How to Fix YouTube Keeps Changing Video Quality Automatically – WP Newsify

YouTube is one of the most popular platforms for video content around the world. Whether users are watching tutorials, music videos, or live streams, they expect a seamless experience. However, a common frustration that users face is that YouTube keeps changing the playback video quality automatically, sometimes even when a strong internet connection is available. This automatic switching may result in low resolution display, affecting the overall experience.

TL; DR

When YouTube keeps changing video quality automatically, it’s usually because the platform’s adaptive bitrate streaming is trying to optimize playback based on your internet speed. While this can be useful in some circumstances, it can become annoying for users who expect high-definition content. Fortunately, there are several ways to take control and set your desired video quality permanently. This article discusses all these steps across devices and platforms.

Why does YouTube automatically change video quality?

YouTube uses a feature known as adaptive bitrate streaming. This technology automatically adjusts video resolution based on:

• Your current internet speed
• Device performance
• Size of the video player (e.g. full screen vs. window)
• Network congestion

Although this feature reduces interruptions and buffering, it sometimes miscalculates available resources and results in lower than desired quality.

How to prevent YouTube from automatically changing video quality

1. Set the video quality manually on the desktop

The simplest method is to manually set the video quality for each video. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the video you want to watch.
2. Click on the Institutions gear icon in the bottom right corner of the player.
3. Select Quality.
4. Choose your preferred resolution (1080p, 720p, etc.).

Note: This setting is per video, so you’ll need to repeat it for each new video unless you use one of the more permanent methods described below.

2. Change YouTube settings on mobile devices

YouTube on mobile allows you to use a specific quality setting by default. To do this:

1. Open the YouTube app.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Go to Institutions > Video quality preferences.
4. Set your preferences for both WiFi And Mobile networks.

You can choose from:

• Auto (Recommended)
• Higher image quality
• Data saving

You can also set the quality for individual videos in the player settings menu during playback.

3. Use a browser extension for quality control

For desktop users, browser extensions can help lock a specific resolution when playing videos. Here are a few popular ones:

• Enhancer for YouTube – Available in Chrome and Firefox
• YouTube high definition – Forces default HD display

These extensions often let you set a resolution that YouTube uses for all videos unless it is manually overwritten.

4. Use YouTube Premium Smart Downloads (offline viewing)

If you’re a YouTube Premium subscriber, you can choose the download resolution when downloading videos for offline viewing. This ensures consistent playback quality without automatic adjustments due to network changes.

1. Tap the Download button below the video.
2. Select the desired resolution (480p, 720p, 1080p, etc.).

Once downloaded, the quality does not change during playback.

5. Change YouTube URL parameters (advanced)

For more tech-savvy users, YouTube URLs can be added with parameters to enforce specific quality settings.

Sample format:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example_id&vq=hd1080

Here, vq=hd1080 tells YouTube to try to load the video in 1080p. However, this can still fall back if the platform detects bandwidth issues.

6. Improve your internet connection

Sometimes YouTube reduces video quality due to slow network speeds or bandwidth fluctuations.

Suggested steps:

• Switch to a 5GHz Wi-Fi band, if available
• Use Ethernet for stable connections
• Close other applications or tabs that may be consuming bandwidth

Why YouTube uses lower quality by default (especially in 2020 and 2021)

During periods of high server demand, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, YouTube has defaulted to lower quality videos globally to preserve bandwidth. Although many of these settings were later reversed, some users may still experience limitations based on regional server conditions or network provider policies.

Considerations for smart TVs and consoles

YouTube apps on TVs and consoles sometimes have limited settings compared to desktop or mobile:

• Whenever possible, use a strong, wired internet connection.
• During playback, navigate to *Settings* via your TV remote control and select ‘Quality’.
• Keep your YouTube app up to date for the latest quality control features.

Other factors that cause automatic quality switches

It’s not always YouTube’s fault. Here are a few more hidden culprits:

• Energy saving mode: Phones and laptops in power saving mode can negatively impact video performance.
• Browser Restrictions: Some browsers limit playback resolution (for example, Safari can stream at 720p).
• Heavy background tasks: CPU/GPU intensive processes can reduce available resources.

Wrapping up

YouTube’s automatic video quality changes can be helpful, but they often negatively impact the viewing experience, especially if you want consistent high-definition viewing. Fortunately, by manually adjusting settings, using browser extensions, or improving your Internet connection, users can regain control over playback quality. Whether on mobile, desktop or TV, there’s an approach that helps maintain the resolution users actually want.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Can I set YouTube video quality permanently on desktop?
  A: Yes, browser extensions like ‘Enhancer for YouTube’ let you set a preferred quality that applies to all videos.
• Question: Why does the quality drop on mobile even with good WiFi?
  A: The app may be in automatic mode or your device may be in power saving mode. To fix this, update your video quality preferences in the app settings.
• Question: Does YouTube remember my manual quality setting?
  A: No, unless you use a browser extension or YouTube mobile app preferences, changes you make on a per-video basis won’t persist across sessions.
• Question: Why can’t I access 1080p on certain videos?
  A: Not all videos are uploaded in 1080p. Your device, browser or app may also limit the maximum available resolution.
• Q: Do Smart TVs allow permanent quality settings?
  A: Generally not. You must manually change the quality during playback. Some new models allow preferences to be saved in recent updates.

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