YouTube has expanded its experimental direct messaging feature to users in the US who are 18 and older. The mobile messaging tool, which initially launched in Ireland and Poland late last year, gives people a way to share videos and Reels directly within the app. Users tap the Messages button in the top right corner and send chat invites that recipients can accept or decline.

This marks YouTube's second attempt at built-in messaging. A previous version launched in 2017 but was discontinued in 2019 to push users toward public comment conversations. According to YouTube, direct messaging ranked as a top feature request from users, and the current rollout follows positive feedback from European testers. The company sees messaging as a way to keep users engaged while making video sharing more seamless.

The feature lets you message anyone on the platform without leaving YouTube, though the company emphasizes you can still share videos through external apps like WhatsApp or Telegram. This approach acknowledges users already have preferred messaging platforms while offering an integrated alternative.

YouTube plans to expand testing to additional countries beyond the US and Europe, suggesting the feature could become a permanent part of the platform if early adoption continues positively.