After 4 months, YouTube brings back HD video resolution in its app

Some users who have posted screenshots showing the new 720p and 1080p HD option, have also confirmed that this is currently available only via Wi-Fi and not when you are using the mobile data.

YouTube app icon. (Pixabay)

There's finally some good news for all those who spend majority of their time on YouTube. One of the world's largest video sharing platform has brought back the 1080p HD and 720p resolution for videos on mobile phones. This was limited to 480p until now due to the increased use by people as they continue to sit at homes and browse more than usual. For what's worth, the firm already showcased videos in 1080p and more resolution. 

Some users who have posted screenshots showing the new 720p and 1080p HD option, have also confirmed that this is currently available only via Wi-Fi and not when you are using the mobile data. HT Tech was also able to view these options in both Android and iOS apps.

YouTube India has not yet given an official statement, making a public announcement yet. 

Back in March this year, YouTube decided to restrict video quality in India to 480p or SD (Standard Definition) for its mobile app. This means that the highest streaming quality for any video on YouTube was 480p by default. The change came shortly after Google and other companies like Netflix and Hotstar decided to limit video streaming quality to 480p during the lockdown period. It was done to lessen the load on internet traffic. Also, the change affected smartphone apps which was understandable since India is estimated to have over 400 million mobile phone internet users.

More recently, the firm redefined ‘HD' for its platform. It removed the tag from 720p videos, indicating that going forward 1080p resolution videos will be called as ‘HD'. This also makes 720p fall in the same category as 480p or 360p – SD.