Youtube adds high definition preview images and a logo removal option

ONLINE VIDEO WEBSITE Youtube is rolling out two features that will allow high definition preview images and the option to remove its logo from videos.

Previously Youtube would display a lower quality preview image of a video, even if the video itself was capable of playing in high definition. This meant that many people chose not to watch some videos because the quality appeared to be poor.

That will no longer be the case for videos uploaded with HD 480p resolution or higher, as they will now display a high definition preview image when embedded on web sites.

While it might not sound like much at first, an example seen by The INQUIRER really drove the point home. The old image was dark, blurry and uninviting, while the new high definition preview was bright, vivid and made us want to play the video. Google promises that the difference will be even more apparent for larger videos.

This wasn't originally on the cards for Youtube, since most of its uploaded videos were in lower definition formats, but as more and more videos feature HD 720p and 1080p options it's more important that the preview images reflect their true quality.

The second feature Youtube is rolling out is the option to remove the annonying Youtube logo that sits like a watermark at the bottom right-hand corner of every video. Often this can be a distraction from the content or can actually block an important part of the image, but now uploaders will be able to choose to remove it.

This is a bold move by Google, as it effectively debrands embedded videos. However, with the majority of embedded videos using Youtube, we think it can rest easy. It's usually pretty easy to identify a Youtube embedded video too, so it doesn't really need to insist on displaying its logo.

Now if it could only just remove those annoying ads. But we don't expect that to happen any time soon, however, if ever. µ