YouTube Brings Back DMs After Seven-Year Silence

News Desk 

Islamabad:

YouTube has reintroduced its direct messaging feature after a gap of seven years, allowing users to chat privately within the app under new safety-focused restrictions.

The platform announced on Thursday that in-app messaging will be available only to users aged 18 and above, with availability rolling out in the US and other global regions.

The feature, originally launched in 2017 and later discontinued in 2019, was designed to encourage users to share and discuss videos more easily within the platform.

Under the new system, users must verify their age to access direct messages, and the feature operates on an invite-only basis to ensure controlled interactions.

To start a chat, users can tap the “Message” icon at the top right of the YouTube app, generate an invitation link, and share it through other messaging platforms. The recipient can then choose to accept or decline the request.

YouTube said the return of DMs comes in response to strong user demand, noting that people want to share videos such as music clips, tutorials, and Shorts directly with friends and family without leaving the app.

The company added that all messages and shared content will be subject to its community guidelines to ensure user safety. The feature is expected to expand further to additional regions in the coming months.