YouTube is bringing back DMs (again)

YouTube is bringing back private messages after testing new ways to use videos and “talk about them” last year. In announcement on his official blogYouTube says it has now begun expanding internal video sharing and messaging to users in the US and “other parts of the world” who are 18 years of age or older.

There are some differences with the new messaging system, however: YouTube users must verify their age before joining the feature, and they can talk to someone after sending them an invitation link through third-party platforms. Chats can be accessed by clicking the “Messages” icon on the right side of the YouTube app, which will provide an invitation link. The way the system is set up suggests that it’s trying to keep you engaged with people you already know, rather than encouraging conversations between random users on YouTube.

“Our community loves to share videos with their friends and family, and we want them to be able to do it in one place,” YouTube said in an announcement. “Whether it’s a new music video, a helpful tutorial, or a funny short video, these updates will give users a new way to share what they’re watching.

YouTube says its community guidelines will apply to all shares and messages exchanged using the feature and plans to expand “soon.”