YouTube is reportedly testing a new video quality option, dubbed “1080p Premium,” that promises a higher quality viewing experience than the standard 1080p resolution. The new option is said to offer an “enhanced bitrate,” which means more information per pixel, resulting in better image quality without having to switch to a higher resolution, which can require more data usage and higher costs.
According to reports, the new video quality option is currently available to only a small group of YouTube Premium subscribers, who pay a monthly subscription fee of $12 for an individual account or $23 for a family plan. A spokesperson for YouTube confirmed the test to the publication, saying that the enhanced 1080p option provides “more information per pixel that results in a higher quality viewing experience.”
Some viewers have reported on Reddit that the standard 1080p resolution on YouTube is poor in quality, and the higher bitrate of the enhanced option could address this issue. However, it is worth noting that the new option is still in the experimental phase, and there is no guarantee that it will be rolled out widely.
Switching to 4K resolution would provide sharper and better-looking videos, but it would require users to stream a much bigger file, which could cost them more or eat up more of their data allowance. The enhanced 1080p option, if approved for a wider rollout, would offer a more accessible and affordable option for those looking for better video quality on YouTube.
