YouTube is bringing back direct messaging, after years of absence. The video-sharing giant scrapped its previous attempt in 2019 but has now resurrected it as part of an updated feature set that aims to enhance user interaction.

The new system allows users aged 18 and over to share videos and engage in conversations about them through private messages. However, the process is a bit more cumbersome than before, requiring users to send invitation links from third-party apps like WhatsApp or Twitter Messenger before starting a chat.

According to YouTube, this change was requested by its community, who love sharing content with friends and family while watching videos. The system aims to keep these conversations within familiar circles rather than encouraging random interactions among strangers.

YouTube stresses that all shared content and messages will be subject to the same guidelines as always. While the feature is currently rolling out in the US and other global regions, it’s clear they’re eager for wider adoption soon.