YouTube will begin AV2 streaming in 2027

YouTube plans to begin streaming with the royalty-free AV2 codec in 2027, setting a major distribution milestone for online video.

“YouTube plans to begin streaming with the royalty-free AV2 codec in 2027, setting a major distribution milestone for online video. AV2 promises around thirty percent better compression efficiency than AV1, potentially lowering delivery costs while preserving picture quality at scale. The codec also introduces new capabilities, giving device makers, encoders and streaming platforms a clear timetable for compatibility work. For broadcasters, YouTube's adoption could accelerate AV2 across consumer hardware and make bandwidth savings commercially relevant much sooner.”