YouTube Rolls Out New Sharing and Chat Features to All iOS Users

[MacRumors]

YouTube today expanded new chat and sharing features to all YouTube users around the world, making it easier to share and discuss videos right within the YouTube app for iOS devices.

The video sharing functionality was first launched earlier this year in Canada and for some users in North America, and it is now available for all users worldwide.

YouTube's new sharing and chat features allow YouTube users to select a video to share with friends and family and then chat about those shared videos with text, emoji, and more. Group messages discussing shared videos can include up to 30 people.

The sharing features are accessible through a new "Shared" tab in the YouTube app for iOS, which replaces Activity. Sharing a video can be done by adding friends via a text message or sending them a link through email or another social network.

Starting today, you can share videos with your friends and family directly on YouTube. Not only can you share and receive videos in the app, you can also chat about them right on YouTube, reply with another video, invite others to the conversation, and more. We think it'll make sharing easier, faster and more fun on your phone. And if you want to continue sharing videos through other apps, you can still do that too.

YouTube can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Article Link: YouTube Rolls Out New Sharing and Chat Features to All iOS Users

 

[kkamann]

Yeah. But is it emojified like iMessage?

 

[OldSchoolMacGuy]

If it's anything like the standard YouTube comments, it'll be a horrid train wreck.

 

[69Mustang]

If it's anything like the standard YouTube comments, it'll be a horrid train wreck.

Only if your friends and family are like standard Youtube commenters.

 

[Michaelgtrusa]

I'm seeing bad bugs with the service where vids will stop streaming.

 

[Ishayu]

So what, exactly, is the advantage of this over simply sending people an SMS or iMessage with a YouTube link, and then Messages inlines the video, and then you can chat about it?

Also, my family doesn't have YouTube accounts. Very few people actually do. Most YouTube views are anonymous.

 

[69Mustang]

So what, exactly, is the advantage of this over simply sending people an SMS or iMessage with a YouTube link, and then Messages inlines the video, and then you can chat about it?

Also, my family doesn't have YouTube accounts. Very few people actually do. Most YouTube views are anonymous.

It's within the Youtube app. It's about every company's seemingly concentrated focus on keeping users engaged within an app. If your family doesn't have YT accounts, this probably isn't for you guys.

 

[friedmud]

Yeah - I hate to be _that_ guy... but there really is no need for *another* chat platform. Google even has their very own already...

Spotify did this right: they recently REMOVED their chat features... saying that current chat platforms already do that better so there was no need to maintain their own!

https://community.spotify.com/t5/forums/v3_1/forumtopicpage/board-id/001/thread-id/178980/page/1

 

[redscull]

I'm waiting for YouTube to add a back button...

 

[crizzo]

Activity isn't replaced. It is still called Activity, now there are just 2 subcategories.

 

[Dizbuster]

I'm waiting for YouTube to add a back button...

Couldn't agree more.

 

[CarlJ]

I'm waiting for YouTube to add a back button...

I'm waiting for YouTube to bring their AppleTV app up to some sort of parity with the iOS apps. Gimme the ability to do thumbs up/down and add to WatchLater, at least.

 

[Jeaz]

All I want from Youtube is PiP support.

 

[Allewsive]

All I want from Youtube is PiP support.

Yah me too.

And I hate how much they are pushing the “Shared” tab. If you tap activity it goes to Shared first making you swipe over. Just a forced way of pushing their chat on us.