YouTube New Feature 2025: by YouTube Once again preparations for a major change have begun and the goal of this change is clear. Instagram (Instagram) and TikTok (TikTok) direct competition. As video sharing and messaging habits change, YouTube has started testing to bring back its old Private Messaging (DMs) feature. Interestingly, this is the same feature that YouTube added in 2017 and removed in 2019. Now, YouTube is trying to make the discussion on the video within the app instead of leaving the app after watching the video.
Where did the testing start and who will get the feature?
According to YouTube, the In-App Direct Messaging feature is currently being tested only with users in Ireland and Poland.
Age Requirement: Currently this feature is only available for people above 18 years.
Purpose Instead of sending any video to WhatsApp, Instagram or Telegram, people can share it directly within the YouTube app and chat about it privately. Until now, people used to leave the app and go to other social media platforms to chat after watching videos. YouTube wants to change this habit.
Reimbursement of DM: But with limitations
YouTube had previously introduced DMs, but discontinued them within a few years. At the time, the company said it wanted to focus its energy on public comments and community posts. However, given the growing trend of short-form videos and private interactions, YouTube doesn’t want to be left behind. Google has clarified that these DMs will not be completely private. In accordance with the Community Guidelines, these chats may be monitored in some cases. Currently, the feature will only provide basic functionality—like sharing videos and chatting in small private groups.
A direct challenge to Instagram and TikTok
This decision by YouTube shows that the platform wants to establish itself as not just a video site, but a social network. On Instagram and TikTok, there is a growing tendency among the youth to share videos in DMs instead of public posts. YouTube has recognized this and wants their Shorts videos to be discussed within the app.
When will it come globally?
YouTube is currently treating this feature as an “experiment”. If it gets a good response in Iceland and Poland, the feature could be rolled out in more countries in 2025. This is considered to be the biggest change in YouTube’s social strategy in the last 5-6 years.
