direct messaging Archives

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

YouTube tests direct messaging. Here’s how it works.

YouTube is testing a direct messaging feature in its mobile app, allowing users to share videos and engage in conversations. This feature, which was removed in 2019, is currently being trialed for users over 18 in Poland and Ireland. Users can share long-form content, Shorts, and live streams through direct messages, with options to accept or decline chat invitations from other users. All communications will adhere to YouTube's Community Guidelines, and users can block unwanted messages. Notifications for new messages will be integrated with other alerts.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

YouTube Tests Revival of In-App Messaging in Ireland and Poland

YouTube is testing the revival of its in-app direct messaging feature, which was discontinued in 2019. The limited rollout is currently available to users in Ireland and Poland and is aimed at users over 18, focusing on privacy and community guidelines. This feature allows for private conversations and video sharing within the app, reflecting user demand for integrated communication. The original messaging system, launched in 2017, was shut down due to low adoption rates and moderation challenges. The current testing phase suggests YouTube is refining the feature before a broader launch, with potential implications for creators to engage with fans directly. However, there are concerns regarding privacy and content moderation. The initiative aligns with industry trends emphasizing in-app communication and could enhance user engagement and advertising opportunities for YouTube.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

YouTube revives in-app direct messaging in surprise test

YouTube is testing a built-in direct messaging feature for users aged 18 and older in Ireland and Poland. Users can initiate chats by tapping the notification bell on videos and inviting others to share content. Invite links expire after seven days, and users can also use the Share button to send messages. This is YouTube's second attempt at direct messaging, having previously tested it from 2017 to 2019 before discontinuing it. The new feature aims to facilitate communication without leaving the platform, allowing creators and brands to build communities and share content. User feedback will determine the future of this feature, and there is currently no commitment to a global rollout.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

YouTube Tests Direct Messaging Feature: Users Will Soon Share Videos and Chat Inside the App

YouTube is testing a new direct messaging feature that allows users aged 18 and older in Ireland and Poland to share videos and engage in conversations within the platform. The feature supports sharing long-form videos, Shorts, and live streams through the YouTube mobile app, enabling discussions without leaving the platform. Messages will adhere to YouTube’s Community Guidelines, with monitoring for compliance and safety. Users can still share videos via other platforms, and YouTube is collecting feedback to evaluate potential broader rollout.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

YouTube tests bringing back direct messages, a ‘top feature request’

YouTube is testing a new direct messaging feature within its mobile app, allowing users aged 18 and older in Ireland and Poland to share videos and converse about them. This feature is a response to user demand and follows the discontinuation of a previous messaging feature in 2019. Users can share videos, send invites to start conversations, and have the ability to block or report messages. All messages will be reviewed for compliance with Community Guidelines. The timeline for a broader rollout is currently uncertain.

AppWizard

November 3, 2025

Elon Musk on Messaging Platform X Chat’s Features and Bitcoin-Like P2P Encryption

Elon Musk announced the upcoming feature "X Chat" for his social media platform, X, during his appearance on the "Joe Rogan Experience." This new messaging service will utilize a peer-to-peer encryption model similar to Bitcoin and is designed to enhance security by minimizing vulnerabilities compared to other messaging applications. X Chat will not include advertising hooks, focusing instead on user privacy and security. A standalone app is also planned for release in a few months, allowing users to send messages, share files, and make audio or video calls. The in-app chat will support various media linked to X handles rather than phone numbers.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Privacy rankings of popular messaging apps in 2025

Direct messaging through chat applications is not as private as often assumed, with conversations and data potentially used for advertising, AI training, and shared with law enforcement. Users can also be targeted by impersonators and face risks from social engineering tactics. Incogni analyzed 15 messaging apps and social networks based on 18 criteria for privacy, resulting in a ranking where lower scores indicate better privacy practices. The overall privacy rankings are: - Discord: 10.23 - Telegram: 13.08 - Snapchat: 13.39 - Facebook Messenger: 22.22 - WhatsApp: 23.17 When considering practical categories, the rankings change: - Telegram: 4.23 - Snapchat: 7.72 - Discord: 8.14 - WhatsApp: 11.93 - Facebook Messenger: 13.37 WhatsApp received a penalty of 3.4 points due to potential use of chats for AI training. Applications that prioritize privacy typically have secure default settings, with Telegram and Snapchat leading in this aspect, while Discord, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp rank lower. For securing accounts against strangers, Telegram and WhatsApp are the most secure, while Discord ranks lower. In terms of compliance with government requests for data, Snapchat has the highest approval rate at 82%, followed by Meta’s services at 78%, and Discord at 77.4%. All platforms collect varying amounts of user data, with Telegram and WhatsApp collecting the least. Telegram is noted for its extensive privacy settings, while Discord, despite limited data collection, lacks robust default privacy settings. WhatsApp excels in protecting users from strangers and has a modest data collection profile. The analysis did not include niche privacy-focused messaging apps, and only WhatsApp provides end-to-end encryption by default. Users are advised to use official mobile clients to avoid vulnerabilities, and third-party clients pose significant security risks.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Elon Musk Takes A Dig At Signal, The Messenger’s President Hits Back

Several major platforms, including Snapchat, Signal Messenger, and Duolingo, experienced an unexpected outage that frustrated users. Elon Musk expressed diminished trust in Signal, prompting a defense from Signal's President, Meredith Whittaker, who highlighted the platform's reputation for privacy and security. Signal's centralized system does not compromise encrypted communications, as it does not retain keys to the encrypted data. Musk is promoting X Chat as a secure alternative in the messaging landscape, with plans to enhance user confidence through a simplified verification process. Signal has faced criticism over operational issues, and Musk's comments suggest he aims to position X Chat as a competitor to Signal and other messaging platforms.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Airbnb adds direct messaging, new social features after app overhaul

Airbnb has introduced new social features that allow attendees of experiences to communicate via direct messaging, fostering community among guests. Users can opt into these features for each experience and can unsubscribe at any time. This update follows a significant app redesign that began in May, which included new services like catering and personal training, and marked a shift for Airbnb to diversify beyond home rentals. The company plans to invest between 0 million and billion into new business opportunities. Additionally, the app now includes an enhanced AI chatbot for personalized customer support, flexible carousels for alternative listings, and maps showcasing nearby landmarks and attractions.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Meta to End Messenger Desktop Apps for Windows and Mac by December 15

Meta will close its standalone Messenger desktop applications for Windows and Mac on December 15. After the shutdown, users will be redirected to Facebook.com or Messenger.com if they don't have a Facebook account. Desktop app users will receive an in-app notification and have a 60-day grace period to use the Mac Messenger app before it becomes inoperable. Users are advised to activate secure storage and set up a PIN to safeguard their chat history before transitioning to the web version. Their chat history will remain accessible across all platforms after migrating. Secure storage can be checked in the settings under Privacy & Safety > End-to-end Encrypted Chats.