YouTube has introduced a major AI update to its platform that will automatically upscale older and lower quality videos to higher resolution (HD or 4K). This feature is called Super Resolution and is considered one of the most advanced AI features on YouTube to date.
What is YouTube’s new Super Resolution feature?
According to YouTube, Super Resolution is an AI upscaling technique that improves quality videos lower than 1080p. This means that if a video was earlier uploaded in SD (Standard Definition), now it can be watched in HD or 4K quality with the help of AI. After this update, when a video is upscaled, a Super Resolution tag will appear in its settings, allowing users to switch between the AI version and the original video if they wish.
Creators will have complete control
YouTube has also clarified that despite this feature, creators will have full control over their content. The platform will neither make any changes to their old videos nor require them to re-upload them. Additionally, creators can disable or opt-out of this AI upscaling if they wish. YouTube says, “We’re initially upgrading videos lower than 1080p to HD, and will add support for up to 4K in the future. Both the original video and resolution will be preserved for creators.”
AI will transform the viewing experience of legacy content
This step of YouTube can prove to be a boon for those old videos whose quality is poor or blurry. Now, viewers will also be able to watch such content in sharper, clearer and better visuals, without any additional editing or reuploading. YouTube has also announced several other updates, including Smart TV homepage previews, improvements to channel-based search, and a QR code shopping feature.
