Clearer Videos with Less Data: YouTube Introduces New AV2 Technology

The video-viewing experience on YouTube is set to evolve, as the company prepares to introduce its new AV2 technology. Learn what the AV2 codec is and how it will benefit users.

When watching videos on YouTube, everyone wants high-quality visuals while consuming minimal internet data—a challenge, as high-quality playback typically demands more data. Furthermore, slow internet speeds often lead to frequent buffering. To address these issues and enhance the streaming experience, a new technology is currently in development. With this in mind, YouTube is preparing to roll out a new video technology called AV2, which will enable high-quality video playback while using less internet data. The company is expected to launch this on its platform by early 2027.

What is AV2 Technology, and How Does It Work?

AV2 is a new video compression technology developed by the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia). Its primary function is to reduce the amount of data required to transmit video over the internet, all while maintaining video quality. It achieves this by compressing the video in a way that allows the original imagery to be reconstructed using significantly less data. This follows the existing AV1 codec, with AV2 offering substantial improvements; estimates suggest it could provide 25% to 32% greater compression efficiency compared to AV1.

Expected Launch on YouTube in 2027

According to YouTube, as of March 19, 2026, over 90% of the total video content viewed on the platform was available in the AV1 format. Now, the company aims to further elevate video quality through AV2 technology. While it is expected to debut on the YouTube website in early 2027, there is currently no information regarding when this technology will become available on the smartphone app or other devices. Facilitating the viewing of multiple videos simultaneously

The utility of AV2 extends beyond just providing superior video quality. This technology can also be valuable for experiences such as enhanced multi-view video and high-resolution video conferencing. It can help reduce the strain on the network when viewing multiple video feeds on a single screen.

Benefits will not be immediately available on all devices.

Even after the arrival of AV2, not all users will be able to benefit from it right away. It requires the necessary support within browsers, software, and devices; currently, devices and media players that support AV2 are not yet widely available. Consequently, even after its introduction on platforms like YouTube, it may take some time before it becomes accessible to the average user.