720p vs 1080p vs 4K: Which Video Quality Should You Choose?

When you go to download a video, you will see different options for resolution. Some may include 720p, 1080p, 1440p, and even 4K. It can be confusing to decide on which one to choose.

The highest number doesn't mean the highest quality.

There are other factors to consider. Are there other people that I need to consider when I decide on the quality? For example, if I am only going to view the video on my phone, then I may download a lower quality video.

The quality of the video that I download is limited to the source and to the quality of the original video. Understanding these factors may help you make an informed decision on the quality of the video that you are going to download.

What Are Video Resolutions?

The resolution of a video describes the amount of details and the level of clarity of a video.

When talking about resolution, sometimes the number may appear small. Don't fret, the smaller the number, the less the details of the video.

The higher the resolution of the video, the larger the file size. So if you are planning to watch a video on your phone, you don't really need to download the highest resolution available.

What is 720p?

720p is of resolution of 1280 × 720. This resolution is considered High Definition (HD).

While higher resolutions are common now, 720p can be appropriate in some cases.

When your source is 720p and you are displaying it on a small phone screen, it may not be worth it to download and store a larger file.

This is particularly true if you have a limited storage space or if you are using your mobile data.

720p is a good resolution for videos such as tutorials, talks, and interviews. In most cases, it is not worth it to store a higher resolution copy of these videos.

What is 1080p?

The term 1080p refers to a display resolution of 1920 x 1080.

Compared to 720p, 1080p provides a more detail in video, particularly if the source is also 1080p.

Keep in mind, a file in 1080p will take up more storage space than a file in 720p.

If your storage space is not a limitation, and your source is also in 1080p, then you should store a copy in 1080p.

What is 4K?

4K increases the total resolution even further.In the case of UHD, 4K resolution is 3840 x 2160.

A 4K video can be much more detailed than a 1080p video, given that the original video was also produced in 4K.

Videos with higher resolutions are usually longer, and require more storage, and more Data bandwidth. Hardware also plays a role in their smooth playback.

If you aren't concerned with storage, the length of the video will eventually influence your decision with regard to file size.

Do I need a Higher Resolution?

It depends.A smaller display will not benefit from a higher resolution.

A higher resolution will help to provide more details that may be lost on a small display. The same rule will also apply to larger displays as well.

A video with text will appear better with a higher resolution to provide more detail. Likewise, a higher resolution will also improve other detailed visuals like game play.

Always keep in mind your target audience and display.

The correct answer depends on the situation, and sometimes the largest number is not the correct answer.

Think About Resolution InsteadAlthough the two concepts differ, a bigger file usually means better quality.

There are many other factors that affect file size such as the length of the video, frame rate, and type of audio encoding.

Regardless, a larger file usually means better quality.

This is especially noticeable on a phone.

Phone storage is usually very limited, and large files quickly eat up available space.

There are trade-offs between the file size of a video and the quality of the video.

A file compressed to 720p takes less space than a file compressed to 4K.

4K has benefits over 1080p, but 1080p still takes less space and has benefits over 720p.

With a desktop or laptop, a higher resolution is better as it is usually easier to notice the improvements from a larger screen.

With 1080p available on most newer laptops, it is usually a good default.

If the original video is 1440p or 4K and your monitor is high enough resolution, then you may as well get the higher quality video to get more detail.

Of course, the case for each individual video has to be assessed.

Just because a higher quality version of a video exists doesn't mean you should always go for that version.

There are consequences for not knowing this.

Can YTT Save Change 720p to 4K?

No and knowing the reasoning for this will benefit you.

Just because a video is enlarged to 4K doesn't mean it becomes 4K video.

In the same way, just because video is enlarged to have a greater frame dimension does not mean that it adds detail.

In fact, because of the nature of the pixel structure of video, enlarging a video may actually increase the size of artifacts and make them more obvious.

YTT Save tries to show the available frame resolution of enlarged videos, if available, to benefit the user.

If a video is only available in 720p, and a video downloader claims to be able increase detail and give a 4K download, that downloader is lying.

How to Use YTT Save to Check Available Video Qualities

This tool works by locating a supported video on YouTube, getting its URL, and pasting it in YTT Save.

The Download button initiates the process of fetching info about the video.

After the info is fetched, the user is shown a preview of the video. From there, the user can check other available videos of the same upload and choose which quality to download.

For video qualities of the same upload, the user has to decide on the needs of the device and storage, and then choose the quality that best meets those needs.

What are the Factors to Consider When Determining the Video Quality to Download?

It depends on the circumstances under which the video will be viewed.

For example, if the video will be viewed on a small screen and there is a limit on file size, go with a lower quality.

If a good balance between picture quality and storage space is desired, a video of 1080p quality can be a good choice.

Not everyone needs 4K. 4K requires a significant amount of storage space and takes longer to upload and download. To really appreciate the benefits of 4K, you'll need a screen that is large enough for the additional detail to be noticeable. A large screen is going to cost more. Also, you can’t always assume that a content provider will give you 4K even if you are able to stream or download it.

Choosing 4K just because it is an option is silly.

4K, 1080p, and 720p all have their uses.

The longest, highest quality, videos are usually in 4K. 1080p and 720p are good if your screen is small or storage is limited. Internet usage and the length of the videos all have to be taken into account.

When saving videos supported by YTT, Always check your options to see if there are formats other than what you expect.

Just because you can download a video via YTT doesn't mean you're allowed to share it. Download videos only if you are the owner, have permission, or are legally allowed to do so.