YouTube Improves Timestamps, Chat Features and AI Replies

YouTube is rolling out several significant updates designed to improve creator tools and user engagement. The platform is testing a new direct messaging feature that allows users to share and discuss videos within the YouTube app through private conversations. Currently available to users in Ireland and Poland, this feature enables sharing of long-form videos, Shorts, and live streams while maintaining dedicated YouTube chat discussions.

Enhanced Timestamp Editing for Creators

The platform is introducing a drag-and-drop tool that makes timestamp management simpler and more intuitive. Creators can now easily move timestamp markers along the playback slider during editing, ensuring product notes and chapter markers align perfectly with in-stream mentions. Additionally, YouTube is redesigning mobile product timestamps to appear in a shelf below the video player rather than as pop-up notifications, reducing visual disruption while maintaining engagement and awareness.

AI Comment Reply Suggestions Expand Globally

YouTube is expanding its AI-powered comment reply suggestions to all YouTube Studio users across mobile and web platforms, now available in over 100 languages. These optional suggestions provide quick response templates for viewer comments, helping creators engage faster. While the feature offers convenience, YouTube emphasizes that all suggestions are editable before posting, allowing creators to personalize their responses.

The updates also highlight YouTube’s increased focus on content moderation, with automated detection systems targeting channels engaged in spam, deceptive practices, and misleading content. YouTube reports that enforcement reviews found minimal errors in automated removals, demonstrating improved moderation accuracy.