Video resolution explained: 1080p vs 720p vs 4K
Resolution is the most quoted number in video and one of the least useful on its own. Here's what it does and doesn't tell you.
- Resolution counts pixels; bitrate decides how good those pixels look
- Viewing distance and screen size determine what you can actually resolve
- 1080p is the right default for almost everyone
What the numbers mean
1080p is 1920 × 1080 pixels; 4K is 3840 × 2160, four times as many. More pixels give more potential detail, but only if there was detail in the original recording and enough bitrate to preserve it.
Why bitrate matters more
Bitrate is how much data per second the encoder is allowed to spend. Starve a 4K stream of bitrate and it smears in motion, looking worse than a generously encoded 1080p file — while being much larger.
What your eyes can actually use
On a phone at arm's length, the difference between 1080p and 4K is essentially invisible. On a 55-inch TV from two metres, it's noticeable but not dramatic. On a monitor at desk distance, it's clear.
A practical rule
Download 1080p unless you're going to watch on a large screen or edit the footage. You'll save three-quarters of the storage and won't see the difference.