YouTube Will Now Be Supporting HDR Videos

By Immanuel Decano

The world will see improvements within what companies may offer and an adaptation to new hardware as technology advances. For example: YouTube eventually added the addition of 4K videos from the HD format, gave us live streaming, 3D videos, 360 degree videos, as well as spatial audio. Our ability to see and view the world is fascinating all on its own but through videos we are able to watch lives and stories unfold that were fabricated with someone with a camera, an idea, and the drive to tell a story. Now, those who upload their stories to YouTube can do so through an HDR format. HDR (High Dynamic Range) increases viewer quality by delivering higher contrast between darker and lighter colors that will give the user a clearer and more vibrant video quality, overall.

The image below offers us a simulated version of how HDR will look as opposed to SDR (Standard Dynamic Range).

youtube-hdr-example

In order to watch a video in HDR the viewer has to have an HDR compatible device. For those of us who have yet to upgrade to an HDR supported television or monitor do not need to worry. YouTube will still offer the same videos to us in SDR. In addition, YouTube will work on the transition that will help streamers stream in HDR. YouTube gives us what we need to know if we are ever interested in uploading HDR videos. It includes information on suggested software that will allow users to export HDR metadata: the DaVinci Resolve.

YouTube has made sure to partner with some YouTubers to deliver those with HDR compatible devices with HDR content. Those YouTubers include Abandon Visuals with a video titled “The Underdog,” and Jacob + Katie Schwarz’s “The World in HDR.”

Now with the advancement in video by allowing regular YouTube users to upload HDR videos it may help in aiding in the transition from SDR screens to HDR in the near future. One of the things to consider when shopping for a TV or monitor that supports HDR is that they’re still quite pricey but time will tell when these prices may drop.

Find out more on the YouTube Blog!