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# Video Platform SD Content
YouTube Reduced Its Streaming Quality to European Users of the Platform

By Daniel Johnson | Published 2020-03-20 | Tech
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/streaming-quality
References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2020-03-20-youtube-reduces-stream-quality-to-sd-in-europe.html) & [twitter](https://twitter.com/YouTubeInsider/status/1240734272325070855)

[YouTube](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1080p-enhanced) recently reduced its [streaming quality](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twitch-update) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playables) took similar actions to also reduce the burden on bandwidth.

Image Credit: YouTube

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 0.5/10
- Popularity: 2% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 9%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Multimedia](https://www.trendhunter.com/multimedia)

## Key Themes

### What Makes This Trend Stand Out

- **Bandwidth Optimization:** Businesses can innovate by developing technologies or strategies that optimize bandwidth usage for streaming platforms.
- **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.
- **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.

### Sectors Adopting This

- **Streaming Platforms:** Streaming platforms can explore disruptive innovations to optimize streaming quality and reduce bandwidth usage during high traffic periods.
- **Internet Service Providers (isps):** ISPs can invest in infrastructure upgrades and develop new technologies to efficiently handle increased internet usage during crises.
- **Crisis Management Solutions:** Developing crisis management solutions specific to internet-based industries can facilitate quicker and more effective responses during emergency situations.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Enhanced Video Streaming Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1080p-enhanced.md)
- [Media Platform Playback Options](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1080p-premium.md)
- [App-Backed Streaming Bundles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/primetime-channels.md)
- [Multi-Service Streaming Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/youtube-3.md)
- [Paid Online Platform Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/youtube-premium-feature.md)
- [Video Streaming NFT Integrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/youtube1.md)
- [Educational Streaming Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/youtube-2.md)
- [Streaming Platform Format Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twitch-update.md)
- [Streaming Service-Backed Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playables.md)