YouTube Premium Evolution: Video Learning Accelerated, High-Quality Sound x "4x Speed" Takes Viewing Experience to Another Level

The benefits of YouTube Premium now officially include "high-quality audio" and a "playback slider up to 4x speed (in 0.05 increments)," which are being gradually enabled on iOS, Android, and desktop web. For music content, 256kbps-level "high quality" is now available on the main app side as well. Speed adjustment significantly enhances the efficiency of watching lecture videos and long reviews. This announcement has been confirmed by multiple tech media outlets, marking the full-scale rollout of features that were previously offered experimentally. Engadget 9to5Google

What's New? (Highlights)

• High-Quality Audio: Enjoy "richer sound" in official/premium music videos and album tracks (such as Art Tracks). It is also supported on the main YouTube app (iOS/Android), expanding the experience close to the high-quality equivalent on YouTube Music (256kbps level). 9to5Google

• Increased Playback Speed Flexibility: Up to 4.0x, adjustable in 0.05 increments. Available on smartphones (iOS/Android) and the web, without needing to visit the youtube.com/new experimental page. 9to5Google

• (Reference)Flow from the Experimental Phase: In January this year, "256kbps high-quality" and "up to 4x speed extension" were announced as experiments for Premium users. This direction is now expanding to a wider range of devices. TechCrunch
  
  

How to Use (For Those Who Want to Try Immediately)

1. Update the app to the latest version (iOS/Android). For the web, the latest browser is recommended.

2. Speed can be adjusted from the player's gear icon → "Playback speed" in increments of 0.05 up to 4x.

3. Audio Quality is automatically applied when playing music videos or Art Tracks. The "high quality" equivalent to YouTube Music has expanded to the main app as well. 9to5Google
   
   

How "High Quality" is the Sound?

• According to multiple media verifications, Premium's "high quality" is often introduced as approximately 256kbps level (AAC/Opus), equivalent to the upper settings of general streaming. While not lossless, it is a sufficiently satisfying level in many environments. 9to5Google

• In the Reddit community, discussions about Opus 256kbps and AAC 256kbps on YouTube/YouTube Music have been ongoing, with debates on perceived differences and "which codec is better." Reddit
  
  

Comparison with Competitors

• Speed Control: Official support up to 4x is good news for video learners. The "freedom of speed" comparable to learning platforms is now standardized on YouTube. Related improvements like memory play and skip playback ("Jump ahead") are also progressing in parallel. Thurrott.com

• Audio Quality: Compared to Spotify (up to 320kbps Ogg) and Apple Music (lossy to lossless support), **Premium's high quality stands as "upper lossy level."** While lossless options remain for audio purists, the convenience of crossing over videos and music is a strength of YouTube Premium. NoteBurner
  
  

Reactions on Social Media (Excerpts)

• Joyful Camp: Welcoming voices on Reddit say, "I can skip the redundant parts of tutorials at 4x," positively evaluating productivity enhancement. Reddit

• Practical Camp: Some say on X, "3x is the practical limit, 4x is for 'glancing through'," sharing their optimal points. X (formerly Twitter)

• "Can the Brain Keep Up?" Camp: Skeptical reactions on X/Threads ask, "Can you really process it?" with a mix of humor. X (formerly Twitter)

• Audio Quality Debate Camp: Comments on Reddit say, "256kbps level is sufficient" and "The perceived difference between AAC and Opus is limited," with practical users saying "non-lossless is okay." Reddit

• Following the Development Camp: Media and influencers guide feature releases and procedures (X). X (formerly Twitter)

*Note: Social media posts are examples. Display and availability may vary by region, device, and account conditions.

How Will Life Change?

1. Acceleration of Learning Efficiency: Intake long lectures, explanations, and news summaries at "your own rhythm." The 0.05 increments help in finding the critical point for listening comprehension. 9to5Google

2. Satisfaction with BGM Viewing: The "high quality" of official sound sources improves the listening experience even in music videos. This is a subtle but effective improvement for MV and live performance fans. 9to5Google

3. The Reality of YouTube Unification: Strengthening music and video within the same subscription. The main battlefield for "watching/listening while doing something else" may shift to YouTube. Thurrott.com
   
   

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q. Wasn't high-quality audio already available on YouTube Music?
  A. Yes. The key point this time is that "high quality" is now more widely applied on the main YouTube app, focusing on official sound sources. 9to5Google

• Q. What's different from the experimental features?
  A. In January, it was announced as an "experiment," but now it's at a stage where general Premium members can widely use it. You can use it without going to youtube.com/new. TechCrunch
  
  

Summary (Editor's Note)

YouTube Premium is not just a subscription for "ad-free + background playback," but it has also enhanced the core experiences of "speed" and "sound." Especially, 0.05 increments up to 4x make "custom optimization" of viewing even more realistic. While the audio quality does not serve as the ultimate solution for lossless purists, the value of being a hub for video × music has certainly increased. 9to5Google