When you stream in 4K, you’re watching videos at a resolution of 3,840×2,160 pixels, which is provided by platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Max, and similar services. The video is delivered in small segments that are instantly played and then discarded.
Currently, 4K is the highest resolution offered by most streaming services. In fact, many original shows and movies from providers like Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ are available in 4K, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down.
However, not all content is accessible in 4K. The resolution you get while streaming depends on several factors: the device you’re using, the streaming service, your internet speed, and the original resolution of the video. There are numerous possible resolutions you might encounter while streaming, so here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
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| Resolution | Formal name | Size in Pixels | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6480p (12K) | 12K Ultra High Definition (UHD or Ultra HD) | 12,288×6,480 | Very highest consumer cameras |
| 4320p (8K) | 8K Ultra High Definition (UHD or Ultra HD) | 7,680×4,320 | YouTube, PS5, Xbox Series X |
| 2160p (4K) | 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD or Ultra HD) | 3,480×2,160 | Most streaming services, 4K Blu-ray |
| 1440p (2K) | Quad High Definition (QHD or Quad HD) | 2,560×1,440 | QHD monitors, smart phones |
| 1080p (FHD) | Full High Definition (FHD or Full HD) | 1,920×1,080 | Blu-ray, HDTV, Xbox |
| 720p (HD) | High Definition (HD) | 1,280×720 | Preferred Twitch streaming resolution |
| 480p (SD) | Standard Definition (SD) | 640×480 (4:3) | TV broadcasts, NTSC-region DVD |
| 480p (SD) | Standard Definition (SD) | 720×480 (3:2) | TV broadcasts, NTSC-region DVD |
| 360p (SD) | Standard Definition (SD) | 640×360 | Low-quality video |