The YouTube platform revealed the start of expanding the launch of a new messaging system within the application, after a testing phase that began last year, with the aim of facilitating users’ communication about their favorite video clips directly from within the platform.
The update adds a new messaging icon in the upper right corner of the YouTube application, allowing users to share video clips, short clips, and live broadcasts, in addition to having individual conversations with others without having to leave the application.
The new system relies on a special invitation mechanism, as it is not possible to start a conversation with another person unless an invitation link is sent to him via an external messaging application.
The link remains valid for 7 days, which reflects YouTube’s focus on enhancing communication between previously known friends and family members, rather than opening broad communication channels with the platform’s audience.
After opening the invitation link, the recipient is asked to agree to activate the messaging or postpone the decision, which makes the feature primarily aimed at sharing and discussing visual content. The service also allows sharing links to unlisted videos, while it does not support sharing private videos.
YouTube explained that messaging is only available to users who are 18 years of age or older, with all messages and content exchanged subject to the platform’s community guidelines. The feature also allows you to delete messages after sending them, block users, and report conversations when needed.
When watching any video, the user can access available contacts directly from the sharing menu to quickly send content, while the application sends notifications when new messages are received.
YouTube began testing the new messaging system last November in a number of European countries, and has now begun expanding availability to include users in the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Singapore, with it expected to reach more markets later.
