RNA modifications are an emerging layer of posttranscriptional gene regulation in eukaryotes. N ⁶ -methyladenosine (m ⁶ A) is among the most abundant modifications in mRNAs (mRNAs) that was shown to influence many physiological processes from yeast to mammals. Like DNA methylation, m ⁶ A in mRNA is dynamically regulated. A conserved methyltransferase complex catalyzes the deposition of the methyl group on adenosine, which can be removed by specific classes of demethylases. Furthermore, YTH-domain containing proteins can recognize this modification to mediate m ⁶ A-dependent activities. Here we review the functions and mechanisms of the main m ⁶ A players with a particular focus on Drosophila melanogaster.