YouTube has unveiled a series of new features aimed at enhancing the viewing experience on TV screens, focusing on improved video quality, shopping integration, and a more intuitive interface. A central announcement is the introduction of AI-powered automatic upscaling for videos uploaded below 1080p resolution. Using machine learning, YouTube will now upscale low-resolution videos—specifically those in 240p to 720p—to HD, with plans to extend support to 4K in the near future. Crucially, the feature includes opt-out options for both creators and viewers. Creators can choose to disable upscaling for their content, ensuring their original files and resolutions remain untouched. Viewers will also be able to revert to the original upload quality, with the upscaling clearly labeled in video settings. This move addresses longstanding concerns from creators who felt YouTube had applied enhancements without consent, sometimes leading to unnatural visual artifacts or distortion. The upscaling will only affect videos originally uploaded in lower resolutions, excluding those already remastered by creators to 1080p or higher. YouTube spokesperson Veronica Navarrete confirmed the feature targets videos from 240p to 720p, preserving the integrity of higher-quality uploads. To support higher-resolution visuals, YouTube is expanding the video thumbnail size limit from 2MB to 50MB, enabling creators to upload 4K-quality thumbnails. The platform is also testing larger video uploads with select creators, signaling a broader push toward higher-quality content delivery. In another significant update, YouTube is integrating instant shopping directly into the TV viewing experience. Viewers will soon be able to scan a QR code displayed on screen during videos that feature tagged products, using their smartphone to be directed straight to the product page. This feature is part of a broader test that includes the ability for creators to pin products at specific timestamps within their videos, allowing for more precise and engaging product placements. Beyond shopping and quality improvements, YouTube is refining its TV interface with several user experience upgrades. The homepage now features immersive previews, making it easier to browse favorite channels with dynamic, full-screen thumbnails. A new “Shows” design allows creators to organize videos into seasonal, binge-worthy series—similar to Netflix—improving the TV-like viewing flow. Contextual search on channel pages has also been enhanced, prioritizing content from the specific channel being viewed rather than pulling results from across the entire platform. These updates reflect YouTube’s growing focus on the TV experience, which the company describes as its fastest-growing surface. The platform aims to make content more discoverable, visually compelling, and interactive, especially for users watching on large screens. By offering opt-out controls, supporting high-resolution assets, and introducing shopping features, YouTube is balancing innovation with creator autonomy and viewer choice. The changes come as TV screens continue to evolve, with most major brands now offering built-in AI upscaling and Nvidia’s Shield TV already providing similar enhancements. YouTube’s approach stands out for its transparency and flexibility, responding to past criticism about unannounced edits to video quality. Overall, these updates signal YouTube’s intent to compete more effectively with streaming services by delivering a polished, immersive, and interactive TV experience—while empowering creators and respecting their creative control.