YouTube announces AV2 codec: sharper video and lower data use from 2027

YouTube is preparing to roll out a new video compression technology. It is the AV2 codec, the successor to the popular AV1. According to the announcement, the first streams in this standard will appear in the browser version of the service in early 2027.

What AV2 is

The new standard was developed by the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia), whose members include Google, Apple, Amazon, Intel, Netflix and Samsung. The final AV2 specification was published in spring 2026. According to AOMedia, the codec is about 30% more efficient than AV1.

In practice this can be used in two ways: delivering higher-quality video for the same amount of data, or keeping current quality while sending less data. This matters especially for 4K and 8K video and live streams, particularly on mobile internet. Lower bandwidth needs may also reduce buffering on weaker connections.

YouTube's plans

The plans were confirmed by Des Keane, YouTube's engineering director. The company said that, as of 19 March 2026, more than 90% of its catalogue, measured by watch time, was already available in AV1. The move to AV2 will be the next stage in developing its infrastructure.

The codec is also meant to handle several video streams at once better, for example in multi-camera broadcasts and video calls. It was also designed with high refresh rates, HDR content and augmented and virtual reality in mind. Google has demonstrated AV2 playback in the Chrome browser, while Netflix and Prime Video are exploring ways of using the format. Intel is developing SVT-AV2 software.

Limitations

Publishing a standard does not mean all current devices will play it smoothly. Wide adoption requires support from browsers, apps, operating systems and, above all, processors with efficient decoders. Google has not yet given a timetable for mobile apps and Smart TVs. It is also unclear how long the transition to the new standard will take.

What this means for you

The change requires no action from users. If the technology lives up to expectations, people watching YouTube in a browser, including on limited mobile data, may in future use less data or get better picture quality. For now, however, there is no date for apps and TVs, and older devices may not support the new codec.