YouTube introduces five new features for creators
YouTube is giving creators more ways to stand out on TV. The company announced five new tools designed to make videos look sharper, channels more discoverable, and shopping easier from the big screen.
The update arrives as YouTube’s TV audience continues to surge. In the past year, the number of channels earning six figures from TV screens has grown by over 45%. With more viewers watching from living rooms, YouTube wants to ensure content looks as good as it performs.
Bigger, better thumbnails in 4K
Creators can now upload larger and sharper thumbnails. YouTube is expanding the file limit from 2MB to 50MB, allowing 4K-resolution thumbnails that make a stronger first impression on TV screens.
The company is also testing larger video uploads for select creators to improve overall quality. This step aims to make every frame on TV look more cinematic.
AI-powered video upscaling
YouTube is introducing AI-driven upscaling to automatically enhance video resolution. The feature starts with videos uploaded below 1080p, improving them from SD to HD. Eventually, YouTube plans to support 4K upscaling.
Creators will still control their content, keeping access to original files and choosing whether to opt in. Viewers can switch between original and enhanced resolutions, clearly labeled in settings.
A new TV channel experience
YouTube wants the entire channel experience to feel immersive on TV. Viewers will soon be able to browse channels using full-screen previews directly from the homepage.
The new “Shows” design helps creators organize their content into binge-worthy collections for TV viewers. Contextual search also gets an upgrade — when viewers search from a creator’s channel page, related videos from that channel will appear first.
Shopping made seamless with QR codes
YouTube’s latest shopping updates make it easier to buy products directly from the TV. On tagged shopping videos, viewers can scan a QR code to open product pages on their phones.
The platform is also testing timed product placements within videos. This lets creators highlight items at specific moments, helping audiences shop instantly without leaving the couch.
TV is YouTube’s next big screen
With viewers spending more than 35 billion hours watching shopping videos last year, YouTube is betting big on the living room. These new features aim to make creator content shine and help audiences discover, watch, and shop — all from their TVs.
As YouTube’s fastest-growing surface, the TV screen is becoming a crucial stage for creators. And with these updates, the platform hopes to make it even easier for them to succeed.
