Phoenix 24
The next streaming breakthrough may happen behind the screen.
WAKEFIELD, Massachusetts
YouTube is preparing to introduce a more efficient video compression technology that could significantly reduce bandwidth consumption while maintaining image quality. The company plans to begin delivering video using the new AV2 codec through its web platform as early as 2027, following an announcement by the Alliance for Open Media on October 22. The technology promises approximately 30% greater compression efficiency than its predecessor, AV1, potentially benefiting viewers with slower internet connections and limited data allowances.
The development represents an important transition in the infrastructure supporting digital video. Unlike a new application feature that users activate manually, AV2 operates through the technical processes responsible for encoding, transmitting and decoding video content. By reducing the amount of information required to reproduce comparable image quality, the codec could make streaming more efficient without requiring viewers to change their usual viewing habits.
However, a 30% improvement in compression efficiency does not guarantee that every YouTube video will consume 30% less mobile data. Actual savings will depend on resolution, content complexity, encoding settings and device compatibility. Streaming platforms may also use the additional efficiency to improve picture quality instead of minimizing bandwidth, meaning individual experiences could vary considerably.
Developed through the Alliance for Open Media, AV2 builds on collaborative technological work involving companies such as Google, Apple, Amazon, Intel, Netflix and Samsung. Its specification was released in June 2026, establishing an open, royalty-free framework intended to support broader adoption across digital media services. Beyond conventional streaming, the format introduces improvements for high dynamic range video, higher frame rates, real-time communications and simultaneous video streams.
YouTube’s engineering director, Des Keane, confirmed that AV2 streaming could become available on the web in early 2027. The announcement follows extensive adoption of the existing AV1 standard, which was already available for more than 90% of YouTube’s catalog when weighted by viewing time as of March 19, 2026. That experience provides an established foundation for the next transition, although widespread AV2 adoption will require additional development.
Compatibility remains a central challenge. Many existing smartphones and televisions lack dedicated hardware capable of decoding AV2 efficiently, potentially increasing processing demands on older devices. YouTube has not announced a deployment schedule for its mobile applications or smart television platforms, making it premature to promise immediate savings for smartphone users.
The technology could also influence the economics of digital distribution. More efficient video compression may reduce bandwidth requirements for streaming providers and network operators, particularly as audiences increasingly consume high-resolution content. Nevertheless, operational savings will depend on infrastructure costs, encoding complexity and the scale of actual adoption.
For viewers, the most meaningful outcome may be less visible than sharper images or new playback controls. If implemented successfully, AV2 could make everyday video consumption more efficient while extending access to higher-quality streaming across different network conditions.
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