Earlier this yr, the Alliance for Open Media launched the definitive specs for the AV2 codec, which is predicted to be about 25% to 32% extra environment friendly than AV1. Meaning you get higher-quality streaming for a similar bitrate or comparable high quality at a decrease bitrate. The profit is that the codec can cut back the quantity of bandwidth you’re consuming. YouTube is predicted to undertake AV2, and it may arrive before you’d anticipate.
Whereas companions like Netflix, Amazon, and Apple have been quiet on rollout plans, it seems that YouTube isn’t fairly as shy. Based on FlatpanelsHD, YouTube has revealed that it’s trying to roll out the codec in early 2027. The plan is to initially launch AV2 for the net model of the platform.
In a quote, Engineering Director at YouTube Des Keane mentioned:
YouTube champions open codecs that ship the highest quality video with the fewest playback interruptions. As of March 19, 2026, over 90% of YouTube’s catalog (weighted by watch time) is obtainable in AV1. And we’re excited to start streaming in AV2, which brings even higher video high quality to customers and unlocks new multi-video capabilities. YouTube AV2 streams can be accessible for Internet as quickly as early 2027.
Including to this replace, Engineering VP of Chrome Jim Bankoski hints that adoption may have advantages for multi-view experiences:
We’re inspired by the momentum round AV2, with companions like YouTube, Netflix, and Prime Video exploring the format and displaying robust help for the expertise. Past sooner, higher-quality streaming, AV2 lays the groundwork for brand spanking new browser experiences, from higher multi-view video to higher-resolution, extra environment friendly video conferencing.
Whereas YouTube seems to be gung-ho about rolling out AV2, it might take some time earlier than different platforms and {hardware} producers comply with go well with. Remember the fact that AV1 launched in 2018 and we didn’t see the primary smartphone with AV1 encoding till the Pixel 10. Huge adoption will finally rely upon {hardware} and software program help, however you’ll have a tough time discovering any gadgets or media gamers that help AV2 proper now.
