in-app messaging Archives

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

YouTube quietly revives in-app private messaging, six years after discontinuing it

YouTube is testing a revival of its in-app private messaging feature, nearly six years after it was discontinued due to low adoption rates. The new initiative allows users to share videos, Shorts, and live streams with friends and is currently limited to select markets and users aged 18 and older. Safeguards such as invite-only conversations, unsend options, and the ability to block or report inappropriate content are included. YouTube's initial messaging feature was launched in 2017 and discontinued in 2019. The renewed feature aims to enhance direct engagement for content creators and provide a streamlined way for regular users to converse about videos. The pilot phase is ongoing, with no timeline for a broader rollout announced yet. YouTube's move to reinstate private messaging aligns with current trends as it faces competition from platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

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 an in-app private messaging feature again

YouTube is reintroducing its private messaging feature, which was discontinued in 2019, to a select group of users aged 18 and older in Ireland and Poland. Users can share videos, including long-form videos, Shorts, and livestreams, within the mobile app through a full-screen chat interface accessed via the Share button. The feature supports one-on-one conversations and group chats, allowing users to respond with text, videos, or emojis. To ensure user safety, participants must send invites to chat, can unsend messages, block users, and report violations. YouTube will monitor messages for compliance with Community Guidelines.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

Zillow adds in-app messaging to chat with ‘co-shoppers’

Zillow has introduced a messaging feature in its app to facilitate communication among homebuyers and their co-shoppers, allowing users to engage in conversations and share listings in a dedicated channel. This aims to reduce confusion and prevent missed messages during the homebuying process. Over 60% of homebuyers search alongside at least one other individual, making this feature valuable for coordinating property searches. Additional enhancements include virtual staging, Zillow Home Loans verified pre-approval, a closing dashboard for tracking title and escrow tasks, and an AI tool for renters providing automated responses about property details. These features are now available in the Zillow app.

AppWizard

August 29, 2025

Spotify Adds Messaging to Boost In-App Interactions

Spotify is introducing an in-app messaging feature to enhance social capabilities on its platform, allowing users to engage with one another without leaving the app. The feature initially supports one-on-one conversations, enabling users to chat with individuals they have previously shared content with or through received Spotify links. It includes options to invite friends via contact links and features such as emoji reactions. Messages are encrypted at rest and in transit but not end-to-end encrypted, with measures in place to scan for guideline violations. The feature is currently available to users over 16 in select Latin and South American markets, with plans for broader availability in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, the EU, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand in the coming weeks.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Spotify teases new in-app messaging feature

Spotify has introduced an integrated messaging system that allows users to share songs, podcasts, and audiobooks within the app, enhancing social engagement and addressing a gap in user experience. This feature enables users to initiate conversations by selecting a share icon during playback, choosing recipients, and transmitting content. The messaging system complements existing social media integrations and is designed to enhance user workflows, potentially transforming Spotify into a more active social network for audio content. The rollout comes as a strategic response to the influence of social media on music discovery, aiming to boost user engagement and retention in a competitive streaming landscape.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Spotify Rolls Out In-App Messaging to Let Users Share Songs and Podcasts Seamlessly

Spotify is introducing an in-app messaging feature that allows users to share and discuss songs, podcasts, and audiobooks within the platform, aimed at enhancing social interaction for both free and premium users. Users can share tracks by tapping the Share button on the Now Playing screen, selecting a friend, and sending a message request. The messaging format is currently one-on-one, and Spotify will not include group chats or broadcast features. Conversations will be encrypted, with users able to block accounts, report inappropriate messages, or opt out of messaging. The feature will roll out in select regions for users aged 16 and above, while sharing options to external platforms remain unchanged. This update coincides with recent subscription price increases in several countries, including India, where the Individual Plan rose from Rs 119 to Rs 139 and the Family Plan increased from Rs 179 to Rs 229.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Spotify makes bid to become an everything app with in-app messaging

Spotify has introduced an in-app messaging feature designed to enhance social connectivity while prioritizing user privacy. Users can only message those with whom they have previously shared content, and they can control who can message them or disable the feature through privacy settings. Spotify has expanded its social features by allowing comments on podcasts and may introduce song commenting in the future. The platform faces challenges, including a partnership with music publisher Kobalt amid protests from songwriters over reduced royalties, leading some artists to leave the platform. The messaging feature allows users to share tracks directly with friends or potential romantic interests.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Spotify Adds In-App Messaging to Boost Social Sharing

Spotify is introducing an in-app messaging feature that allows users to engage in direct conversations within the app. This feature supports one-on-one chats and requires approval for new chat requests. Users can react with emojis, and messages are stored in the app's Messages section. The feature is currently available on mobile only for users aged 16 and older in select Latin and South American markets, with plans to expand to the US, Canada, Brazil, EU, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Messages are encrypted during transit and at rest, but not end-to-end encrypted. Users can disable the feature if desired.