YouTube DMs: New Video Sharing Feature Takes on WhatsApp

YouTube is testing in-app direct messages for its mobile app, letting users share videos without jumping to WhatsApp or other messaging platforms. As reported by PCMag, the feature launches this week for users aged 18+ in select countries, though UAE availability hasn't been confirmed yet.

How YouTube DMs work

The new messaging system works through YouTube's existing share button. Find a video, tap share, then select a contact from your YouTube connections. If the recipient isn't on YouTube yet, you can send them an invite link through any messaging app — including WhatsApp.

Users get a new Messages tab in the top right corner of the app, where they can manage conversations and send invite links. Recipients can accept or decline message requests, giving them control over who can reach them directly.

The feature appears to be free during the trial phase. YouTube's announcement doesn't mention Premium as a requirement, suggesting the company wants broad adoption rather than another subscription perk.

YouTube's second attempt at chat

This isn't YouTube's first messaging experiment. The platform launched in-app chat in 2017 but killed it two years later to "focus on improving public conversations." That version struggled to gain traction against established messaging habits.

The difference this time? YouTube has Shorts and AI features to drive engagement, plus lessons from watching TikTok and Instagram succeed with native sharing. The company is clearly positioning itself as more than a video platform — it wants to be a social network.

The UAE video sharing challenge

For UAE users, YouTube DMs face an uphill battle against ingrained habits. WhatsApp dominates messaging here, handling everything from family group chats to business communications. When someone finds a YouTube video worth sharing, the natural flow is: copy link, open WhatsApp, paste, send.

YouTube's pitch is simple: skip the app-switching. Instead of copying links, you share directly within YouTube and continue the conversation there. The question is whether Gulf users — already managing multiple messaging platforms — want another inbox to check.

The company clearly thinks so. "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 stated. "Whether it's a new music video, a helpful tutorial, or a funny Short, this update will give users a new way to share right where they're watching."

Competition from TikTok and Instagram

YouTube isn't just competing with WhatsApp's dominance — it's also chasing TikTok and Instagram's success with native sharing. Both platforms keep users engaged longer by making it easy to share content without leaving the app.

TikTok's direct messages have become essential for sharing short videos, while Instagram's sharing drives Stories engagement. Spotify added DMs last year for playlist sharing. The pattern is clear: platforms want to own the entire sharing experience, not just host the content.

YouTube DMs availability in UAE

The YouTube DMs trial is live in "several countries" with the US rollout beginning this week. YouTube hasn't specified which countries are included or when the feature might reach the UAE and GCC region.

To use DMs, you need to be 18 or older with a YouTube channel (free to create). The feature works on both iOS and Android versions of the YouTube mobile app. Desktop access hasn't been announced.

If you're in a trial country, look for the Messages tab in the top right of your YouTube app. If it's not there yet, the feature likely hasn't reached your region.

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