YouTube plans to introduce AV2, a new video format, to its web player as early as 2027. The change could make video streaming more efficient, with a roughly 30% improvement in compression efficiency over AV1, YouTube’s current video format.

That figure does not mean every YouTube video will automatically use 30% less data. Actual data use will vary based on the video itself, the selected quality level, and the way YouTube encodes the stream. Still, AV2 could help YouTube deliver similar video quality with less data or improve picture quality without increasing the amount of data sent.

What AV2 Means for YouTube Streaming

A video codec compresses video so it can be delivered in a smaller digital file without a noticeable drop in picture quality. More efficient compression gives a streaming service options: it can maintain similar quality at a lower data rate or raise quality while using roughly the same amount of data.

AV2 is a next-generation, royalty-free video codec from the Alliance for Open Media. Its members include Google, Apple, Amazon, Intel, and Netflix.

For YouTube viewers, the practical upside could be straightforward. Videos may appear sharper at the same data rate, and people with slower connections could see smoother playback with fewer interruptions. Higher-quality video and HDR streaming may also become more efficient.

Potential Data Savings With the AV2 Codec

The main AV2 claim is approximately 30% better compression efficiency compared with AV1. In plain terms, that could reduce the amount of data needed to stream a video at a given quality level.

But the result will not be identical for every video. YouTube has not said that all streams will consume 30% less data, and several factors can affect the outcome:

  • The type of video being streamed
  • The quality setting selected by the viewer
  • How YouTube encodes the individual stream

AV2 also will not turn a slow connection into a fast one. Its role is to make video delivery more efficient, not to change the speed of an internet connection. If the format performs as expected, though, viewers may eventually receive more video quality from the same data allowance.

Better Video Quality, HDR, and Multi-Video Features

YouTube says AV2 could support more efficient higher-quality video and HDR streaming. That matters because improved compression can allow a service to send more visual detail without necessarily increasing the data required.

The company has also said AV2 will unlock new multi-video capabilities. One possible use would be watching several camera angles at the same time. However, YouTube has not announced the exact viewer features that will be available.

So, while multi-view experiences are a possible direction, the specific tools and options have not been confirmed.

When YouTube AV2 Streams May Arrive

YouTube says AV2 streams could reach its web player as early as 2027. There is no confirmed rollout date for YouTube’s mobile apps or smart TV platforms.

Google has demonstrated AV2 playback in Chrome, but wider availability depends on support from both software and hardware. That leaves an important gap between a web-player rollout and broad support across devices.

Why AV2 May Not Work on Every Device Right Away

Many existing devices do not include dedicated AV2 decoding hardware. Without that hardware support, playing AV2 video can put more demand on a device’s processor.

As a result, adoption may vary. Web playback may arrive first, while support on phones, TVs, and other devices could depend on future software and hardware compatibility.

That does not mean AV2 will provide the same result for every viewer at launch. Device capability, connection speed, stream settings, and video encoding will all shape the real-world experience.

What Viewers Can Expect From YouTube’s AV2 Upgrade

AV2 is not a guaranteed fix for buffering, slow internet, or data use on every video. The expected efficiency gain is a technical improvement over AV1, not a promise that every stream will use exactly 30% less data.

Still, the potential benefits are clear:

  • Similar video quality could require less data.
  • Picture quality could improve without increasing data use.
  • Slower connections may see smoother playback.
  • HDR and higher-quality streams could become more efficient.
  • Multi-video viewing features may become possible over time.

YouTube’s web player is the first stated target for AV2, with availability possible in early 2027. Wider support will depend on how quickly software and device hardware add compatibility.

FAQ

What is the YouTube AV2 video codec?

AV2 is a next-generation, royalty-free video codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media. YouTube plans to introduce it to its web player as early as 2027.

Will AV2 make every YouTube video use 30% less data?

No. AV2 is expected to provide roughly 30% better compression efficiency than AV1, but actual data savings will depend on the content, quality settings, and how YouTube encodes each stream.

Will AV2 be available on YouTube mobile apps and smart TVs?

YouTube has not confirmed a rollout date for mobile apps or smart TVs. Wider availability will depend on software and hardware support, and many current devices lack dedicated AV2 decoding hardware.