In 2016, YouTube introduced compatibility for HDR (high-dynamic range) videos, enabling content creators to upload videos with enhanced contrast, more realistic shadows and highlights, a broader spectrum of colors, and generally superior visual quality. The company has now announced the extension of HDR support to live video streams. This development positions YouTube as the first prominent platform to facilitate live HDR broadcasts, according to the company.

This functionality will be accessible to creators utilizing a compatible encoder, and the HDR videos can be viewed on the newest Android mobile devices, as well as on smart TVs or streaming devices that support HDR. Google’s Chromecast is, naturally, capable of handling HDR content. The availability of HDR playback on Android mobile devices was previously announced in 2017, making this a logical progression.

Initially, HDR on YouTube was limited to a select group of YouTube channels. However, support for live streaming in HDR will be immediately available to all YouTube creators who wish to utilize it. YouTube plans to continually refine this experience over time, expanding support to include additional encoders and mobile devices for streaming HDR content.

The addition of HDR support for live video content demonstrates YouTube’s growing focus on enhancing its presence on the television platform.

During the pandemic, YouTube reported an increase in viewership on larger screens, encompassing both its core service and its live TV streaming platform, YouTube TV. With the implementation of stay-at-home orders, YouTube observed an 80% year-over-year increase in overall watch time on TVs in March. During that same month, YouTube accounted for 41% of ad-supported video on demand streaming time on U.S. televisions, as revealed during its Brandcast event. Daily YouTube usage on TVs rose to approximately 450 million hours, compared to 250 million hours in 2018.

Consumption of live-streamed video also saw a significant rise during the initial phase of the pandemic. According to YouTube’s presentation to advertisers, live-streamed media viewed on TVs experienced a 250% global increase from March 11 to April 10, 2020. Watch time for content cast to TVs also increased by 75% year-over-year during this period.

YouTube also highlights that currently, over 100 million users in the U.S. watch YouTube and YouTube TV on their TV screens each month.

By providing HDR live streams, YouTube can present a more compelling case to advertisers to redirect their spending from traditional pay TV networks to its platform—even if HDR viewing on YouTube remains relatively limited.

The company anticipates that HDR support will be beneficial for a variety of live streams, including gaming, esports, live events like music and sports, and nature and travel broadcasts.

YouTube states that HDR support is available starting today.