YouTube launching support for 4K live streaming in both standard and 360-degree videos

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YouTube today began rolling out support for both standard and 360-degree live streaming in 4K video resolution, a change that will significantly improve visual quality of panoramic live streams. Approximately a month ago, Google added support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) in 4K clips and just recently updated its Chromecast HDMI dongle with 4K video output.

According to YouTube, the image quality is “just mind-blowing” on screens that support 4K, and in 360 degrees the clarity “can truly transport you”. YouTube creators and partners can immediately start streaming 4K video panoramas.

Live streams can be fully appreciated on 4K-supported devices.

Google explains:

4K video isn’t just a little different from HD video; it’s a giant leap. It shows 8 MILLION pixels total, with an image that has four times more image definition than even 1080p video. What does this mean in real world terms? Live streams look better, show a more detailed, crisper picture, and aren’t as blurry when there’s fast action on screen. Basically, 4K makes everything better to look at.

A support document clarifies that 4K live streaming is supported at a silky smooth sixty frames per second. To experience this new feature in all its glory, be sure to check out the Game Awards tomorrow, December 1, at 9pm EST / 6pm PST as YouTube will live stream the entire show in 4K resolution.

YouTube supports live streaming ingestion and playback of 360-degree videos in Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Opera browsers. 360-degree video playback is also supported in the YouTube and YouTube Gaming apps for iOS and Android.

As for live events, you can enjoy them through YouTube for iOS and Android, as well as on game console devices and other mobile devices via m.youtube.com.

YouTube for iOS recently gained a progress bar on the thumbnails within the app’s watched history section so you can see how far you made it through your previously watched videos and resume watching right where you left off.

Source: YouTube