YouTube restores in-app sharing, messaging for US users

Image credit: Search Engine Journal

YouTube expanded its in-app video sharing and messaging feature to users in the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, Singapore, and several U.S. territories, reviving a version of the feature removed in 2019.

The reintroduction aims to centralize user engagement within the platform, allowing individuals to share and discuss videos directly within the YouTube application.

This updated messaging capability enables users 18 and older to share various content types, including long-form videos, Shorts, and live streams, and to chat about them within the app.

YouTube originally launched an in-app messaging feature in 2017 but subsequently removed it in September 2019, according to statements from the company.

The revived feature began as an experimental rollout in Ireland and Poland in November 2025, later expanding to 31 European countries in March.

Messaging functions through invite links that remain active for seven days, YouTube said. Users have the option to unsend messages and to block or report other users if necessary.

The company stated that the feature requires a verified age of 18 or older for participation and is currently unavailable for Brand Accounts.

YouTube’s Community Guidelines apply to all shared content and messages, according to the platform. The company also clarified that the content of messages will not be utilized for ad targeting purposes.

Source: Search Engine Journal