YouTube, Netflix, and Prime Video reduce streaming quality in Europe due to coronavirus

Self-isolation and lockdowns imposed across European countries due to the coronavirus have led to a spike in users streaming online content, which is causing network congestion. To avoid that, Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video have lowered the streaming quality to ensure a smoother service.

Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime have lowered the bitrate of their respective platforms across Europe for a span of approximately 30 days. The reason behind the move is that the huge file size of high definition content from these platforms was slowing down the Web.

“We estimate that this will reduce Netflix traffic on European networks by around 25 percent while also ensuring a good quality service for our members,” Netflix said in a statement. Thierry Breton, the EU commissioner for the internal market also called on streaming services to temporarily switch from HD to SD quality content.

Important phone conversation with @ReedHastings, CEO of @Netflix

To beat #COVID19, we #StayAtHome

Teleworking & streaming help a lot but infrastructures might be in strain.

To secure Internet access for all, let’s #SwitchToStandard definition when HD is not necessary.
— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) March 18, 2020

Source: Reuters

Nadeem Sarwar

I’ve been writing about consumer technology for over three years now, having worked with names such as NDTV and Beebom in the past. Aside from covering the latest news, I’ve reviewed my fair share of devices ranging from smartphones and laptops to smart home devices. I also have interviewed tech execs and appeared as a host in YouTube videos talking about the latest and greatest gadgets out there.