YouTube confirmed last night (17) that it is stopping the default experience where it will restrict access to 4K videos to Premium users. The idea, noticed by several people and announced on Reddit and Twitter, definitely abandoned by the platform.
Rumors began to surface earlier this month when some users, who were later understood to be part of a group selected by YouTube to test blocking 4K resolution behind a paywall, began posting screenshots of Ultra HD videos with the “Premium” call sign.
The move was apparently aimed at adding a new feature exclusive to YouTube Premium subscribers, which acts as another “lure” for the service. However, this feature will take the feature from the millions of free users who have already accessed the option since its launch in 2010.
We closed this experiment completely. viewers should now be able to access 4K quality resolutions without a Premium subscription. if you have other q’s we are here
— TeamYouTube (@TeamYouTube) 17 October 2022
Why did YouTube decide to keep 4K resolution free?
The definitive end of the experience was made official on Monday (17) in a tweet posted by the @TeamYouTube profile. While the company doesn’t offer any reason to stop testing and generally roll out the 4K option to all users, there has been growing angry backlash from platform users to the annoying pop-ups that are forcing them to subscribe to its Premium service.
Another post on Twitter – in response to a Japanese user who questioned the suspension of 4K – reiterated that testing is indeed over and even sent a link for evaluation with the following message: “If you have any thoughts about this test, we would appreciate it if you would send us your feedback as follows”.
With the “threat” of 4K blocking coming to an end, what is expected is that the YouTube marketing team can focus on creating attractions that can persuade their users to switch to Premium, rather than pulling back decades of free perks that might be perceived as one-of-a-kind. your punishment.
Source: Tec Mundo
