FYI
After Sept. 18, you’ll no longer be able to send or receive direct messages on YouTube as we focus our efforts on public convo tools (comments, posts, etc).
You can still share what you’re watching w/ others via the Share icon below videos.
More→ https://yt.be/help/9Hns
So.. you’re getting rid of basically the only way I can talk to my friends? YouTube messages was the one thing I really depended on and then this happens. Quite pissed. Lotta people may disagree, idc really. I loved YT Messages so much, kinda sad too. 
My favourite youtuber is Pkrussl.