Google Messages improves: up to 20 pinned conversations and integrated YouTube playback

The Google Messages app, utilized by hundreds of millions of Android users, continues to evolve at an impressive pace.

Following enhancements related to RCS conversations, sensitive content detection, and spam blocking, two new very practical features are being rolled out — and they will clearly simplify users’ lives.

Google Messages: Up To 20 Pinned Conversations at the Top of the App

Previously, Google Messages allowed users to pin up to 10 conversations at the top of the list for quick access. However, according to Android Authority, the latest version of Google Messages has doubled this limit to 20 pinned conversations.

You can now keep visible: your most active group chats, family contacts, and professional exchanges, all without having to scroll endlessly through the list.

This may seem like a minor update, but it is extremely practical for those juggling multiple important conversations daily.

Integrated YouTube Playback in Picture-in-Picture Mode

The second new feature is much more ambitious. Google is working on integrating YouTube directly into Google Messages, allowing users to watch videos without leaving the conversation.

Here’s how it works: when a friend sends you a YouTube link, the video will open in a floating window (Picture-in-Picture) right within the app, allowing you to watch while continuing to chat. This mini-window will have basic controls: play/pause, fast forward, full screen, and free repositioning on the screen — just like the classic PiP mode on Android.

According to initial observations, this feature currently requires a beta YouTube account and the latest test version of Google Messages.

However, the fact that it is already functional internally suggests that a public rollout is on the way.

What This Means Concretely

These two new features add to a lengthy list of recent improvements: sensitive content filters (for photos and videos), enhanced RCS group chats, improved spam tools, and contextual security alerts.

With these additions, Google further reinforces the all-in-one hub aspect of Google Messages, making it more comprehensive, fluid, and user-friendly — especially in the face of competition from iMessage and WhatsApp.

Google Messages continues its quiet but steady evolution. Being able to keep 20 important conversations visible and watch a YouTube video without leaving the app makes for a much smoother and modern experience.

Beta users can already test these new features — for everyone else, the global rollout should not be long now.