YouTube brings five new features to make creator content pop on TV screens

New Delhi: YouTube is rolling out a set of features aimed at improving the viewing experience for content on TV screens, according to YouTube’s official blog.

The platform will increase the thumbnail file limit from 2MB to 50MB, enabling higher-quality 4K-resolution thumbnails. It is also testing larger video uploads, allowing creators to maintain higher-quality originals. 

An AI-powered system will upscale videos uploaded below 1080p from standard definition to high definition, with plans to support resolutions up to 4K in the future. Creators will maintain full control over their library, with the option to keep their original files and resolutions, and viewers will still be able to watch content in its original format.

YouTube is also enhancing the channel experience. Viewers will be able to browse channels with immersive previews on the homepage, and the new “Shows” design will allow creators to organise videos into binge-worthy collections. 

Contextual search has been updated so that when viewers search from a channel page, videos from that channel appear at the top of results rather than being mixed with wider content.

Shopping features on TV are also being expanded. Viewers will be able to scan QR codes on tagged shopping videos to access product pages on their phones, and the platform is testing timed product placements within videos to make it easier for viewers to act on interest at relevant moments. These tools aim to simplify the shopping process and support creators in driving conversions.

YouTube notes that TV screens are its fastest-growing platform for content and says the updates are designed to make videos more visually engaging and easier to navigate across devices.