In which countries is YouTube's direct messaging feature available?

The feature is available in 40 countries, including the U.S., Brazil, the U.K., and Singapore. The full list can be found on Google’s support page.

What features does YouTube’s built-in chat offer?

Users can send videos, unsend messages, block channels, delete conversations, and report unwanted contacts. The feature is integrated into the app and eliminates the need for third-party messengers.

Why is YouTube introducing direct messaging?

The company aims to increase the time users spend in the app by simplifying content sharing and communication within the platform rather than relying on external services.

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YouTube Expands Direct Messaging Feature to the U.S. and 8 More Countries

June 11, 2026

Photo: platform.theverge.com

Quick answer

YouTube has expanded its built-in direct messaging support to 40 countries, including the U.S., enabling video sharing and in-app communication.

YouTube has officially expanded its direct messaging (DM) feature to nine new countries, including the U.S. Users aged 18+ with a channel in one of the 40 supported regions can now share videos and chat directly within the mobile app.

The feature was launched in a limited test last year and has gradually expanded. Initially available in 31 countries, the U.S. was not included. Now, users in the U.S., Brazil, the U.K., Singapore, and other nations have access to the tool. The full list of supported countries is available on Google’s support page.

To share content, users can simply tap the 'Share' button under videos or Shorts or use the 'Messages' icon in the top-right corner of the app. YouTube has also added standard moderation features, including message unsend (without time limits), user blocking, conversation deletion, and the ability to report unwanted contacts.

The update aims to keep users within the YouTube ecosystem by reducing the need to switch to third-party messengers for sharing videos. This aligns with the platform’s strategy to enhance user engagement and increase in-app activity.

Common questions

In which countries is YouTube's direct messaging feature available?: The feature is available in 40 countries, including the U.S., Brazil, the U.K., and Singapore. The full list can be found on Google’s support page.
What features does YouTube’s built-in chat offer?: Users can send videos, unsend messages, block channels, delete conversations, and report unwanted contacts. The feature is integrated into the app and eliminates the need for third-party messengers.
Why is YouTube introducing direct messaging?: The company aims to increase the time users spend in the app by simplifying content sharing and communication within the platform rather than relying on external services.

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