As YouTube celebrates two decades of streaming, the platform has solidified its position as the leading provider of TV content, surpassing traditional services like Netflix and Disney+. To further enhance the large-screen viewing experience, Google is rolling out a suite of new features aimed at engaging viewers and supporting creators on the platform’s expanding TV interface.

Growing Revenue and Creator Support

With its increased popularity on TVs, YouTube has seen significant growth in creator earnings. Data indicates that the number of channels earning over $100,000 annually has risen by 45% in 2025 compared to the previous year. To capitalize on this momentum, Google is introducing new tools designed to boost channel visibility and appeal on big screens. Notably, creators will now benefit from an increased thumbnail file size limit, rising from 2MB to 50MB, enabling higher quality visuals that can better attract viewers’ attention with more detailed and eye-catching images.

AI Upscaling and Video Quality Improvements

One of the most anticipated updates involves AI-powered video upscaling. The feature will automatically enhance lower-resolution videos to 1080p, providing viewers with crisper, more detailed images. Google plans to expand this capability to support “super resolution” up to 4K in the near future, ensuring that older content or lower-quality uploads can meet modern viewing standards without requiring creators to re-upload their videos.

Innovative Features for the TV Audience

Beyond video quality enhancements, YouTube is introducing interactive features to make TV viewing more engaging. These include shopping QR codes directly integrated into videos, allowing viewers to make purchases seamlessly while watching. Additionally, the platform is experimenting with immersive channel surfing, enabling viewers to explore related content more intuitively. An official version of the previously controversial AI upscaling technology aims to provide a smoother and more reliable experience for both creators and viewers.

These updates underscore YouTube’s commitment to maintaining its dominance in the TV streaming space by offering richer content, improved visuals, and interactive capabilities. For more information on these features and how they can enhance your viewing or content creation experience, visit the official YouTube Help Center or explore detailed guides on AI video enhancement technologies.

Ethan Cole

I'm Ethan Cole, a tech journalist with a passion for uncovering the stories behind innovation. I write about emerging technologies, startups, and the digital trends shaping our future. Read me on x.com