Watch HDR YouTube videos on your iPhone X

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Displaying an HDR YouTube video on a non-HDR screen is impossible.
Unfortunately, displaying an HDR YouTube video on a non-HDR screen is an exercise in futility.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

There’s a whole YouTube channel devoted to HDR videos, and the iPhone X can now display them as they are meant to be seen.

High Dynamic Range offers a greater span of colors that most screens can display. The OLED display in Apple’s flagship device is up to the job, though.

The HDR Channel is available for anyone to look at, though only those with the right type of screen can display the videos in HDR. For example, an iPad Pro can show the God of War Intro in 1080p at 60 fps, but can’t provide colors in HDR. But the iPhone X can handle it.

How to watch HDR YouTube videos

Those who have Apple’s top-of-line smartphone can be sure they’re seeing HDR YouTube videos with the maximum color range by tapping on the triple dot icon in the upper right corner, selecting Quality, than choose one of the resolutions that include HDR.

Naturally, not every YouTube video will offer this option. It has to have been created/filmed with a greater span of colors. Still, HDR YouTube videos are scattered around Google’s streaming service, usually with the HDR in the title. 

It’s not known when this ability appeared in the YouTube iOS application. It was noticed just today on Reddit.

YouTube isn’t breaking new ground here. Rival Vimeo added HDR support for iPhone X users late last year.

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