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After YouTube to stop Private Messaging Feature In 2019, the platform is now reintroducing this functionality to a select group of users.
Users with access to the quiz can share videos directly on the mobile app, including long videos, shorts, and even live broadcasts.
They will be able to tap the share button to open a full-screen conversation within the app, allowing them to start a private conversation between two people or a group chat. Friends can respond with a video of their own, or simply write a response or use emojis.
The company says the test is now available to users aged 18 or over in Ireland and Poland.
This is exciting news for many, as currently the only way to share YouTube videos is through text, email, WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram DMs, or other messaging platforms. The company noted that in-app messaging was “one of the top feature requests.”
When the messaging feature was first removed, the rationale behind the decision was not fully explained. It was speculated that the feature became underutilized, a common fate for many features that were eventually retired.
Another possibility could be that younger users use the feature more frequently, which could be problematic for a platform that is frequently scanned for inappropriate content, as well as concerns about child exploitation and predatory behavior.
This concern about children may be why YouTube chose to limit the test to adult users this time around, and may influence the decision to maintain similar restrictions if the feature is rolled out more widely in the future.
YouTube is also implementing standard security features, including requiring users to send each other invitations before starting a chat, as well as the ability to unsend messages, block others, and report conversations.
YouTube will also review messages to ensure they follow the same community guidelines that apply to videos and comments on the platform.
The trial follows a similar feature it launched Spotify In August.