Is YouTube getting a separate social networking app?

Google might be looking to expand the social side of YouTube to a separate app, according to a report.

The diligent detectives over at Android Authority spotted several references, both in the form of code and visual assets, to something called "Tamba" in the latest build of YouTube for Android. These include a logo that looks like a more improvisational take on the regular YouTube logo and code strings for features like private messages, group chats, "hearts" (AKA likes), follower requests, and more that would seem to signal that Google wants to build a sort of YouTube-centric social network, according to the report.

Mashable has reached out to Google for comment and will update this story if we hear back.

It's unclear from the investigation whether or not this would be a full, separate app, or merely an experimental testing ground for social features within the YouTube app. Additionally, it's possible that none of this ever makes it into a product for public consumption.

It should be noted that the YouTube app has already begun incorporating some social features in the past year, such as direct messaging.

We'll have to wait and see if this turns out to be a real app meant for the public. Here's hoping that the name is a reference to Kansas City Chiefs legend Tamba Hali.

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