In an age where streaming video is part of everyday life, understanding how much data platforms like YouTube consume is more important than ever. Whether you're managing a limited mobile data plan, using a travel eSIM, or just curious about your internet usage, knowing how much data YouTube videos actually use can help you make smarter choices. In this post, we’ll break down the key factors that affect data consumption on YouTube — including video quality, duration, and device type — and offer tips to help you stream more efficiently without blowing through your data allowance.
The resolution you choose for streaming YouTube videos directly impacts your data usage. YouTube lets you select between options like “Higher Picture Quality” and “Data Saver,” although the default is often set to “Auto” based on your network conditions.
| Video Quality | Resolution | Data per Minute | Data per Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 144p | 256×144 | ~1.9 MB | ~115 MB |
| 240p | 426×240 | ~2.7 MB | ~160 MB |
| 360p | 640×360 | ~4.4 MB | ~264 MB |
| 480p (SD) | 854×480 | ~7.7 MB | ~460 MB |
| 720p (HD) | 1280×720 | ~14 MB | ~840 MB |
| 1080p (Full HD) | 1920×1080 | ~23 MB | ~1.4 GB |
| 1440p (2K) | 2560×1440 | ~34 MB | ~2 GB |
| 2160p (4K) | 3840×2160 | ~66 MB | ~4 GB |
These numbers assume standard frame rates (~30 fps) and YouTube's default compression.
Higher frame rates (e.g., 60 fps) or HDR content may use more data.
On mobile, YouTube may auto-adjust resolution to save data.
Because YouTube Music doesn’t stream full video by default, it generally uses less data than the main YouTube app. However, its data consumption is still higher than that of Spotify or Apple Music, since YouTube Music can display videos—even in a smaller format—which adds to overall usage.
| Audio Quality | Bitrate | Data per Minute | Data per Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 48 kbps | ~0.6 MB | ~40 MB |
| Normal | 128 kbps | ~1.8 MB | ~110 MB |
| High (for Premium users) | 256 kbps | ~3.5 MB | ~210 MB |
Low quality is ideal for basic listening when saving data is a priority.
Normal quality (128 kbps) matches the mainstream streaming tier and uses around 110 MB per hour
High quality (~256 kbps) is available to Premium subscribers, consuming about 210 MB per hour
Tip from eSIM4Travel: For optimal data savings on YouTube Music, activate the “Do not play music video” and “Do not play podcast video” options in your settings.
| Quality Setting | Resolution | Data per Minute | Data per Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 480p | ~854×480 | ~6 MB | ~360 MB |
| 1080p | 1920×1080 | ~25 MB | ~1.5 GB |
| 4K | 3840×2160 | ~80 MB | ~4.8 GB |
Keeping an eye on your YouTube data usage is especially important when you’re on a capped data plan or traveling abroad. Both iPhone and Android devices make it easy to track your app data consumption.
To check your YouTube data usage:
On iPhone: Go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Service) → Mobile Data, then scroll down to YouTube.
On Android: Open Settings → Network & Internet → Internet → Settings → YouTube → Data usage.
Here are some effective ways to help you lower your YouTube data usage:
Switch your default video quality to 480p or below when using mobile data to significantly cut down on data consumption.
How to adjust video quality in the YouTube app:
While watching a video, tap Settings → Quality → Advanced → Choose "480p" or a lower option to fit your needs.
If you have YouTube Premium, you can download videos and music for offline viewing—perfect for enjoying your favorite content without using mobile data on the go.
To download a YouTube video, tap the "Download" button beneath the video (you’ll find it near the "Thanks" and "Clip" options). Access your saved content by tapping your profile picture and selecting "Downloads."
For music, tap the "Download" button beneath the track or use the "Download" icon for entire albums and playlists, then find them in your Downloads section.
Turn on Data Saver mode to automatically reduce video quality and limit features that use extra data.
To enable these settings in the YouTube app:
Go to Settings → Video and Audio Preferences → Video Quality Preferences
On Mobile Networks: Select "Data Saver"
On Wi-Fi: Select "Data Saver" for additional savings (optional)
To adjust audio settings in YouTube Music:
Go to Settings → Playback and Restrictions
For audio quality on mobile data, select "Normal" or "Low"
For Wi-Fi, you can choose "Normal" or "Low" (optional)
Enable "Stream via Wi-Fi only" to maximize savings
Autoplay can quickly use up data by continuously playing videos or Shorts, even after you’ve stopped watching.
To turn it off:
Go to Settings → Video and Audio Preferences → Playback
Adjust your YouTube Music settings to play audio only, minimizing unnecessary data use.
To do this:
Go to Settings → Playback and Restrictions
In summary, lowering your video resolution, downloading content over Wi-Fi, and disabling autoplay in YouTube Shorts are all effective ways to reduce data usage. For YouTube Music, ensure that podcast and music videos are turned off to further conserve data.
Making these small adjustments allows you to enjoy your favorite YouTube content while keeping your data use in check. Staying aware of your consumption helps you avoid unexpected charges and ensures you remain connected wherever your travels take you.
Explore eSIM4Travel 's eSIM plans for high-speed mobile data while traveling.