YouTube has announced that it will automatically upscale videos uploaded at resolutions lower than 1080p to HD using artificial intelligence, with plans to support upscaling to 4K in the future. However, both creators and viewers will have the option to opt out of this feature. According to YouTube, creators will maintain full control over their content, as original files and resolutions will remain unchanged, and there will be a straightforward option to decline these enhancements. Viewers will also have the ability to watch videos in their original uploaded resolution, with the super resolution feature clearly labeled in the settings.
AI upscaling has become a common feature among major TV manufacturers as screen sizes have increased, and Nvidia offers a similar functionality on its Shield TV streaming devices. YouTube’s option to opt out is significant, especially considering past complaints from creators about the platform applying enhancements to their videos without permission, which sometimes led to strange or unwanted visual effects. The automatic upscaling will only affect videos originally uploaded in resolutions ranging from 240p to 720p, as confirmed by YouTube spokesperson Veronica Navarrete. This means it will not retroactively apply to older videos that creators have previously remastered to 1080p.
Additionally, YouTube is increasing the current 2 MB limit on video thumbnails to 50 MB to accommodate 4K images and is testing the ability to handle larger video uploads with select creators. Furthermore, for videos featuring tagged products, viewers will soon be able to purchase items directly by scanning a QR code displayed on their TV screens, which will take them to the product page. YouTube is also exploring features that allow creators to highlight products at specific moments during their videos.