How to DM on YouTube

Some channel creators believe that leaving their contact information is not the best idea. But this doesn't mean that the creator is now unreachable and cannot be contacted. YouTube does offer a way to send private messages, although this feature is not always obvious and not available for all channels. In this article, we will explain in detail how to send a private message on YouTube, where to find incoming messages, and what alternative ways there are to contact creators. This material will be useful for viewers who want to connect with their favorite blogger, as well as for content creators themselves who want to set up their channel to receive messages.

Can you send a private message on YouTube?

Unlike many social networks, YouTube did not have a full-fledged private messaging system for a long time. However, in 2025, the platform began testing a new messaging feature. Currently, this option is available to a limited number of users in some countries. Nevertheless, there is also an old method of sending messages via the "About" tab, which still works on many channels.

It's important to understand the difference: new private messages in YouTube work like a regular messenger – you can send videos, Shorts, and text messages. The old system (via the "Send message" button on the "About" tab) is more like a feedback form that comes to the channel creator in YouTube Studio.

Method 1. Sending a message via the "About" tab (old method)

To send a message to a channel creator, you need to follow a few simple steps. This method works on many channels, but not all – some creators disable the ability to receive messages.

Step-by-step instructions:

First step. You need to go to the creator's channel. To do this, find any video by the blogger you need and click on their name or avatar below the video.

Second step. Go to the "About" tab. It is located on the channel page, next to the "Home", "Videos", "Playlists", and "Community" tabs.

Third step. On the "About" tab, find and click on the message icon. This is usually an envelope icon or the text "Send message". If there is no such icon, it means the creator has disabled the ability to receive messages – you will have to look for other ways to contact them.

Fourth step. Then enter the text and confirm sending. In the window that opens, write your message. Try to be polite and brief – creators of popular channels receive hundreds of messages and physically cannot respond to all of them.

Where to read message replies (for the recipient)

If you sent a message to a channel creator, a reply may not come immediately. Notifications of a reply to your message do not always arrive automatically. To go to the dialogue, you need to perform the following actions.

How to check incoming messages:

First step. Go to "YouTube Studio". To do this, click on your avatar in the upper right corner and select the corresponding item.

Second step. In the left menu of YouTube Studio, open the "Community" section.

Third step. In the "Community" section, go to the "Messages" tab. In the new window, you will find dialogues with any users who have sent you messages via the "About" tab.

Here you can read incoming messages, reply to them, and manage dialogues. Please note that this function is only available to channel owners – regular viewers cannot see their sent messages in YouTube Studio.

Method 2. New YouTube private messages (being tested)

In 2025, YouTube began testing a full-fledged private messaging system. Currently, the feature is only available in some countries (for example, Ireland and Poland) and only to a limited number of users.

How new messages work:

To participate in messaging, you need to send or accept an invitation. Invitations are valid for seven days. After your interlocutor accepts the invitation, you can exchange messages and videos directly in the YouTube app.

How to send a video via new messages:

First step. Open the YouTube app on your phone and find the video you want to share.

Second step. Click the "Share" button.

Third step. In the list of sending options, select YouTube. A window with your contacts will appear.

Fourth step. Select the user to whom you want to send the video, or create a new invitation.

Fifth step. Add a text message (optional) and send.

How to check new messages:

Notifications of new messages come via the bell icon in the app. To enable message notifications, go to "Settings" → "Notifications" and turn on the "Video sharing and messages" switch.

Why the "Send message" button might be missing

Not all channels support sending messages. Here are the main reasons why you don't see the button to contact the creator.

Reason 1. The creator has disabled the feature. Many bloggers deliberately disable the ability to receive messages because they receive too much spam. In this case, you can only contact the creator through the contact information provided in the channel description.

Reason 2. You don't have a channel. To send messages via YouTube, your account must have a channel. If you use YouTube without a channel (just as a viewer), create one – it's free and takes a minute.

Reason 3. The feature is not available in your region. New YouTube private messages currently only work in a few countries. In Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and other CIS countries, this feature may be missing.

Reason 4. Your age is not confirmed. Only users 18 years and older who have confirmed their age can send messages. If you specified an age younger than 18, the feature will be unavailable.

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