Hajra Naz
YouTube just rolled out a new feature that’s going to make old, blurry videos look a lot better, especially on big screens.
The platform is now using AI upscaling to automatically enhance videos under 1080p. For now, it’ll mostly boost standard-definition clips to HD, but YouTube says it plans to reach 4K quality soon.
There’s a small catch feature that works only on TVs right now. When it’s on, you’ll notice a tag that says “Super Resolution” under the quality settings. It’s an easy way to know AI is doing the work behind the scenes. Creators, though, can turn it off if they prefer to keep their videos as they are.
YouTube isn’t stopping there. The company has also raised the thumbnail file limit from 2MB to 50MB. That means we’ll start seeing much sharper, 4K-ready thumbnails perfect for big screens and high-end smart TVs.
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There’s more coming for TV viewers, too. You’ll soon be able to browse channels with immersive previews, right from the homepage. Creators can also group their videos into “binge-worthy collections,” making it easier to relax and stream shows without searching for the next episode.
Another small but handy update: contextual search. When you search from a channel page, videos from that specific creator will now show up first. It’s a neat way to stay in one creator’s world instead of jumping between random results.
And soon, QR codes will appear in videos that feature products. Scan them, and you’ll be taken straight to the product page on your phone; no more typing or searching manually.
All these updates are coming to TVs first. Why? Because YouTube says TV is its fastest-growing platform. More people are watching from their living rooms, and these changes are meant to make that experience smoother, sharper, and a lot more interactive.
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FAQs
1. What is YouTube’s AI upscaling feature?
It’s a new AI tool that automatically improves video quality, turning lower-resolution videos into clearer HD or even 4K versions.
2. Does AI upscaling work on all devices?
Right now, it’s available only on TVs. YouTube might expand it to other devices later.
3. Can creators opt out of AI upscaling?
Yes. Creators can choose to turn off the feature if they prefer to keep their videos in their original quality.
4. What’s new about thumbnails on YouTube?
YouTube has increased the thumbnail size limit from 2MB to 50MB, allowing creators to upload high-quality, 4K thumbnails.
5. Why is YouTube focusing on TV updates?
Because TV viewing is growing the fastest. More people are watching YouTube on big screens, so the platform is focusing on improving that experience.
