Not yet
To get an idea of how close we are though, this tiny script can tell you if/how your browser supports AV1 – you can see the results below.
You can also try to watch the following video, in multiple browsers, or check this out.
And for the sake of completion, let’s recap
AV1 is a (fairly) new video codec created by a group of big tech giants including google, amazon, and microsoft, as part of some joint project. The main goal is to make video streaming better for everyone by offering:
Better Compression
Up to 30% better than HEVC or VP9, which is great for people with slow internet or limited data plans; just kidding 🙂, it’s greater for streaming platforms as they get to distribute the same content for cheaper
Royalty-Free
Unlike HEVC, which requires companies to pay license fees, AV1 is free to use. This makes it easier and cheaper for streaming services and device makers to adopt it.🙂
Yes it sounds a little too good to be true, and there are still some details worth keeping in mind. I’ll let you review the potential caveats for yourself:
- The AV1 “Royalty Free” Question – analysis on whether AV1 is truly cost-free
- Royalty-Free Standards Are Not Free of Costs – perspective on AV1 licensing complexities
- Can AV1 and HEVC Just Get Along? – discussion of competing codecs and market challenges
High Quality
It supports modern video features like 10-bit color, HDR, 8K+ resolution; to be fair, VP9 and HEVC support these too
Industry Support
Most major tech companies are backing AV1. YouTube, Netflix, and other big services are already using it for some videos, and new devices are starting to support AV1 playback.
Downsides
Hardware Support
Not all devices can play AV1 smoothly yet, especially older phones, TVs, or computers. Newer devices are adding support, but it will take time before AV1 is everywhere.
Encoding Speed
Creating AV1 videos (i.e. ‘encoding’) takes more compute power and time compared to older codecs. This is improving, but it’s still a challenge for live streaming or quick uploads.
Bottom Line
AV1 is a big step forward for online video. It’s already making a difference on some platforms, but it’s not the universal standard yet. As more devices and services support it, you’ll see faster loading, better quality, and less data usage when watching videos online.
The catch?
It’s only as good as the companies willing to adopt it. With luck, it becomes the standard… unless it gets shelved because it didn’t vibe with one’s golf schedule.