As YouTube continues its rapid growth on connected TV devices, the platform is rolling out five powerful new features that enhance how content looks, functions, and sells on the big screen. These updates are designed to improve discoverability, sharpen visuals, and streamline in-video shopping — offering benefits for both viewers and creators.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s new and why it matters.
1. 4K Thumbnails for Sharper Visuals
YouTube now supports 4K-resolution thumbnails on TV apps by raising the upload file size limit from 2 MB to 50 MB. This means creators can showcase their content with crisp, vibrant preview images that look great on large screens. It’s a subtle but important way to attract more clicks and boost watch time from living room viewers.
2. AI Video Upscaling for Old and Low-Quality Content
Using a new feature called Super Resolution, YouTube can now automatically upscale older or lower-resolution videos to HD or 4K quality on smart TVs. This gives legacy content a visual upgrade without requiring re-uploads or editing. Viewers will be able to select the original or enhanced version depending on their preference.
3. Immersive Channel and Playlist Previews
A redesigned channel preview interface lets users flip through a creator’s videos and playlists using immersive video carousels — no more clunky side menus. There’s also a new “Shows” layout that organizes episodic content into easy-to-watch collections, perfect for bingeing on TV.
4. Contextual Search Focused on Creator Content
YouTube’s new contextual search feature delivers smarter, channel-specific results. When users search while viewing a creator’s channel on a TV device, they’ll now see results limited to that creator’s own videos. This helps fans discover relevant content faster without scrolling through unrelated search results.
5. Shopping QR Codes for Instant Product Access
YouTube is expanding its e-commerce features by introducing scannable QR codes for shoppable videos. When a product tag appears on-screen, viewers can scan it with their phone to instantly access product details and checkout. YouTube is also testing time-based product highlights that surface items as they’re mentioned in a video — a game-changer for creators who rely on affiliate or product revenue.
These five updates reflect YouTube’s broader push to optimize the platform for TV screens — now the fastest-growing way people watch YouTube. For creators, these tools offer new ways to reach audiences, improve engagement, and unlock monetization on the biggest screen in the house.
