# YouTube Users Encounter Low-Quality Video Streaming Problem
If you’ve noticed that YouTube videos and Shorts are showing up in unexpectedly low quality lately, you’re not the only one. On Wednesday, YouTube confirmed the issue on its [help site](https://support.google.com/youtube/thread/332214867/video-and-shorts-playing-in-low-quality), indicating that they are aware of the situation and are actively pursuing a resolution.
## What’s Going On?
Numerous users have reported that videos are streaming at much lower resolutions than anticipated, even when their internet connection is robust. Some of the prevalent complaints include:
– Videos playing at **144p or 360p** even with a fast and reliable internet connection.
– **Buffering troubles** when trying to switch to higher resolutions.
– The issue impacting various platforms, including **iOS mobile devices, desktop computers, and Smart TVs**.
## How Extensive Is the Issue?
Though the problem is quite annoying, it doesn’t seem to be affecting everyone. Reports on platforms like [Downdetector](https://downdetector.com/status/youtube/) suggest that complaints are not excessively higher than normal. Furthermore, conversations on Reddit, such as [this thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/1jf7khf/youtube_video_quality_on_mobile/), indicate that the issue may not be widespread.
## Potential Reasons
YouTube has not released an official clarification regarding the issue. However, possible reasons might include:
– **Server-side modifications** impacting video quality.
– **Bandwidth management** adjustments that prioritize lower resolutions.
– **Temporary glitches** within YouTube’s streaming algorithms.
## What Can You Do?
If you’re facing low-quality video playback, here are some troubleshooting tips you can attempt:
1. **Manually change video quality** – Click the settings icon on the video player and choose a higher resolution.
2. **Restart your device** – Occasionally, a simple reboot can fix streaming problems.
3. **Clear cache and cookies** – If using a web browser, clearing the cache and cookies might help.
4. **Look for app updates** – Make sure you’re on the latest version of the YouTube app.
5. **Switch networks** – Alternating between Wi-Fi and mobile data can sometimes enhance video quality.
## When Will It Be Resolved?
YouTube has reassured users that they are looking into the issue and working towards a fix. If you are impacted, you can follow [this official thread](https://support.google.com/youtube/thread/332214867/video-and-shorts-playing-in-low-quality) for updates from YouTube’s support team.
## Final Thoughts
Although this problem is bothersome, it seems to be temporary and not widespread. Hopefully, YouTube will address it swiftly, similar to how Google recently resolved the **Chromecast bricking issue**. In the meantime, users can try the troubleshooting steps outlined above or wait for an official resolution from YouTube.
Have you encountered this issue? Share your experience in the comments! 🚀
