After years of waiting, the YouTube app now supports HDR videos on Xbox

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After years of waiting, HDR support finally rolls out to the YouTube app on Xbox.

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Retail Boxes
Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Retail Boxes (Image credit: Matt Brown | Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • The YouTube app for Xbox now supports HDR.
  • HDR support is available on the Xbox Series X, Series S, One X, and One S.
  • Other media apps, such as Netflix and Prime Video, have had HDR support for some time.

Finally, after years of waiting, the YouTube app for Xbox supports HDR. First spotted by FlatpanelsHD, HDR support for the YouTube app will help videos pop. HDR support should work on both older consoles, like the Xbox One S and Xbox One X, as well as newer consoles like the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. The YouTube app should switch its output to HDR automatically now when a video supports it.

Many of the best 4K TVs for Xbox Series X and Series S support HDR. With HDR, blacks are darker, brights are brighter, and the contrast between them helps create a popping image. HDR also brings a wider color gamut, helping everything appear punchier. It's a popular feature for both gaming and watching media, though not all videos and games have it.

Microsoft first stated that HDR support for YouTube was "coming soon" in 2017, so it's been quite the wait to see it happen. It's unclear what caused the wait and if it was on Google's end, Microsoft's end, or a combination of both.

HDR support has been around on other media apps for quite some time on the Xbox platform, including Netflix and Prime Video.

If you're on the hunt for a new TV to show off beautiful content in HDR, make sure to check out our roundup of the best cheap TVs with 4K and HDR.

Xbox Series X
Leading 4K
Xbox Series X

The full next-generation experience.

Xbox Series X is Microsoft's new flagship, as its most powerful console with over 12TF GPU performance and a custom SSD. It boasts up to 4K resolution and 120 FPS, full backward compatibility across four generations, and ray-tracing support.

Xbox Series S
Next-gen in HD
Xbox Series S

Experience next-gen gaming for less.

Microsoft serves the next-generation for less with its budget-friendly Xbox Series S. The console packs the same high-performance CPU and SSD technology as Xbox Series X, while scaling back the GPU and removing the disc drive.

Xbox Series X/S

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Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.