To watch YouTube videos, make sure you have the most up-to-date browser, operating system, and a good internet connection:
- Newest version of Google Chrome, Firefox, MS Edge, Safari, or Opera
- Internet connection with 500+ Kbps
Movies and TV shows requirements
Some premium videos on YouTube -- like movies, TV shows, and livestreams -- require a faster connection and greater processing power for optimal streaming speeds. Here's what you'll need:
- Newest version of Google Chrome, Firefox, MS Edge, or Safari
- Operating system: Windows 7+, Mac OS X 10.7+, or Ubuntu 10+
- Internet connection with 1+ Mbps
It can help to close other tabs, browsers, and programs while streaming your video. It may also help to hardwire your Internet connection, instead of using a wireless network connection.
The table below shows the approximate speeds recommended to play each video format.
Video Resolution | Recommended sustained speed |
---|---|
4K | 20 Mbps |
HD 1080p | 5 Mbps |
HD 720p | 2.5 Mbps |
SD 480p | 1.1 Mbps |
SD 360p | 0.7 Mbps |
- Playback in HD is unavailable for streaming on a web browser, except for Safari for HD streaming only. You can also stream in HD using one of the supported devices listed here.
- Sometimes, you can buy or rent the HD/UHD version of a video on a device or browser that doesn't support HD/UHD playback. You can still watch the title in lower quality on that device, or watch HD/UHD from a different compatible device.