Hundreds of music videos are in the remastering process, with YouTube and the Universal Music Group teaming up to provide viewers with the “highest possible standards” when it comes to the viewing experience.
It’s no secret that YouTube is one of the largest sources of easily-accessible media on the web. As anyone knows though, technological advancements have left a large number of the service’s videos looking somewhat dated.
After all, considering that the first-ever video was uploaded back in 2005, numerous improvements to video quality have occurred, meaning that these days, you can find some of the sharpest-looking videos ever available on the site.
However, many users have looked back at some of their favourite music videos, straining their eyes to catch a glimpse of both pixels on display, hoping that maybe a better version of the video will one day emerge on the site.
Now, that day has come.
Check out the remastered version of Lady Gaga’s ‘Bad Romance’:
Announced by YouTube on their official blog, the new initiative aims to remaster some of the “most iconic music videos of all time”, in a bid to ensure that “current and future generations will get to enjoy these timeless classics as they’ve never before been experienced.”
Premiering today, tracks by artists like Billy Idol, Janet Jackson, Kiss, Lady Gaga,Maroon 5, Meat Loaf, No Doubt/Gwen Stefani, The Killers, and Tom Petty are all available in the highest available quality.
While only 100 are available so far, more will be added each week, with 1,000 expected to be available before the end of 2020.
“It’s really an honor to partner with Universal Music Group and change the way fans around the globe will experience viewing some of the most classic and iconic videos. The quality is truly stunning,” explained Stephen Bryan, Global Head of Label Relations at YouTube.
“It’s our goal to ensure that today’s music videos — true works of art — meet the high quality standards that artists’ works deserve and today’s music fans expect.”
These newly-remastered versions will simply replace the old ones, meaning that likes, view count, and even the URL will remain the same.
“We’re excited to partner with YouTube to present these iconic music videos in the highest audio and video quality possible,” explained Michael Nash, Executive Vice President of Digital Strategy at UMG.
“Our recording artists and video directors imbued these videos with so much creativity; it’s great to enable the full experience of their vision and music.
“These videos not only look amazing on any screen now, they will be enjoyed by music fans for decades to come.”
Check out the remastered version of the Beastie Boys’ ‘Sabotage’:
