Credit: Unsplash
Regular 1080p will still be available, while the premium version has a higher bitrate.
Currently, the majority of YouTube videos have video quality options ranging from the lowest 144p to HD 1080p (though some videos can go even higher than that). However, some users have complained previously that the site’s 1080p resolution isn’t true 1080p, falling short compared to other streaming platforms. YouTube is looking to offer a 1080p option that’s more in line with the ideal, albeit not for free.
YouTube released a statement this week revealing that they are currently experimenting with a new sub-resolution called 1080p Premium, which is currently only available to YouTube Premium users.
“1080p Premium is an enhanced bitrate version of 1080p which provides more information per pixel that results in a higher quality viewing experience,” YouTube spokesperson Paul Pennington told The Verge, adding that “there are no changes to the existing quality offerings for 1080p (HD) resolution on YouTube.”
YouTube says it isn’t messing with 1080p — "1080p Premium" is higher-bitrate https://t.co/mjqZXgukcY pic.twitter.com/z9XDgqBRZn
— The Verge (@verge) February 24, 2023
Essentially, the current iteration of 1080p display is completely untouched, while 1080p Premium downloads more video data to present a more detailed picture. The reason they can’t offer this service usually is because the data increase would be more expensive, but if it were a perk for Premium subscriptions, it may be more feasible.
No word yet on when or if 1080p Premium will be officially implemented into the site at large.
