System requirements & supported devices for YouTube

To watch YouTube videos, make sure you have the most up-to-date browser, operating system, and a good internet connection:

  • Newest version of Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari
  • Internet connection with 500+ Kbps

Movies and TV shows requirements

Some premium videos on YouTube -- like movies, TV shows, and livestreams -- require a faster connection and greater processing power for optimal streaming speeds. Here's what you'll need:

  • Newest version of Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari
  • Operating system: Windows 7+, Mac OS X 10.7+, or Ubuntu 10+
  • Internet connection with 1+ Mbps

It can help to close other tabs, browsers, and programs while streaming your video. It may also help to hardwire your Internet connection, instead of using a wireless network connection.

The table below shows the approximate speeds recommended to play each video format.

Video Resolution

Recommended sustained speed
4K UHD 20 Mbps
HD 1080p 5 Mbps
HD 720p  2.5 Mbps
SD 480p 1.1 Mbps
SD 360p 0.7 Mbps

 

Things to note:
  • Playback in HD is unavailable for streaming on a web browser, except for Safari for HD streaming only. You can also stream in HD using one of the supported devices listed here.
  • Sometimes, you can buy or rent the HD/UHD version of a video on a device or browser that doesn't support HD/UHD playback. You can still watch the title in lower quality on that device, or watch HD/UHD from a different compatible device.

Supported devices for Primetime Channels (U.S. only)

If you’re in the United States, you can watch YouTube Primetime Channels on the following devices:

  • Smart TVs
    • Select TVs with Android TV built-in and NVIDIA Shield
    • Samsung smart TVs (2016+ models only)
    • LG smart TVs (2016+ models only)
    • Select Vizio SmartCast models
    • Select Hisense Smart TV Models
    • Select Sharp Smart TV Models
    • Select Sony Smart TV models
  • Streaming Media Players
    • Chromecast with Google TV
    • Roku Players & TVs
    • Apple TV (4th generation & 4K)
    • Fire TV Sticks (2nd Gen, 3rd Gen, 4K, and Lite), Fire TV Cube, and select Fire TV Edition smart TVs
  • Game Consoles
    • Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Xbox One S, & Xbox One X
    • PS5, PS4, and PS4 Pro
  • Smart Displays
    • Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max
  • Smartphones & Tablets
    • Phones & tablets running Android 5.0 Lollipop and above
    • iPhones & iPads running iOS 11 or later

You cannot purchase YouTube Primetime Channels on any of the following devices:

  • Apple TV
  • DISH
  • PlayStation
  • Verizon
  • XBox
  • Panasonic
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