YouTube's Big TV Makeover: What's New and What's Next

YouTube has been a big deal on TV screens, even more popular than Netflix and Disney+. To keep its fans happy, YouTube is rolling out some cool new features:

1. Enhanced Video Quality

YouTube is using AI to upscale lower-quality videos to 1080p, with 4K support possibly coming in the future. The best part? Creators can opt out if they don't like the AI upscaling. They'll also have access to both the original and upscaled files.

"This is a big deal because some creators weren't happy with how their videos looked during testing."

2. Revamped Browsing Experience

Browsing videos on TV is getting a makeover. The homepage will now have a channel surfing vibe, letting users flip through previews of popular channels and get snippets of content. The new interface also supports the Shows design, allowing creators to package content together for binge-watching.

3. Shopping Made Easier

Users have watched a whopping 35 billion hours of shopping content in the last year. To make shopping simpler, YouTube is introducing shopping QR codes. Creators can include these codes in their videos, and users can scan them with their mobile devices to open product pages.

"This is a big step up from reading off shortened URLs or directing people to links in the description."

Rollout & Opt-Out

These new features are starting to roll out in YouTube Studio, but it might take some time for everyone to see them. Creators who don't want their videos upscaled should check the Advanced Settings to opt out before their videos are processed.