Coronavirus's 'kill' on YouTube's video quality

Coronavirus's 'kill' on YouTube's video quality

YouTube has decided to set video quality to 480p by default until April 14. Earlier, many streaming services like Netflix, Disney +, Amazon Prime, Hotstar have also adopted such measures to reduce the stress of all networks.

Many technology companies are deciding that their usage does not get in the way of infrastructure due to fears of reduced bandwidth due to the 'Work from Home' program implemented around the world. To do this, Google-owned YouTube has announced that the company will set the quality of video on its platform to standard definition (SD) by default to save bandwidth. Previously, other streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hotstar have also taken similar steps to ensure that the load on the network remains at a minimum during this period.

YouTube India has stated that they will temporarily set HD and Ultra-HD streaming to SD by default, with a bitrate not exceeding 480p on the mobile network. This decision has been taken till 14 April. In addition to YouTube, the company has created a promo card on its homepage that links to the MoHFW website for up-to-date information about Coronavirus (Kovid-19). Information about coronovirus, search results and videos will also be provided through reliable sources such as WHO. It has also been said that a specially prepared playlist of tips will also be shown to prevent the spread of this virus.

A Google spokesperson has released the statement and stated that the company will continue to work closely with governments and network operators around the world to reduce stress on the system during this unprecedented situation. Google also says that last week the company had announced to temporarily set all videos to SD for the European Union by default and now the company is going to implement it globally.

According to YouTube, these measures will be released globally in the next few days and will remain in force for about 30 days.

Many streaming services like Netflix, Disney +, Amazon Prime, Hotstar are also taking measures to reduce the stress of the network. Even Disney + is set to launch in Europe with lower quality to reduce network tension resulting from increased consumption of users doing work from home.

Netflix has also reduced the video quality in India for the next 30 days to make internet traffic smoother. Hotstar has also locked the quality on SD on its platform.