It’s always preferable to watch YouTube videos in High Definition is everyone’s preference, but low data bundles become a big limitation. The YouTube mobile app for iOS and Android now has new video settings that might make it a bit easier to save on data while watching video on the go.
According to MacRumors, the update comes with specific resolutions in the video player, you can now toggle between three separate modes that either favor video quality, data use, or whatever is preferable for your current internet connection.
What has not changed however is the “auto” mode which is set as the default setting for most videos. This mode will automatically adjust video resolution depending on your current internet speed to give the best experience which means if you are on a 3G network or 4G network with high speeds you can get HD quality visuals. YouTube’s new additions are the “higher picture quality” mode, which uses more data when not on Wi-Fi and defaults to 720p, and a “data saver” mode that maxes out at 480p.
These generalized modes are good for the lay-man as they offer quick scenario-specific adjustments to resolution, you can also still dig in and get granular with specific resolutions. And any resolution adjustments can be set for the specific video you’re watching or system-wide for everything you watch, with specific behaviors for Wi-Fi and mobile networks.
Normally, none of this would matter and you could just watch high-resolution tech videos (my preferred YouTube zone-out material of choice) to your heart’s content. But even on “unlimited” data plans, most mobile carriers are struggling with keeping up with offering the right internet speeds and you might end up watching all your videos at 480p resolution. Videos watched at higher resolutions typically count against some kind of premium data allotment or other terrible carrier jargon and hit you where it hurts — in your daily, weekly, or monthly data bundle bill.
