YouTube is presently testing a membership limit for videos with 4K resolution. So far, no formal statement has been issued.

Currently, YouTube looks to be doing an A/B test on the video platform, in which chosen viewers without a premium subscription will no longer be able to select the highest resolution. The resolution choice indicates that 2160p or 4K resolution is a premium feature in such circumstances. The same is probably true for 8K. The test appears to be limited to iOS devices.

With this move, YouTube is expected to sell more YouTube Premium subscriptions. As of now, the subscription includes the following features: ad-free videos, offline videos and background playback, and YouTube Music Premium. It costs EUR 11.99 per month or EUR 119.99 per year in most of the EU.

I saw online, and many netizens have feedback. pic.twitter.com/WTNQt7U6aJ

— 詩篇 (@Qiutiandongtian) October 1, 2022

Complaints over the proposed subscription barrier test are already flooding Twitter and Reddit. It is unknown whether Google will actually apply the adjustment. YouTube has not yet responded to this.