Private messages arrive on YouTube, even in Italy: here’s how they work

The Google video platform is taking a step toward messaging apps, introducing support for private messages. It is now possible to share videos with other YouTube users and have real conversations, a feature that existed in the past, was removed and is now back in the spotlight.

Direct messages are already available in Italy through the latest version of the smartphone app: let’s see how they work and what restrictions apply, since this is not a feature open to everyone.

How the new direct messages on YouTube work

No, private messages on YouTube are not part of the premium plan: you simply need to satisfy two conditions, as also reported on the functionality’s support page. To share videos and send direct messages you must be at least 18 years old and have a YouTube channel.

There is no need to publish content: you simply need to have an account and sign in. It is necessary to update the app to the latest version and that’s it.

The new chats are designed mainly for exchanging and discussing the platform’s content; for this reason there are no free chats, but to start a message exchange you must generate an invitation link.

The feature is available for Android and iOS; to cancel sending a message just long-press on it and then select Unsend. Among other features there is the possibility to delete a conversation and also to block a user.

On Google’s support page they published the list of countries where distribution has begun and Italy is included. Direct messages arrive on YouTube after a test phase that has been running since last November, but only for some markets.

Requirements for private messages

• The user must be at least 18 years old
• Age verification on the Google account is required
• It is necessary to have signed in to a YouTube channel
• The app must be updated to the latest available version

How the chats work

To start a chat with another user you must send an invitation:

• tap Messages in the top right and then Invite to Chat
• share the invitation link via an external app
• the user who receives the link will be able to choose whether to accept or decline messages
• once the invitation has been accepted it is possible to share content and messages directly on YouTube.