How to Opt Out of YouTube's "Super Resolution" AI Upscaling

But in a key move for creative control, YouTube is giving both creators and viewers a simple way to opt out.

Illsutration: Tech Bird

Have you ever tried watching an old, favorite video on your new 4K TV, only to be disappointed by the blurry, pixelated image? YouTube is rolling out a powerful new solution for this exact problem.

As part of a major push to enhance the living room viewing experience, YouTube just announced "Super Resolution," a new AI-powered upscaling feature. This tool automatically sharpens low-resolution videos, turning grainy old clips into crisp HD content.

While this is a fantastic technical leap, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. What if you're a creator who intended for your video to have a specific lo-fi or retro aesthetic? Or what if you're a viewer who notices that the AI upscaling adds a slight "smeary" or unnatural look?

Recognizing this, YouTube has made a critical, pro-user decision: both creators and viewers can opt out.

This guide will walk you through exactly what "Super Resolution" is, why you might want to disable this AI enhancement, and the simple steps to take back control of your viewing experience.

What Is YouTube's "Super Resolution" Feature?

The new "Super resolution" option in YouTube's quality settings. Gif: YouTube

In a recent blog announcement, YouTube detailed its new "Super Resolution" technology. Here’s what you need to know:

• It's AI-Powered: The feature uses artificial intelligence to enhance video quality.
• It Targets Low-Res Content: It specifically applies to videos originally uploaded in resolutions between 240p and 720p.
• The Goal is HD (and 4K): The immediate goal is to bump these videos to a clean HD (720p/1080p) quality. YouTube also plans to support upscaling all the way to 4K "in the near future."

This feature is rolling out because the TV screen is now YouTube's "fastest-growing surface." It's designed to make the platform's vast library of older content watchable on modern, large-screen TVs.

Why You Might Want to Disable AI Upscaling

While the goal is to improve clarity, automatic enhancements can sometimes miss the mark. This opt-out option is a significant move, especially after previous creator feedback highlighted issues with unwanted enhancements.

You may want to disable "Super Resolution" if:

• You Prefer the Original Look: Many creators use a lo-fi, grainy, or retro style as part of their artistic intent. AI upscaling can "correct" this style, erasing the video's intended feel.
• You Notice Visual Distortions: AI upscaling isn't perfect. In some cases, it can create visual artifacts, waxy-looking skin tones, or an "uncanny valley" effect that feels unnatural.
• It Won't Affect Remastered Content: It's important to note that this AI will not be applied to older videos that creators have already remastered to 1080p themselves, respecting that manual work.

How to Opt Out of "Super Resolution" (For Viewers & Creators)

YouTube has confirmed that the opt-out option will be clear and accessible. Here are the likely steps based on the announcement.

For Viewers: How to Disable AI Upscaling on a Video

When you are watching a video that qualifies for "Super Resolution," you will have a choice.

• Click the Settings gear icon in the video player.
• Select Quality.
• You will see the upscaled options clearly labeled (e.g., "1080p - Super Resolution").
• To opt out, simply select the video's original uploaded resolution (e.g., "480p" or "720p"). As the blog post reads, “And viewers will still be able to watch creators’ videos in the original uploaded resolution, as super resolution will be clearly labeled under settings.”

This gives you immediate, per-video control, allowing you to compare the AI-enhanced version with the original and decide for yourself.

For Creators: How to Opt Out in YouTube Studio

YouTube is giving creators complete control over their library. Your original files will not be touched.

1. Navigate to your YouTube Studio.
2. Go to the Content tab and select the video you want to manage.
3. Click on Details.
4. Look for a new option under the "Enhancements" or an "Advanced" settings tab.
5. You should find a "clear option to opt-out of these enhancements." This will likely be a checkbox or toggle labeled "Allow AI Upscaling (Super Resolution)."
6. Disable this feature and save your changes.

This ensures your video is only ever shown in the original resolution you uploaded, preserving your artistic vision across the platform.

Part of a Bigger TV-Focused Update

This AI upscaling feature is just one piece of YouTube's strategy to dominate the living room. The same update includes:

• 4K Thumbnails: The thumbnail file size limit is increasing from 2MB to 50MB, allowing for ultra-high-definition 4K preview images.
• Instant Shopping: Viewers will soon see QR codes on TV screens for tagged products, letting them scan with their phone to buy instantly.
• New "Shows" Layout: Creators can now organize video seasons into "binge-worthy" collections, similar to a Netflix interface.

Ultimately, YouTube's decision to provide an "opt-out" for "Super Resolution" is a welcome one. It balances the platform's push for technical innovation with the community's need for creative control and viewer choice.

Have you tried the new "Super Resolution" feature? Does the AI upscaling look realistic, or do you prefer the original? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.