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  • 7 hours ago

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00:00YouTube is testing in-app DMs.
00:03After years of forcing us to copy links,
00:06YouTube is testing the built-in direct messaging feature users have begged for since the dawn of time.
00:12YouTube is suddenly dipping its toes into being an actual social network.
00:17But before you get too excited,
00:19the test is limited to signed-in users 18 and older in Poland and Ireland.
00:25This suggests countries are blessed testing grounds,
00:28or that YouTube wants to start small before unleashing the chaos of YouTube comments, but in private.
00:36Within the mobile app as a full-screen chat,
00:38you can share long-form videos, shorts, and live streams into a private or group convo and talk in real time.
00:46It uses the existing share button, so there's no awkward menu to learn.
00:51YouTube has added social tricks like playables and premium-only live sharing through Google Meet.
00:57But this is the first that screams,
00:59Hey, maybe we are a messaging app now.
01:02Why does this matter?
01:04YouTube has always been the world's most chaotic group chat without an actual chat.
01:09Anytime you want to send a video to someone,
01:11you're shoved into WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram DMs,
01:15email if you're 90,
01:16or Slack if you're unfortunately employed.
01:19This experiment fixes that and hints at YouTube dreaming bigger.
01:24If messaging rolls out globally,
01:27YouTube could evolve into a communication hub,
01:29not just where you fall down rabbit holes until 3 a.m.
01:33Instant group chats around live stream clips,
01:36quick reactions to shorts,
01:38and convenience of not leaving the app
01:40could make watching and sharing feel more like hanging out.
01:43For now, YouTube says this is just a test.
01:47But if users in Poland and Ireland don't set everything on fire,
01:51expect wider rollout, controls,
01:53and possible tie-ins with playables and meet live sharing.
01:57A full global launch might quietly transform YouTube from video giant to,
02:01well, YouTube, but chattier.
02:27Bye-bye.
02:39Bye-bye.
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