This archive report was first published on 6 September 2019.
With the increasing availability of high-definition displays on smartphones, it's become easier to consume large amounts of data on YouTube. However, this can lead to unexpected expenses, especially for those who are not mindful of their data usage.
According to a report from Android Kenya published on September 6, 2019, mobile network operators have been generous with YouTube-specific bundles, making it easier for users to consume more data than they need to.
One way to limit data usage on YouTube is by using the app's built-in feature to limit mobile data usage. This feature, which can be found in the settings section of the YouTube app, allows users to limit the quality of videos played on their smartphone. When this feature is turned on, videos will only play in HD when the user is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
This is a complementary feature to the change made by Safaricom last year, which limits all videos to 480p by default, leaving room for the user to bump up the quality as they wish. This feature is especially useful for users who own devices that allow video playback at 1080p or 1440p.
Another way to limit data usage on YouTube is by using Safaricom's Data Manager. The Data Manager allows users to save data by reducing speed using its Data Save feature. This feature, which was introduced last year, allows users to reduce their data usage by limiting the speed of their internet connection.
For those who prefer to watch videos in high definition, there is a price to pay for the high-quality streams they enjoy. However, for those who are on a tight budget or want to stretch their data bundles a little longer, having a cap on data usage is important as it allows for a level of control and no room for surprises.
