YouTube becomes 'new' messaging app for mobile users

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US video-sharing website YouTube on Monday released a new sharing feature, or more accurately, a "chatting" feature, in its mobile application for Android and iOS users.

Users can now chat about their shared videos with friends via the new function using text, emoji or other videos, just like an instant messaging app. They can also set up group chats with up to 30 people.

Screenshot showing the new feature. /VentureBeat Photo

The feature was first tested by a group of users in May 2016, before being introduced in Canada in January 2017, followed by parts of Latin America.

It is now finally introduced to users worldwide after improvements were made to the initial version.

"We’ve made changes to the chat visual; and we’ve made the video stick to the top of the chat when scrolling down, to allow replying and chatting while watching a video," said a YouTube spokesperson to VentureBeat, adding that the firm would keep on making improvements.

The logo of YouTube. /Reuters Photo

Users can first invite friends from their phone's address list, or by sending an invitation link via any existing measures and then initiate a conversation.

Behind the new feature is YouTube's intention to transition some social activities back to YouTube itself rather than other messaging apps, according to TechCrunch, a leading US online publisher of technology news.