Reduce Internet Load, YouTube Lower Video Quality Globally

JAKARTA - After Europe, YouTube has finally officially reduced the quality of its videos worldwide. This policy was carried out so as not to reduce the network load (bandwidth) for the next one month.

Launching from The Verge, YouTube by default will play videos in standard definition resolution (480p). Where previously, YouTube video streaming was played in high definition quality or about 720p and above.

Even though it is automatically lowered, YouTube users can still change the resolution through the settings menu. This step taken by YouTube, is taken to reduce pressure on bandwidth on internet service providers (internet service providers / ISPs).

Because during the corona virus pandemic it has forced millions of people to stay at home. Apart from having to work or study remotely, many people access YouTube to fill their spare time while staying at home in various countries.

"We continue to work closely with governments and network operators around the world to do our part to minimize stress on systems during these situations," said a Google spokesman.

Authoritative health & safety experts are urging people to #StayHome if they can, and as creators and artists, you're helping to spread the message with your entertaining, helpful and inspiring #WithMe videos. If you want to get involved, here's how - > https://t.co/r4uoEYuPZb pic.twitter.com/CqVoHxsaGC

- YouTube Creators #StayHome (@ytcreators) March 19, 2020

Google also said that, traffic spike on YouTube servers has increased in recent weeks. Previously, YouTube had also lowered the quality of its video streaming in the European region, in order to prevent traffic spikes and reduce the burden on broadband networks.

"Last week, we announced that temporarily all videos on YouTube are displayed in standard definition by default in the European Union. Due to the global nature of this crisis, we will be expanding these changes globally starting today," he continued.

YouTube is not the only video streaming platform that has lowered its quality to reduce the burden on internet usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both Netflix, Amazon, Disney + to Facebook and Instagram are also forced to reduce the bitrate of the video quality to prevent the internet from breaking.