A browser extension that seamlessly integrates a private messaging system directly into the YouTube interface. Chat with other users without leaving the site.
Install directly from the browser extension stores:
Installing from the stores enables automatic updates and simplifies installation.
Alternatively, to install manually from source:
- Go to the Releases page and download the ZIP archive of the latest release.
- Unzip the archive.
- Open your browser and navigate to
chrome://extensions. - Enable Developer mode (usually toggle in the top right).
- Click Load unpacked, then select the
yt-dm-nlfolder you just unzipped. - The YouTube DM icon will now appear in the top right corner of the YouTube header.
If you’d like to build the extension yourself:
git clone https://github.com/sdwck/youtube-direct-messages.git
cd youtube-direct-messages
npm install
npm run build- Direct Messaging: Chat one-on-one with any other user of the extension.
- Real-time & Secure: Built on Firebase Firestore for fast, reliable, and secure message delivery.
- YouTube Integration: The chat panel is designed to feel like a native part of the YouTube UI.
- Rich Media Sharing: Share links to YouTube videos, which are automatically converted into beautiful, clickable previews.
- Shareable Profile Links: Easily invite others to chat by sharing a unique link.
- Unread Message Notifications: A subtle dot on the DM icon lets you know when you have new messages.
- Lazy Loading: Message history is loaded in batches for optimal performance, even in long conversations.
- TypeScript
- Firebase (Firestore & Auth)
- Webpack
- Login: Click the DM icon and sign in with your Google account.
- Start a Chat: Get a user's unique ID (UID) and start a new conversation. You can get your own UID by clicking "Copy My Link" and examining the URL.
- Share: Use the "DM" option in YouTube's native "Share" menu to send videos directly to your contacts.