YouTube had last week reduced its default video quality to standard definition (SD) on mobile networks over growing Internet bandwidth concerns, because the global lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic has restricted everyone indoors. With people at home almost globally, there has been a big surge in Internet usage, raising concerns about networks slowing down due to the shortage of bandwidth. Now, while streaming services like YouTube and Netflix have already reduced their default video qualities to ease the strain, YouTube now seems to have gone a step ahead. it has been reported that YouTube is now limiting the video quality on its mobile application to a maximum of 480p. Upon checking, a number of us were ready to confirm the standard ceiling on both Android and iOS apps, though others were still able to switch to higher resolutions.
Now, although there has been no official communication from YouTube regarding the restriction, some users of both the Android and iOS applications have reported a 480p limit on their respective apps. Although XDA Developers, who noticed the event first, only reported the restriction for Android, multiple iOS users have also seen the 480p restriction now. The restriction is in place no matter the type of network a user is on, be it mobile network (4G LTE) or Wi-Fi. The XDA report also says that YouTube can be rolling out the restriction regionally, since some users are still being able to line the video quality on their apps.
Meanwhile, the YouTube website remains unaffected by this restriction as users are being able to modify to any quality they need.
We have reached out to YouTube for an official word on this development. This story are going to be updated with the official response when Google responds.
Last week, YouTube had announced that it has set the default video quality as SD in India on mobile networks so as to save lots of bandwidth since the coronavirus pandemic has led to a huge spike in Internet usage. However, there was no restriction on the power to watch HD content for anyone in last week’s development.
Apart from YouTube, other streaming platforms have also taken measures to stop the network stress. Streaming platforms like Hotstar, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others are now either defaulting or locking their services to standard definition (SD) quality. In India, the companies have reduced the standard on mobile networks after a request from the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) asking them to move from HD to SD.
