YouTube has rolled out new features to make watching videos on TVs smoother and sharper. The biggest update is the introduction of YouTube AI upscaling, a technology that automatically enhances video quality below 1080p to full HD — and eventually up to 4K.
This feature, called Super Resolution, uses artificial intelligence to refine clarity, color, and detail in low-quality videos. For now, it’s available only to TV viewers. When enabled, a “Super resolution” label will appear in the resolution settings. Content creators will also have the option to disable this AI enhancement if they prefer.
The move highlights YouTube’s focus on improving the big-screen experience — currently its fastest-growing segment. Viewers spending more time watching YouTube on smart TVs has pushed the platform to innovate further, and YouTube AI upscaling aims to bridge the gap between lower and higher-quality content.
Alongside the AI upgrade, YouTube is introducing several creator-friendly updates. The platform has raised the thumbnail size limit from 2MB to 50MB, allowing for crisper, high-resolution previews — even in 4K.
A revamped Shows tab now lets creators organize content into collections for seamless binge-watching, while a channel preview feature will make flipping through videos easier. YouTube is also rolling out contextual search, helping users find videos from a specific channel more efficiently.
In addition, YouTube is testing QR code integration for product mentions. Viewers will soon be able to scan on-screen QR codes to access product pages instantly on their phones — a major step toward merging e-commerce and video content.
With YouTube AI upscaling and these new tools, the platform continues to enhance its TV ecosystem, giving both viewers and creators a more immersive and interactive experience.
In other news also read about Netflix Confirms Use of AI in Movies, Stirring Hollywood Debate
