YouTube decides to close its private messaging feature next month

Google announced Wednesday that it was planning to close the private chat feature within YouTube, more than two and a half years after its launch.

"Two years ago, we launched a feature that allows you to share videos via private messages on YouTube," the company said in an article on its support page. "Since then, we have also focused on public conversations to update comments, publications and stories."

Google explained the reason for the shutdown stating, "We are constantly reevaluating our priorities and have decided to close the original direct messaging feature on YouTube while focusing on improving public conversations."

YouTube launched the live messaging feature in January 2017 as part of its Android app, and launched it for the web version of the service in May 2018. By now, the company has set September 18 as the deadline for its final closure.

Messenger allows users to share videos with their contacts and discuss and chat with them. The feature supports individual and group chats with up to 30 people.

It is thought that the feature has not attracted much attention, but YouTube is trying to encourage public conversations by discussing comments and sharing via the social media sharing button.

The company also tries to promote stories that duplicate the same functionality as services such as Snapchat, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, but it keeps short videos available for days, not just a day.