YouTube has become the go-to place for streaming video content online. From music videos to DIY tutorials, YouTube has it all. Most videos on the platform are available in standard definition 480p quality. But many users want to watch their favorite YouTube channels and videos in high definition 1080p.
The good news is that YouTube does support 1080p HD video. The catch is that you need a YouTube Premium subscription to enable 1080p streaming by default. Without a Premium account, you’re limited to 720p HD on YouTube.
In this post, we’ll explain download YouTube video 1080p, the benefits of watching in full HD, and how to enable and start streaming 1080p video with a few easy steps. Let’s get started!
What Is 1080p Video on YouTube?
1080p refers to the vertical resolution of the video. The “p” stands for “progressive scan,” meaning the image is not interlaced. 1080p has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This results in a crisp, detailed image with sharp textures and clean lines. It has a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, perfect for watching movies and modern YouTube content.
1080p video has a frame rate of up to 60 fps (frames per second) for smooth motion. 1080p provides over 2 million pixels per frame and up to 60 frames per second for silky smooth playback.
On YouTube, 1080p videos are encoded using the advanced VP9 codec developed by Google for amazing visual quality with smaller file sizes.
Why Watch YouTube Videos in 1080p?
Here are some of the key benefits of watching YouTube in full high-definition 1080p:
Sharper Image Quality: With over 2 megapixels per frame, you’ll see finer details in the video, from text to textures. 1080p makes the video come alive on your screen.
Smoother Motion: The high frame rate of 1080p combined with VP9 encoding gives you silky smooth motion, so action scenes look crystal clear without artifacts or blurring.
More Immersive Experience: The level of detail in 1080p makes you feel like you’re right there. It’s perfect for travel vlogs, music videos, gameplay, and cinematic content.
Full-Screen Viewing: 1080p allows you to watch videos in full screen on large monitors or TVs without any pixelation or loss of quality. It’s great for gathering around and watching together.
Future Proofing: As more YouTube creators shift to uploading in 1080p, you’ll be ready to stream the higher resolution. Watching in 720p will soon be outdated.
Requirements for 1080p Streaming on YouTube
To stream and watch YouTube videos in 1080p HD, you will need the following:
- A YouTube Premium subscription
- A computer, phone or tablet with 1080p display support
- A reliable high-speed internet connection of at least 5 Mbps
- Uploaded videos encoded in 1080p quality
- Without a Premium account, YouTube will only show 720p HD maximum, even if your device and connection support higher quality.
Of course, you’ll also need a 1080p monitor, smartphone screen or TV to take full advantage of the resolution. Streaming 1080p video on a low-resolution display will look no different than a lower-quality stream.
How to Enable and Stream 1080p on YouTube
Ready to start watching YouTube in glorious full HD? With a Premium membership, it just takes a few simple steps:
Step 1: Purchase a YouTube Premium Subscription
- On your computer, visit the YouTube Premium sign-up page. Click “Try it Free” and start a 1-month free trial.
- Alternatively, open the YouTube app on your iPhone or Android device. Tap your profile picture, then “YouTube Premium” to begin a free trial.
- After the trial ends, YouTube Premium costs $11.99 per month. But you can cancel anytime hassle-free.
Step 2: Change Video Quality Preference to 1080p
- On your PC, click your profile picture > Settings > Video Quality Preferences. Choose “1080p” from the dropdown menu.
- On mobile, tap your profile icon > Settings > Video quality. Select “High (1080p)”.
- This will now set 1080p streaming as your default video quality across YouTube.
Step 3: Stream and Enjoy 1080p Videos!
You can now sit back and enjoy crystal clear full HD 1080p streaming on YouTube.
Here are some things to try out:
- Watch your favorite music videos, concerts and live performances in 1080p. It’s like having front row seats!
- Try viral 1080p videos that showcase intricate details and animation. Pause anytime to admire the quality.
- Explore nature documentaries, travel vlogs and city tours for an immersive 1080p viewing experience. It’ll transport you right there!
- Find and follow creators who upload in 1080p to see the newest content in full HD glory.
- Enjoy 1080p without buffering or quality dips. Premium gives you seamless streaming.
Step 4: Download Videos in 1080p Quality (Optional)
With YouTube Premium, you also have the option to download videos for offline playback. Click the download button below any video to save it on your device in 1080p quality. This is perfect for flights, road trips and anywhere you’ll go offline.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Those are all the steps to unlock crystal clear 1080p streaming on YouTube. The quality difference is incredible. Once you watch in full high definition 1080p, you’ll never want to go back to 720p. Now get out there, fire up YouTube and feast your eyes on those vibrant, ultra-detailed 1080p videos!
Let us know which YouTube channels you think shine the most in glorious 1080p.
