YouTube’s dominance on TV screens continues to grow. To match that shift, the latest YouTube TV update introduces several new tools aimed at creators and viewers. These features improve image quality, streamline navigation, and even make shopping from the couch easier.
AI upscaling leads the YouTube TV update
Creators will now see their lower-resolution videos automatically upscaled to 1080p. YouTube says it won’t touch the original uploads, and creators can access both the raw and enhanced files. This time, YouTube is offering transparency. Videos with “super resolution” will be clearly labeled, and users can choose between the original and the AI-enhanced versions.
Upscaling to 4K is also in the works. However, creators can opt out entirely through YouTube Studio’s advanced settings before any content is processed. This move follows backlash earlier in the year when creators noticed sudden changes without explanation.
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YouTube TV update reimagines channel browsing
TV viewers can expect a new homepage that feels more like channel surfing than clicking thumbnails. YouTube now offers immersive previews of top creators, making it easier to find something binge-worthy.
This browsing experience also aligns with the new “Shows” format, where creators can organize content into thematic series. When users search from a creator’s page, YouTube will now prioritize results from that channel, cutting out the clutter from unrelated uploads.
Shopping on YouTube TV? QR codes make it happen
One major change in the YouTube TV update is focused on commerce. Google says viewers watched over 35 billion hours of shopping-related content last year. To make TV-based purchasing easier, YouTube will allow creators to add QR codes to properly tagged videos.
These scannable codes can appear at chosen time codes and direct users to product pages on their phone. It eliminates the awkward workaround of reading off URLs or digging into video descriptions.
Here’s what creators can now control:
- AI upscaling (on/off)
- Immersive previews
- Homepage video organization with Shows
- QR code integration for shopping content
- Thumbnail size increases (now up to 50MB)
Creators get tools, viewers get control
Alongside these viewing upgrades, YouTube is increasing file size limits for thumbnails from 2MB to 50MB, giving creators more room for high-impact visuals.
Importantly, these tools come as YouTube reports a 45% year-over-year jump in creators earning over $100,000 annually. The platform’s growth on TV isn’t just visual, it’s financial.
The YouTube TV update rolls out now
These new features are already appearing in YouTube Studio. However, full rollout may take time. Creators who prefer to keep their original video files unchanged should visit their settings immediately.
YouTube isn’t just catching up to TV culture anymore; it’s shaping what modern TV looks like.
