AV2 video encoding begins to enter streaming media testing. YouTube plans to start broadcasting on the web in early 2027.

Abstract:

The Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia) stated that only four months after the announcement of the AV2 video encoding standard, it has begun to move from the specification stage to testing and deployment of browsers and streaming media platforms. Google has demonstrated the ability to play AV2 videos in Chrome; YouTube plans to provide AV2 streaming content on the web as early as 2027. Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are also evaluating the format, but have not yet announced a launch date.

AV2 is the successor encoding format of AV1 and was developed with the participation of Amazon, Apple, Google, Intel, Netflix, Samsung, Tencent and other companies. AOMedia said that compared with AV1, the compression efficiency of AV2 is approximately 30% higher, and is expected to provide better image quality at similar or lower bandwidth. It also adds features such as multi-channel video streaming, real-time communication, immersive media, higher frame rates and improved HDR, making it suitable for multi-screen viewing, video conferencing and new imaging experiences.

The person in charge of YouTube engineering stated that as of March 2026, more than 90% of the platform’s catalog content (weighted by viewing time) has provided the AV1 version; AV2 will further improve image quality and bandwidth efficiency in the future, and support new multi-video functions. Google Chrome's vice president of engineering said that the playback demonstration in Chrome is an early step in promoting the adoption of AV2 for web videos.

However, AV2 has not yet been fully launched on the above platforms. AOMedia members are still developing encoders and decoders, conducting compatibility and interoperability testing, and advancing content production tools and hardware preparation. At this stage, only YouTube has given a clearer time target for the web page, while Netflix and Prime Video are still in the exploratory stage; when AV2 will be popularized will also depend on the follow-up of browsers, device hardware and content supply chains.