YouTube is testing the return of direct messages six years after the feature was removed, but only a small group of users will get access for now.
A new entry on YouTube’s support site confirms the platform is experimenting with “new ways to share videos,” allowing users to send clips and chat about them directly inside the mobile app.
The test mirrors YouTube’s original DM system, which launched in 2017 and was shut down two years later as the company shifted focus to public comments.
This time around, the revival is extremely limited… for now.
DMs are finally coming back to YouTube.
YouTube brings back DMs in new test and will scan your messages
YouTube says the experiment is only rolling out to adults in Ireland and Poland, marking the first step toward potentially reintroducing private messaging worldwide.
The company notes that messaging has been “a top feature request,” but warns that chats won’t be fully private. Messages can be scanned or reviewed to make sure they comply with YouTube’s Community Guidelines.
“Our systems may scan for content that is against these policies, such as content that could cause real-world harm, and we may review flagged content,” YouTube explained.
The platform hasn’t shared a timeline for expanding the feature to more regions, and it’s unclear whether DMs will graduate from testing to a full global rollout.
