YouTube adds automatic AI upscaling for low-res videos

YouTube is rolling out some updates aimed at making visuals look better on its TV apps, including automatic AI video upscaling. To begin with, YouTube plans to upscale videos that were uploaded in under 1080p to an HD resolution. It aims to support 4K upscaling in the future.

The platform will still retain the original files and video resolution options. Creators can opt-out of the AI upscaling feature, which it’s calling Super Resolution, as well as automated audio adjustments. The platform says it’s also working with select creators to test larger video uploads to allow for higher-quality footage.

Creators will soon be able to upload thumbnails in higher quality too. YouTube will increase the thumbnail file limit from 2MB to 50MB.

As for viewers, it seems like YouTube saw those annoying automatic previews Netflix has had for the last decade and decided to copy that playbook. “Viewers will be able to see and flip through their favorite YouTube channels with immersive previews on the homepage, enhancing content discovery and engagement,” Kurt Wilms, the senior director of product management for YouTube on TV, wrote in a blog post.

Elsewhere, YouTube has added a contextual search function to its TV apps. When you search for something from a creator’s channel page, videos from said channel will appear first in the results. That’s a smart, logical idea.

With people watching YouTube on TV more than on mobile these days, it only makes sense for the platform to invest in improving the experience there.