YouTube is planning big updates to make watching videos more enjoyable and convenient.
The goal is to keep viewers engaged for longer on YouTube TV, while also helping creators earn more.
Some creators struggle to produce high-quality videos, but new AI features will improve video quality automatically.
There are four major updates that YouTube is introducing — let’s break them down.
Thumbnails Can Be Much Larger
YouTube has increased the thumbnail file size from 2 MB to 50 MB, allowing creators to use 4K thumbnails.
This means videos will look sharper and more attractive, especially on TV screens.
Creators are already testing the ability to upload larger videos, which should make the platform even more appealing for viewers.
QR Codes in Videos
Creators can now add QR codes to their videos.
Viewers can scan the code with their phones and go straight to the product page, making shopping easier.
Last year, viewers spent 35 billion hours watching shopping-related videos, and this feature will help creators earn more from their content.
AI Will Enhance Low-Quality Videos
YouTube’s new AI tools can convert low-quality videos into Full HD, with 4K support coming in the future.
Creators will still keep control over their original files, so viewers can choose to watch in the original quality if they want.
This ensures better viewing experiences without losing creative control.
Immersive Previews and Improved Search
YouTube is introducing immersive previews while watching videos, making it easier to switch between content.
Searching on a creator’s channel will now show videos from that channel first, instead of mixing with videos from across YouTube.
This makes it faster to find relevant content.
Benefits for Viewers and Creators
These updates aim to make YouTube a major TV platform at home.
With better shopping tools, enhanced video quality, and improved search, viewers can find what they want faster, while creators can increase their earnings.
The updates will roll out gradually to all users.
