Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Elon Musk’s X – all these platforms allow users to chat in privacy within the site.

Nearly every significant social media platform has a direct message function, with the exception of YouTube.

That could soon change.

As per a comment from a YouTube staff member on a Google support thread, YouTube is experimenting with a new method to “share videos” through direct messages on the mobile application.

YouTube mentions in the comment that this has been a “highly requested feature.”

“We’re trying out a new feature that simplifies sharing videos you enjoy (long-form, Shorts, and live streams) and discussing them directly on the YouTube mobile app,” states the YouTube comment. “By messaging on YouTube, you acknowledge that messages may be reviewed to ensure compliance with our Community Guidelines. Community Guidelines are applicable to all content on YouTube, including on-platform video shares and messages.”

As noted in its announcement, YouTube will enforce its moderation policies for content shared via direct messages just as it does for public content and will evaluate flagged items.

How YouTube direct messaging will function

YouTube indicates that the direct messaging trial is presently accessible to users aged 18 and above in Poland and Ireland. However, this is a typical testing phase for the company’s trials, and it is likely to broaden to more users in the future.

A YouTube help page, initially found by 9to5Google, provides further details on how this new direct messaging feature will operate.

Users will be able to share videos with others on the platform using this feature in the YouTube mobile app. Once shared, the contacted user can either accept or decline the chat invitation. Every user will have the ability to accept or decline a chat when contacted by a new channel.

Upon acceptance, users will receive the shared video and can engage in private chats and share additional videos with one another. Users can also block channels from which they do not wish to receive invitation requests or chats. Message notifications will display alongside other notifications when a user taps the Notification bell icon.

Longtime YouTube users have previously utilized direct messaging on the platform. The company rolled out a method to privately share and discuss videos with specific users back in 2017. However, YouTube abruptly removed the private messaging feature, disappointing many users, in 2019.

Now, YouTube appears prepared to finally reinstate direct messaging within the app.