Yes, you can message someone on YouTube again. In 2026, YouTube brought back private messages in its mobile app. But there are limits. You must be 18 or older, and you can only chat with people who accept your invite.
That means you still can’t send a private message to a creator you don’t know. To reach a creator for questions, collaboration, or feedback, use one of the 4 methods below.
Can You Send and Receive Messages on YouTube?
Yes, but only in some countries and with limits.
YouTube removed its old messaging feature in 2019. In 2026, it added a new one back to the mobile app. Here is how it works:
- Who can use it: People 18 or older with a verified age, signed in to a personal YouTube channel.
- Where: The US, UK, Brazil, Singapore, and several European countries. If you don’t see the message icon, the feature hasn’t reached your account yet.
- Mobile only: It’s in the YouTube app, not on desktop.
- Invite only: You send a chat invite first. The other person must accept before you can talk.
- What you can share: Text, public videos, and unlisted videos. Private videos can’t be shared.
- Safety tools: You can unsend messages, block people, and report chats.
How to Use YouTube’s New Messages
- Open the YouTube app on your phone.
- Tap the message icon in the top-right corner.
- Tap Invite to chat and pick a contact.
- Once they accept, send a message or share a video.
Good to know: This feature is built for chatting with friends, not for reaching creators. Creators can’t message their subscribers in bulk, and you can’t message a creator unless they accept your invite. To contact a creator, use the methods below.
How to Message Someone on YouTube: Four Methods
If you want to reach a creator you don’t know, these 4 methods still work best: email, public comments, social media DMs, and live chat.
Method 1: Contacting via Email Address
Many YouTube creators provide an email address for business inquiries, collaborations, or professional discussions. If you’re looking for a private way to contact a creator, this is the best method. However, not all channels share their email addresses.
Step 1: Search for the Channel – Use the YouTube search bar to find the channel you want to contact.
Step 2: Go to Their Channel Homepage – Click on the channel name to open their main profile page.
Step 3: Open the About Section – Click the channel description (“…more”) under the channel name to open the About panel.
Step 4: Find the Email Option – If the creator has made their email public, you will see a section labeled “For business inquiries” with a “View Email Address” button.
Step 5: Complete CAPTCHA Verification – To prevent spam, YouTube may ask you to complete a CAPTCHA before revealing the email address.
Step 6: Copy and Use the Email – Once you see the email, copy it and use your preferred email provider (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) to send your message.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Not all creators share their email addresses, so this method won’t always work.
- If the email is available, keep your message professional and concise to improve your chances of a response.
- Avoid sending spam or promotional emails, as creators may ignore or block unsolicited messages.
Method 2: Messaging Through Public Comments
If an email address isn’t available, the next best way to contact someone on YouTube is through public comments. Many creators actively engage with their audience, making this an effective way to get their attention.
Step 1: Find Their Channel – Use the search bar to locate the YouTube channel of the person you want to contact.
Step 2: Look for the “Posts” Tab – If the creator has enabled this feature, you’ll see a Posts tab where they post text updates, polls, and images. This is a great place to interact.
Step 3: Comment on Their Posts or Videos – Leave a relevant and engaging comment under one of their recent videos or posts.
Step 4: Ask Your Question or Make Your Request Clearly – Keep your comment concise, polite, and specific to increase the chances of a response.
Step 5: Check for Replies – Creators or other users may respond to your comment. If they reply, you can continue the conversation there or ask if they are open to further communication on another platform.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Avoid leaving spammy or repetitive comments, as this could lead to your comment being ignored or removed.
- If the creator receives a lot of comments, your message might get buried. Try commenting on less crowded videos for better visibility.
- Some creators disable comments on their videos, making this method unavailable in certain cases.
Both email and public comments are effective ways to reach someone on YouTube, depending on their level of engagement and preferences. If neither works, there are two more options below.
Method 3: Send a Direct Message on Social Media
Many creators link their social media profiles in their About section. Platforms like Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook let you send private messages, making them great ways to contact YouTubers you don’t know.
Step 1: Check the YouTuber’s About Section – Go to their channel homepage and click “…more” under the channel name. Many creators list their social media links there.
Step 2: Choose a Messaging Platform – Common options include Instagram (DMs), X (Direct Messages), or Facebook (Messenger). If no links are provided, check their video descriptions or pinned comments, where they may share additional contact details.
Step 3: Follow or Subscribe (If Required) – Some social media platforms restrict DMs from non-followers, so you may need to follow the creator before messaging.
Step 4: Introduce Yourself Clearly – When sending a message, start with a brief introduction. Mention your name, reason for reaching out, and how you came across their channel.
Step 5: Be Polite and Concise – Keep your message professional and to the point. Avoid sending long paragraphs, spammy links, or overly promotional content.
Step 6: Wait for a Response – Not all YouTubers check their DMs regularly. If they don’t reply immediately, be patient and avoid sending multiple follow-up messages.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Some creators disable DMs or have privacy settings that prevent messages from unknown users.
- If your message is important, consider commenting on their social media posts to get their attention.
- Verified creators or influencers may prioritize business emails over social media DMs.
Method 4: Using YouTube Live Chat
If a YouTuber hosts live streams, the YouTube Live Chat feature provides a direct way to communicate in real time. Many creators actively engage with their audience during streams, making it a great opportunity to ask questions or share feedback.
Step 1: Find an Upcoming or Ongoing Live Stream – Check the YouTuber’s homepage or Live tab for scheduled streams. If they are currently streaming, you will see a “Live” indicator.
Step 2: Join the Live Stream – Click on the live video to open the stream and access the chat section.
Step 3: Type Your Message in the Chat Box – Enter your question or comment in the live chat section on the right side (desktop) or below the video (mobile).
Step 4: Make Your Message Stand Out – If the stream is busy, messages move quickly. Keep your comment short and relevant to increase the chances of a response.
Step 5: Use Super Chat (Optional) – Some YouTubers enable Super Chat, allowing users to pay to highlight their message. This increases visibility and makes it more likely that the creator will notice your comment.
Step 6: Engage Respectfully – Be polite and respectful in your messages. Avoid spamming, excessive self-promotion, or disruptive comments, as this could lead to being muted or banned from the chat.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Some YouTubers disable live chat or limit participation to subscribers only.
- Popular YouTubers may receive thousands of messages, making it harder to get noticed.
- If your message is important and you don’t get a response, try commenting after the stream ends or using another contact method.
Both social media DMs and YouTube Live Chat offer real-time engagement, making them great ways to reach a YouTuber. However, responses depend on the creator’s activity level and communication preferences.
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How to Message Someone on YouTube Mobile
You can now message friends in the YouTube app (see above). To reach creators, use email, comments, social media, or live chat.
One of the best ways to reach someone is by checking their About section on their YouTube channel. If they have provided an email address, you can copy it and send them a message via your preferred email app. Many creators also link their social media profiles, such as Instagram, X, or Facebook, where you can send them a direct message.
Another option is to interact with their content through comments. Leaving a meaningful comment on their latest video or a post in their Posts tab increases the chances of a response. Some YouTubers also engage with their audience during live streams, allowing you to ask questions through the live chat feature.
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Some Tips and Tricks When Messaging on YouTube
Whether you use the new in-app messages, comments, live chat, or social media, these tips can improve your chances of getting a response.
Time Watched: Monitor Your Viewing Time
If you spend a lot of time on YouTube, it’s important to track your watch time to avoid burnout. YouTube provides a “Time Watched” feature that helps you monitor how much time you’ve spent watching videos. Taking breaks ensures you stay productive while engaging with content.
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Restricted Mode: Ensure Appropriate Content for Younger Viewers
If you’re managing a child’s YouTube account or want to avoid explicit content, enabling Restricted Mode can help. This setting filters out content that YouTube deems inappropriate, ensuring a safer browsing experience.
Engagement: Use Relevant Topics, Keywords, and Hashtags
When leaving comments, try to include relevant keywords, topics, or hashtags related to the video. This makes your comment more noticeable and increases the chances of a creator responding. For example, on a tech video, mentioning a specific gadget or feature can spark discussion.
Tagging: Use the “@” Symbol to Tag Creators or Commenters
To grab someone’s attention in the comments, use “@username” when replying. This notifies the person, making it more likely they will respond. However, avoid excessive tagging, as it can be seen as spam.
Open-Ended Questions: Encourage Responses
If you want a YouTuber or other users to engage with you, ask open-ended questions instead of simple yes/no questions. This encourages more meaningful conversations. For example, instead of asking, “Do you like this video?”, try “What’s your favorite part of this video and why?”
By applying these strategies, you can increase engagement and improve communication with YouTubers and their audiences.
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In Conclusion
YouTube’s new in-app messages are for chatting with friends who accept your invite. To reach a creator you don’t know, you still have plenty of options: email, comments, social media, and live chat.
Checking a creator’s email address in their About section is the most direct method, while leaving thoughtful comments on videos and posts can help you engage publicly. Many YouTubers also link their social media profiles, where you can send direct messages. If a creator hosts live streams, YouTube Live Chat is another great way to interact in real time.
By using these methods wisely and following best practices for engagement, you can effectively connect with creators and be part of the YouTube community.
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