YouTube Playback Speed Now Reaches 4x for Premium Users.

YouTube is significantly boosting the appeal of its Premium subscription by rolling out a major expansion of video playback speed controls. Paying subscribers can now watch videos at up to 4x speed, a massive leap from the previous 2x limit, and the feature is officially expanding across more devices.

What began as an experiment on mobile is now a standard perk for YouTube Premium members on Android, iOS, and the web, catering directly to power users who consume lengthy tutorials, podcasts, and video essays.

4x Speed and Precise Controls.

Premium subscribers can now accelerate their viewing to an unprecedented 4x speed. This allows a typical hour-long video to be consumed in just 15 minutes, drastically improving content efficiency.

The update also introduces a greater degree of control for video playback. Users are no longer limited to the standard 0.25x increments; they can now fine-tune the speed in 0.05 increments for a more personalized viewing experience.

Feature Parity Across Devices.

Crucially, this speed boost is no longer confined to the mobile app. YouTube has confirmed that the expanded playback options are now available to all Premium members on all major platforms: Android, iOS, and the web browser interface.

This universal rollout ensures a consistent, high-speed viewing experience, whether you are on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop.

More Premium Perks Rolling Out.

The playback speed upgrade is part of a broader package of enhancements for the subscription service.

YouTube Premium members can now access high-quality audio streaming at 256kbps on both the main YouTube app and the YouTube Music app on mobile, a feature previously limited to the dedicated music app.

Additionally, the "Jump Ahead" feature, which uses AI to allow viewers to skip directly to key moments, is also expanding its reach to Smart TVs and gaming consoles, streamlining navigation on the biggest screens.