YouTube Sets Default Video Quality at SD to Help Save Bandwidth Amid India Lockdown, Social Distancing, Coronavirus ‘kills’ YouTube’s video quality

Due to fears of reduced bandwidth due to ‘work from home’ programs implemented across the world, many technology companies are taking the decision that their usage does not come in the way of infrastructure. To do this, Google-owned YouTube has announced that the company will set the video quality on its platform to standard definition (SD) by default to save bandwidth. Earlier, other streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hotstar have also taken similar steps to ensure that the load on the network remains minimal during this period.

YouTube India has said that they will temporarily set the default for HD and Ultra-HD streaming to SD with a bitrate no higher than 480p on mobile networks. This decision has been taken till April 14. Apart from YouTube, the company has created a promo card on its homepage that links to the MoHFW website for up-to-date information on coronavirus (COVID-19). Information, search results and videos about coronavirus will also be provided from trusted sources like WHO. It has also been said that a specially prepared playlist of tips to stop the spread of the virus will also be shown.

A Google spokesperson has issued a statement and said that the company will continue to work closely with governments and network operators around the world to reduce the stress on systems during this unprecedented situation. Google also says that last week the company had announced to temporarily set all videos to SD by default for the European Union and now the company is going to implement it globally.

According to YouTube, these measures will be rolled out globally over the next few days and will be in place for approximately 30 days.

A lot of streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Hotstar are also all taking measures to reduce network stress. Even Disney+ is set to launch in Europe with a lower quality, to reduce network strain caused by increased consumption by users working from home.

Netflix has also reduced the video quality in India for the next 30 days to smooth internet traffic. Hotstar has also locked the quality to SD on its platform.