YouTube is testing in-app DMs (again)

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

After years of forcing us to copy links, YouTube is finally testing something users have begged for since approximately the dawn of time: built-in direct messaging. 

Yes, really. YouTube is suddenly dipping its toes into being an actual social network.

But before you get too excited, the test is currently limited to signed-in users 18 and older in Poland and Ireland.

This suggests either that those countries are blessed testing grounds or that YouTube wants to start small before unleashing the chaos of YouTube comments, but in private.

The feature resides within the mobile app as a full-screen chat. You can share long-form videos, Shorts, and livestreams directly into a private or group convo, then talk about them in real time. 

It uses the existing Share button (thank goodness), so there’s no new awkward menu to learn. 

YouTube has been quietly sprinkling in more social tricks lately, like Playables, its mini-game library, and the Premium-only live sharing feature through Google Meet, but this is the first one that screams, “Hey, maybe we are a messaging app now.”

Why does this matter? YouTube has always been the world’s most chaotic group chat without an actual chat. 

Anytime you want to send a video to someone, you’re shoved into WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram DMs, email if you’re 90, or Slack if you’re unfortunately employed. 

This experiment finally fixes that, and hints at YouTube dreaming bigger. 

If messaging rolls out globally, YouTube could evolve into a full-blown communication hub, not just the place where you fall down rabbit holes until 3 AM.

And what’s in it for you (you know, other than fewer app switches and existential crises)? 

Instant group chats around livestream clips, quick reactions to Shorts, and the delicious convenience of not leaving the app. It could make watching and sharing feel more like hanging out.

For now, YouTube says this is “just a test.” If users in Poland and Ireland don’t set everything on fire, expect wider rollout, more controls, and possible tie-ins with Playables and Meet live sharing. 

A full global launch might quietly transform YouTube from video giant to, well, YouTube but chattier.