YouTube recently reduced its streaming quality in Europe in order to reduce the burden on the internet, which is caused by increased use from people staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The platform released a statement about the decision to move to standard definition content, "We are making a commitment to temporarily switch all traffic in the EU to standard definition by default."
YouTube's efforts in this area will help to reduce the bandwidth used by the platform as a whole, which can help to keep the internet performing at a relatively normal level, even as far more people are relying on it.
Previously Netflix took similar actions to also reduce the burden on bandwidth.
Video Platform SD Content
YouTube Reduced Its Streaming Quality to European Users of the Platform
Trend Themes
1. Bandwidth Optimization - Businesses can innovate by developing technologies or strategies that optimize bandwidth usage for streaming platforms.
2. Streaming Quality Control - There is an opportunity for developing tools or algorithms that automatically adjust streaming quality based on available bandwidth to ensure a smooth viewing experience.
3. Platform Response to Crisis - Companies can learn from YouTube and Netflix's swift response to the increased internet usage and develop crisis management strategies for their own platforms.
Industry Implications
1. Streaming Platforms - Streaming platforms can explore disruptive innovations to optimize streaming quality and reduce bandwidth usage during high traffic periods.
2. Internet Service Providers (isps) - ISPs can invest in infrastructure upgrades and develop new technologies to efficiently handle increased internet usage during crises.
3. Crisis Management Solutions - Developing crisis management solutions specific to internet-based industries can facilitate quicker and more effective responses during emergency situations.