Yes. YouTube Premium’s high-quality audio control offers up to 256 kbps for eligible music videos and Art Tracks. On a phone, open Settings → Quality → Audio quality in the YouTube or YouTube Music app and choose High; you can also leave it on Auto. The 256 kbps figure is a maximum, not a guarantee for every track.
What YouTube Premium’s high-quality audio control does
YouTube first announced higher-quality audio as a Premium experiment on January 22, 2025, through youtube.com/new. YouTube described the experiment as offering 256 kbps audio on music videos. Its companion announcement also listed higher-quality audio among the experiments. YouTube’s current Help documentation describes the setting as 256 kbps for eligible music videos and Art Tracks.
The control changes the audio stream delivered for supported content. It does not remaster a song, improve the quality of its original upload, or ensure that every video uses a 256 kbps stream. YouTube Premium product management director Jack Greenberg described the broader rollout as offering members more ways to enhance how they watch creator shows, music videos and podcasts; the documented 256 kbps setting, however, is specifically for music videos and Art Tracks.
How to turn on high-quality audio
On a phone or tablet
- Open the YouTube or YouTube Music app.
- Open Settings, then select Quality → Audio quality.
- Choose High to select the high-quality option, or choose Auto to let YouTube adjust audio quality for connection conditions.
On a TV, streaming device or game console
- Start a supported video.
- Open that video’s Settings.
- Select Audio → High-quality audio.
These paths and supported-device notes are documented in YouTube Help. The living-room control is selected from the video’s settings, rather than the mobile app’s general audio-quality menu.
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What content and devices are covered?
YouTube documents high-quality audio for music videos and Art Tracks, and lists the setting in the YouTube and YouTube Music apps. For TVs, streaming devices and game consoles, the setting appears in a supported video’s playback settings. The documentation does not establish that every YouTube video, podcast or other content type receives the 256 kbps option.
| Playback option | Documented bitrate ceiling | Eligible content | Where the control is documented | What can limit delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary playback | Not stated in YouTube Help’s high-quality-audio description | Content available for ordinary playback | Standard playback controls | Not stated as a specific bitrate in the cited Help documentation |
| Premium high-quality audio | Up to 256 kbps | Music videos and Art Tracks | YouTube and YouTube Music mobile apps; video settings on TVs, streaming devices and game consoles | Original upload quality and network conditions |
The comparison reflects YouTube’s documented feature details; the absence of an ordinary-playback bitrate in that documentation should not be read as a specific bitrate for standard playback.
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Why a song may not play at 256 kbps
The original upload sets a ceiling
YouTube says the quality of the original upload determines the maximum stream available. If the source was uploaded at 128 kbps, for example, selecting High cannot make it a 256 kbps source. The setting is a delivery option, not a way to upgrade the source audio.
Your connection can affect playback
Network speed and stability also affect delivery. YouTube says Auto favors high quality when network conditions are optimal for a stable experience. If playback conditions do not support that, Auto may not select the highest quality. These limits are described in YouTube Help.
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- HIGH QUALITY SOUND: Great sound quality customizable to your music preference with EQ Custom on the Sony | Headphones Connect App.
- LIGHT & COMFORTABLE: The lightweight build and swivel earcups gently slip on and off, while the adjustable headband, cushion and soft ear pads give you all-day comfort.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR CALLS: A built-in microphone provides you with hands-free calling. No need to even take your phone from your pocket.
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The content may not be eligible
The documented feature covers music videos and Art Tracks, not every video on YouTube. If the high-quality option is missing, check that the content and device support it and, on a living-room device, look in the video’s own settings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What you need to hear a difference
To make a fair comparison, use headphones or external speakers that suit your listening setup and listen to the same eligible content under similar network conditions. These accessories can affect what you hear, but they do not increase YouTube’s encoded bitrate. YouTube does not endorse a particular headphone or speaker model for this feature.
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