Many of the apps we normally use on our mobile phones have a lite version that allows us to save space and data on our smartphones. YouTube is joining this trend and is testing a version for its app that will allow us to Let's save data when we play videos.
Applications like Twitter or Facebook have their lite version available for consumption less data from our planOne of the biggest data consumers is undoubtedly YouTube, so it's appreciated that they're thinking about how to save data.
Google is testing new options in the YouTube app, in the beta version 12.07.61. It is adding a series of options that allow you to choose between more alternatives and playback resolutions so that you can adapt it to the data consumption you want to makeYou can even watch videos at 144p, the lowest quality, if you need to watch a video and don't want to use up all your data. Additionally, the app includes a specific mode for... Data saving and settings via mobile or Wi-Fi connection.
Until now we could limit the video in HD Previously, we could only watch it when connected to Wi-Fi and could only choose between 480p or unlimited resolution. Now there will be different options, from 144p to "unlimited quality," depending on what we want and need at any given time. Resolutions of 144p, 240p, 360p, 480p, 720p or not setting limits on quality, automatically opting for the highest resolution.
At the moment it is only a test that YouTube is doing and that has not been officially announced Nor does it know when it will arrive, if it will ever arrive at all, or whether these will be the options it includes or if they will be modified at some point. In any case, the app already allows establish quality and savings preferences that help you use less data.
How to activate data saving and choose quality on YouTube
Access the settings from your profile picture to find the section Data savingThere you can activate automatic mode so that the app reduces the quality when you use it Mobile data and prioritize fluency over resolution.
Within Quality Preferences you will see options such as Automatic (adjust according to your connection), Higher image quality (more consumption), Data saving (reduce resolution) and Advanced to manually set 144p, 240p, 360p, 480p, or 720p. You can also select the quality of each video from the player for specific cases.
Additionally, you can set Different preferences for mobile and Wi-Fiso that data usage is optimized while Wi-Fi maintains high quality. In the same section, it's advisable to adjust quality of downloads and activate smart downloads Use low quality if you want to save money when downloading with mobile data.
Activate mobile data usage reminder to receive alerts and be more aware of your spending. Turn off the Autoplay to prevent another video from starting without your request, and limits playback with sound in feeds to Wi-Fi only so that the previews Don't overconsume.
How much do people consume video and what factors influence it?
Video quality is key: the lower the resolution, less megabytes per hourFor reference, many users report around 300 MB/h at 720p and near 450 MB/h at 1080pWhile 144p–240p consumes very little power, 4K consumption skyrockets, so it's best to avoid using it with mobile data.
They also influence the video length, the type of device (a laptop can force higher quality than a mobile phone), the connection speed (4G/5G tends to increase resolution) and the app's default settings (autoplay and previews on startup can increase consumption).
If you have YouTube Premium, download videos with Wi ‑ Fi To watch them offline, adjust the download quality to a low level when you want to prioritize saving data. Avoid playing long playlists with autoplay enabled if you depend on your rate.
Settings on Android and iOS to limit data
On Android you can go to System settings > Use of data To set a monthly limit and notification, or to restrict background data for YouTube, on iOS go to Settings > YouTube and turn it off. Mobile data if you want the app to only work with Wi-Fi.
From the app, on Android go to Settings > General > Data saving and enable Reduce Quality and Playback on Feeds over Wi-Fi Only. On iPhone, open Settings > Quality Preferences and choose Data saving with mobile networks and High Quality on Wi-Fi. These settings are reversible according to your needs.
Data saving apps
The apps we use every day take up a significant amount of space on our mobile phones. For newer or higher-end phones, this isn't a problem because they usually have a large ROM to store all this data. However, those with older or lower-end devices may use the light versions of the apps for Android. Facebook has Facebook Lite and has more than millions of users. Facebook also has a version Lite on your Messenger, available in Spain since April.
Twitter also launched its light version in April. A version that only occupies 1MB and that It works 30% faster and saves up to 70% on energy consumption. on the mobile phone and no timeline content is lost.
Light applications so that anyone can access social media, watch videos and post tweets without any space issues on our mobile phones, but also surprises on the bill at the end of the month. If you travel, one eSIM with data It can help you not depend on Wi-Fi, and with unlimited data you can choose higher quality without stress.
Managing these settings properly allows you to watch YouTube on the go with a smooth experience and a controlled consumptionWith adjusted quality, Wi-Fi downloads, and active system limits, you'll enjoy your videos without fear of running out of data.