Overview
- Automatic AI upscaling will generate HD versions of uploads below 1080p (240p–720p) under a clearly labeled “Super Resolution” setting, with originals preserved, creator opt-outs available, and a viewer toggle to watch the original.
- YouTube targets future support up to 4K, has begun testing with select creators, and a Google spokesperson says the upscaling will appear on web and mobile in addition to TVs.
- The thumbnail file size limit is rising from 2MB to 50MB to enable 4K-quality images, and YouTube is trialing larger video uploads to support higher-fidelity originals.
- TV apps are gaining immersive homepage channel previews, a refreshed Shows layout for bingeable collections, and contextual search that prioritizes videos from the channel being browsed.
- Shopping features on TV include scannable QR codes for tagged products and tests for timed product moments, aligning with growth in TV viewing and 35 billion hours of shopping-related watch time.