HDR PS4 Pro
The upcoming PS4 Pro supports High Dynamic Range – although you'll also need a compatible television to go with it EA

As a service whose sole income relies on users being glued to a screen, YouTube tends to be proactive when it comes to keeping itself up to date with the latest video formats and technologies. After bringing 4K, 3D and 360-degree video to the platform, the company is now rolling out support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) content for compatible devices.

You've probably heard of HDR. It's become somewhat of a buzzword in recent months for television manufacturers who claim the feature offers greater picture quality. Game consoles are also getting behind the standard with the arrival of Sony and Microsoft's respective PS4 Pro and Xbox One S consoles, which are both HDR-compatible.

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What is HDR?

High Dynamic Range supports higher colour and contrast, offering more precise, detailed shadows and highlights. It outputs a wider colour gamut, resulting in a richer and more realistic image overall where things like clouds and sunlight will pop out as the human eye would see them, rather than washed out.

Sony's new HDR-compatible console goes on sale in the UK on 10 November, making this a suitably well-timed update for gamers who like to share gameplay footage on YouTube.

SDR vs HDR
This is a 'simulated' SDR vs HDR comparison – seeing true HDR requires a compatible display YouTube

HDR videos will be supported on YouTube starting today, YouTube announced in a post on its blog page. You will of course need an HDR-compatible device in order to benefit from them, for example, an HDR television and the new Chromecast Ultra. Those who haven't jumped on the HDR bandwagon will still be able to view the videos in the standard dynamic range.

Naturally, this means YouTube creators can now upload HDR videos to the platform. "Starting today, any creator can upload HDR videos to YouTube," the company said. "To make sure creators can tell awesome stories with even more colour, we've been working with companies across the industry. We've worked with the DaVinci Resolve team to make uploading HDR just as simple as SDR videos to YouTube. We've also outfitted the YouTube Spaces in LA and NYC with all the gear needed to produce great HDR content."

YouTube said it would work with partners to promote HDR content on the platform as more compatible device became available.

Google PS4 Pro