YouTube for Android now lets you pick playback quality

YouTube-5-7

Google is rolling out a new YouTube update that will finally allow Android users to pick playback quality. It’s a feature iOS users have been enjoying since the official YouTube app arrived in the App Store — but until now, those on Android could only choose between standard- and high-definition streams.

While most users want HD video playback wherever they can get it on more recent devices with 1080p displays, some often need the ability to choose lower quality streams when they’re short on data. With the latest version of YouTube for Android, you have near full control over stream quality.

While watching a video in YouTube version 5.7, users can tap the options button, and then the cog that appears in the middle of the screen, to choose video quality from 144p, 240p, 360p, and 720p.

Strangely, there’s no 1080p or 4K options right now, which is odd given the increase in 1080p and even 4K smartphones entering the market. There’s no “auto” option that chooses a video quality based on your connection, either. Hopefully, these are things Google will be adding later.

YouTube 5.7 is rolling out now via Google Play, but like all Google updates, it will come in phases. If you don’t already have it, then, you should be seeing it soon.