YouTube users may soon need Premium subscription to stream in 4K

According to a screenshot posted on Twitter, YouTube is prompting non-Premium users to upgrade their free streaming plan in order to stream in 4K.

The 4K choice now includes a little banner that reads 'Premium,' while other alternatives such as 1440p (2K) and 1080p (FHD) remain accessible to everybody.

The move is sure to be unpopular, however it is unclear whether Google is only experimenting with the function on YouTube or whether it will be implemented for all users.

While this move will not affect mobile device users, those streaming Youtube on 4K TVs or monitors might be annoyed if this move is implemented.

In Q2 2022, YouTube generated $6.87 billion in income, which was almost a billion dollars less than Google's predicted $7.51 billion. This may be one of the motivations behind the Premium push.

Premium subscriptions in India cost ₹129 per month. There are also quarterly and annual subscriptions available for ₹399 and ₹1,290, respectively.

Premium users receive no advertisements, the ability to save videos for offline viewing (only through the YouTube app), and support for picture-in-picture. As part of the membership, users are granted access to YouTube Music.

YouTube has also been experimenting with many (up to eleven) non-skippable advertisements as a means to promote its subscription-based business.

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