YouTube may have taken away the private messaging feature in 2018, but you can still enable messaging, of sorts, by setting up business inquiry emails on your channel (or taking advantage of those on someone else's channel.)
Just keep in mind that these are only visible on the desktop version of YouTube.
How to message someone on YouTube using business inquiry emails
Before you get started, remember: You'll only be able to do this if the creator of the channel has enabled this feature.
1. Go to youtube.com and sign into your account, if necessary.
2. Go to the account you want to message and toggle over to their "About" tab.
3. Click "View Email Address" â if they don't have business inquiry emails set up, you won't see that option and won't be able to send them a message â you may also have to fill out a reCAPTCHA form and click "Submit" to move onto the next step.
You'll find a channel's business inquiry email address under their "About" tab. Devon Delfino/Business Insider
4. Copy the email address, then type up and send your email through your personal or business email account.
How to set up business inquiry emails on your YouTube channel
If you're a creator and want to give people another way to reach you, it may be a good idea to set up business inquiry emails. Here's how:
1. Go to your YouTube account.
2. Click your profile photo in the top-right corner and then select "Your Channel."
3. Select "Customize Channel."
Select "Customize Channel" when you reach your page. Devon Delfino/Business Insider
4. Toggle over to your "About" tab.
5. Next to "For Business Inquiries," click "+ Email."
6. Enter your email into the text box and click "Done."
Add the email that you use for business to your channel. Devon Delfino/Business Insider
If you want to change your email address in the future, you can always go back into your account and update your information through this process.