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Google thinking to remove the ability to message directly on YouTube

By Aiko Tanaka
1 min read
Google Data
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Google has confirmed it will kill off another of its obsolete chat service – YouTube messages. The decision is probably related to the fact that not many people are using the ability to message directly on YouTube.

Although it’s a relatively old feature having been launched back in 2017 after one year of testing, Messages on YouTube will no longer be available after September 18. The announcement mentions that since the feature was launched two years ago, YouTube focused on public conversations with updates to comments, posts, and stories.

Unfortunately, that was not enough to convince users to take advantage of the feature as often as YouTube would’ve wanted. After re-evaluating its priorities, Google has decided to discontinue the messaging option hidden inside YouTube and start focusing on improving public conversations instead.

Even though the ability to direct message on YouTube will no longer be available after September 18, you will still be able to share YouTube videos by heading to the video watch page, clicking Share, and then tapping the “social network icon” from which you want to share a video.

Questions & Answers

Q.

When will the direct messaging feature be removed from YouTube?

A.

The ability to send direct messages on YouTube will no longer be available to users after September 18. This change follows a re-evaluation of priorities by Google regarding its communication features.

Q.

Why is Google discontinuing the YouTube messaging service?

A.

Google is discontinuing the service because not many people were using the direct messaging feature. It is also re-focusing its efforts on improving public conversations, comments, posts, and stories on the platform.

Q.

Was the messaging feature on YouTube a new addition?

A.

No, the messaging feature was not new; it was launched in 2017 after a year of testing. Therefore, it had been available to users for two years before Google decided to remove it.

Q.

Will users still be able to share YouTube videos directly?

A.

Yes, users will still be able to share YouTube videos. This can be done by navigating to the video watch page, clicking 'Share', and then selecting a desired social network icon.

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