Android version of YouTube limits India's maximum video stream quality to 480p

According to XDA, the Android version of YouTube can only play videos with a definition of up to 480p in some parts of India, while the web version is unrestricted.

Because of the epidemic, residents in many places around the world have been required to stay at home, and the shortcomings of infrastructure such as network resources around the world have also been exposed during this period. Netflix, Apple TV+, YouTube, Facebook, Amazon and others have all announced that they will reduce the video bit rate in Europe to control Internet traffic during the epidemic, and YouTube has also changed the default video definition to standard definition worldwide.

Before and after the restriction

On the other hand, the operation of YouTube in India really affects the experience. In India, Mumbai, New Delhi and other regions, Android YouTube can only play video with a definition of up to 480p, regardless of network status, whether it is mobile network or Wi-Fi. And users who subscribe to YouTube Premium are not immune, and the maximum definition available on Android is only 480p.

At the same time, the web end is not affected, and the clarity can be modulated manually. Foreign media think that 480p as the upper limit of YouTube is too harsh, 480p can not guarantee the basic viewing experience, relaxing the limit to 720p is a more appropriate choice.