YouTube is testing out its 1080p Premium to a limited number of Android and Google TV users.
The Google-owned giant video service seeks to offer a new "1080p Premium" option, which delivers a next-level bitrate across videos.
YouTube 1080p Premium Option
As per a report by 9to5 Google, YouTube started dishing out a testing version of the all-new "1080p Premium" option last February to its paying Premium subscribers. However, the search giant only rolled it out to iPhone and Apple TV users, letting them get their hands on the additional video quality tier on their devices. But this time, Google has expanded the new video option.
According to Phone Arena, some Android, and Google TV users report that the 1080p Premium option started showing up on their devices, apart from iPhones and Apple TVs. The YouTube Android app now includes the "1080p Premium" and the standard "1080p" options. The same goes for Google TV and Android TV viewers.
A brief explanation on the YouTube Android app says that the new viewing option delivers "enhanced bitrate," enabling users to better quality videos.
This new 1080p Premium option is a welcome addition for YouTube Premium subscribers who want the best video quality they deserve. The higher bitrate and VP9 encoding should result in a noticeably sharper, more detailed picture, especially on high-end devices.
What is '1080p Premium' on YouTube?
Last April, as The Verge reports, Google formally introduced the new "1080p Premium" option on YouTube. The video service touts that the new "enhanced bitrate version of 1080p" offers videos that look crisper than ever, even on clips with many details and motions. It enables users to view better-looking videos since it packs more information per pixel thanks to the next-level bitrate support.
Some users speculate that the tech giant has nerfed the standard 1080p option to force users to subscribe to a Premium subscription. However, 9to5 Google reports that YouTube did not touch the original 1080p tier. And instead, it only offered a new option that delivers an upgraded experience.
YouTube's introduction of the 1080p Premium option for Android and Google TV users is a game-changer for video enthusiasts. With its promise of crisper images, sharper details, and an overall immersive experience, the new option elevates streaming quality to new heights. While currently limited to select devices, the future holds the possibility of expansion of availability.
