YouTube starts testing ‘1080p Premium’ stream option on mobile app

YouTube appears to be testing a new option for users streaming YouTube from the mobile app. As spotted by Reddit user u/KZedUK (via This is today’s technology), a new option for stream quality has appeared called “1080p Premium” described as having “enhanced bitrate”. This new stream option will be available to YouTube Premium users and exists alongside the “regular” 1080p option which is quite generously compressed.

This is today’s technology speculates that the new “high-speed” 1080p option could address users’ desire to watch higher quality video, which they respond by upgrading to a 1440p or 2160p (4K) streaming option when available. This new option can offset YouTube’s operating costs to meet users’ desire to watch higher quality videos from mobile.

Source: Redditu/KZedUK

This comes shortly after Susan Wojcicki’s departure as YouTube CEO was announced, although it remains to be confirmed whether the change is a result of Neil Mohan taking over as the new CEO. android font also speculates that the “1080p Premium” video option can also put 60fps and 120fps videos behind the YouTube Premium paywall.

We’re curious to hear more about YouTube’s new strategy with YouTube Premium moving forward. In December, YouTube was testing an “add to queue” feature from mobile for Android and iOS users with a Premium subscription.

Source • Via