YouTube Premium just got a lot better value for its iOS app users as it finally rolled out its new higher-quality video option to all subscribers on iPhone.
After experimenting with different video options in recent months, including briefly blocking 4K video access behind a paywall, YouTube decided to roll out 1080p Premium on top of its existing options. This bitrate-enhanced 1080p version promises to be "extra sharp and clear" according to YouTube's blog post (opens in a new tab), giving Premium members access to less-compressed video.
Thankfully, it looks like regular 1080p videos won't see a drop in quality for non-paying YouTubers, and 4K video is still free for everyone; However, this announcement is not all good news.
For one thing, you'll only be able to enjoy higher bitrate videos if you have a strong enough internet connection, and they'll eat up more of your data plan than lower-quality videos. On the other hand, it is not yet known when the higher bitrate format will arrive to Premium subscribers using Android phones, but web users should have access to 1080p Premium "soon".
YouTube on Android also receives updates
If you're a YouTube Premium subscriber on Android, you won't miss out on all the new features.
Whether you're watching YouTube on an Android phone, one of the best iPhones, or on the web, Premium subscribers will now have access to the Continue Watching feature. YouTube already lets you pick up videos where you left off, and even has a dedicated section that shows you all partially watched videos from channels you're subscribed to, but this new Continue Watching feature will streamline the process of finding content. content. Now when you open the YouTube app after pausing a video on the web, it automatically displays the video at the bottom of the screen.
Another nifty tool for those who like to watch YouTube on the go is Smart Downloads. If you enable this feature, YouTube will automatically download the videos it thinks you'll like while you're connected to Wi-Fi, and you can then watch those recommended videos without having to worry about going over your data limit. The only drawback is that smart downloads will likely eat up your phone's storage space. Therefore, we recommend that you only activate it if you have gigs to spare.
Finally, YouTube recently added new watch together features so you and your friends can enjoy a video at the same time, anywhere in the world. On Android, this is done through Meet Live Sharing, which allows a Premium subscriber to set up a Google Meet session where the people they invite can watch YouTube videos together, and best of all, you don't need Premium to join. to the session. just to set it up. In the coming weeks, a similar tool should also be coming to FaceTime on iOS.
Not convinced by these YouTube Premium upgrades? Check out our picks for the best streaming service to find the right video content for you.