YouTube has been experimenting with a new 1080p content tier since last year, which provides more information per pixel for higher-quality video viewing. Earlier this year, the upgrade was available only to YouTube Premium members on Apple TV and iPhone devices.
In an announcement released last April, YouTube stated:
“To provide an even higher video quality experience for our Premium members, in the coming weeks we’ll be launching an enhanced bitrate version of 1080p HD video quality starting with iOS (and an experiment coming to Web soon too). While all users will still have access to 1080p, this enhanced 1080p quality setting will look extra crisp and clear, especially for videos with lots of detail and motion.”
The standard 1080p has been available to all YouTube users since 2009. Now reports state the higher quality 1080p enhanced bitrate is beginning to launch on Android TV OS and Google TV devices through the YouTube app. Some users have seen the standard 1080p option along with the 1080p Premium tier.
Some videos will not display with 1080p, standard or Premium, depending on if the content is not compatible with 1080p playback. If a video has been uploaded with a lower resolution, it’s not going to show the enhanced bitrate quality.
The 1080p Premium tier is available only to YouTube Premium members, which is $11.99 per month or $119.99 for an annual membership. The family plan allows members to add up to five users for $22.99 per month. YouTube Premium offers a big discount to students, only costing $6.99 a month after a one-month free trial.
YouTube Premium offers an ad-free streaming experience and grants members the option to download videos to watch later. Like to listen to music while your screen is locked? YouTube Premium makes that happen. YouTube Premium members get access to background play, which lets you use other apps simultaneously with no interruptions.