YouTube might limit 4K videos to YouTube Premium

YouTube appears to be looking into a different strategy for increasing revenue after experimenting with up to ten unskippable ads before videos.YouTube Premium users may only be able to watch 4K videos in the future.We can only hope that this is just another experiment that lasts.

Back in August, Google tested delivering up to 10 unskippable ads before videos, and fortunately that feature didn't make it further than the experimental stage.

Google appears to be looking into a new feature that could help the platform generate more revenue through increased YouTube Premium subscriptions.

Sadly, regular YouTube viewers who enjoy 4K videos will need to subscribe if this feature goes beyond the experimental stage.

Ihatesmokealarms, a Redditor, posted a screenshot of a full HD video with the 2160p option and the text "Premium - Tap to upgrade," despite Google's silence on the matter. After examining my devices, I can report that the alleged limitation is not currently being tested or implemented, at least in Romania.

Free YouTube viewing will only be available up to 1440p or so if the aforementioned experimental feature is implemented (depending on the video format, as the majority of available videos use the ubiquitous 1080p resolution and then go straight up to 4K). With a monthly cost of US$11.99, YouTube Premium is more expensive than most streaming media services. However, it would be prudent for Google to reduce the price by a few dollars if they make the aforementioned decision to attract more users to the Premium side.