YouTube to start streaming in AV2 codec on web in early 2027
YouTube engineering director Des Keane said the platform is excited to begin streaming in AV2, citing better video quality.
YouTube plans to roll out the AV2 codec on the web version of its platform as soon as early 2027, according to Android Authority. No current devices or media players support AV2 yet.
YouTube engineering director Des Keane said the company is excited to begin streaming in AV2, pointing to better video quality and new multi-video capabilities.
Chrome engineering VP Jim Bankoski said AV2 could enable new browser experiences, including better multi-view video and more efficient video conferencing.
Building on AV1
The Alliance for Open Media released the definitive specifications for AV2 earlier in 2026. The codec is expected to be roughly 25% to 32% more efficient than AV1.
AV1 launched in 2018, and the first smartphone with AV1 encoding was the Pixel 10. As of March 19, 2026, more than 90% of YouTube's catalog by watch time was available in AV1.
Quick answers
When will YouTube support AV2?
YouTube plans to roll out AV2 for the web version of its platform as soon as early 2027.
Do any devices support AV2 now?
No. According to Android Authority, no current devices or media players support AV2.
How much more efficient is AV2 than AV1?
The Alliance for Open Media's AV2 codec is expected to be roughly 25% to 32% more efficient than AV1.