may feel reduced privacy compared to external messaging apps.
- Competition and behaviour shift: Users may already have established habits for sharing (WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram) which may not easily shift.
- Feature maturity: As an experiment, it might change in UI, capabilities or conditions before wider rollout or it may be shelved if feedback is poor.
What it could look like in India & for global rollout
While India is not part of this initial test, users and creators in India (like you, located in Kota, Rajasthan) should keep an eye on developments:
- Once global rollout happens, expect Indian users to see chat/messaging icons appear inside YouTube mobile app.
- For creators in India: early adaptation (using chat-enabled sharing) may give an edge in community building.
- For users: Good practice would be to review privacy settings, familiarise with how YouTube handles messages, blocking/reporting features.
- Localisation: In India, language support, moderation policy enforcement (for regional languages), and integration with Indian social norms will be important to watch.
Conclusion
The Focus Keyword YouTube in-app chat feature has been woven throughout this article.
In summary: YouTube is testing a built-in chat/DM feature in its mobile app, starting with Ireland and Poland, enabling users to share videos and chat within the app. It signals a push toward a more social, interactive video platform. If rolled out widely, it could change how we share and consume YouTube content. But the rollout is early, and how well it works—both in usability and moderation—will determine whether it becomes a staple.
