The truth about YouTube automatically editing videos is causing controversy in the community

Some YouTube videos are suddenly displayed differently than the original, with everything from color to sharpness being automatically changed. Why is this happening, and can creators control it?

YouTube uses AI technology to unintentionally edit creators' videos - Photo: THANH THU

YouTube is experimenting with a new way to automatically enhance videos using AI, raising hopes for a better viewing experience but also raising questions about transparency and creator control.

What technology does YouTube use to edit videos automatically?

YouTube recently adopted AI-powered image enhancement technology that analyzes each frame to reduce noise, restore lost detail, and adjust colors to better match the display device.

The key technology used is AI upscaling, similar to image enhancement algorithms used in games and online movies. When a video has a low resolution, the system will reconstruct the details to play at a higher quality.

In addition, YouTube also tested HDR remastering techniques, allowing for improved brightness and color depth, making images more vivid.

Technically, the mechanism does not change the original file, but only applies when the video is played back. However, the difference between the original and the rendered version is large enough to make creators feel like their videos were edited without their consent.

Why is the new feature controversial?

Initially, many users thought the feature was helpful because it made older videos clearer and easier to watch. But when creators discovered that their work had been unintentionally altered in color or lighting, controversy erupted.

Several creators have spoken out about YouTube automatically changing the lighting, color, and image details of their videos. On Reddit, many users have also posted before-and-after comparisons to demonstrate the AI ​​upscaling effect.

Some have commented that the frame looks like it has been coated with an oil effect, the hair looks plasticky, and the details are harsher. Others have argued that while this feature may aid accessibility, it degrades the quality and defeats the author’s purpose.

The issue isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about control. Creators feel they should be the ones to decide how their videos are displayed, rather than having the platform automatically change them. Meanwhile, viewers may be misled into thinking the original work is poor quality and can only be seen clearly if YouTube enhances it.

YouTube speaks out

A YouTube Insider explains Shorts video processing technology - Screenshot

In a brief statement sent to several media outlets, YouTube said it was testing technologies that would enhance the video viewing experience by automatically applying image processing techniques. The company said the creator's original files were not altered and the goal was simply to help viewers get better use of their devices and network connections.

However, this information has not satisfied the community. Some technology experts said that YouTube needs to be more transparent about when and where the feature is applied.

They believe that AI image optimization is an inevitable step forward, but without an on/off option, the platform will inadvertently lose the trust of content creators, who are the pillars of the YouTube ecosystem.

Users need transparency

Many predict that YouTube will soon add an option for creators to decide whether to apply automatic editing, which could be a way to balance the benefits of technology with creative control.

The feature also signals a broader trend: online platforms will increasingly rely on AI to improve the quality of the content users watch. Netflix, TikTok, and other live streaming services could deploy similar technology to keep their audiences engaged.

The most important lesson is that technology must be accompanied by transparency. Users have a right to know how their content has been edited, and creators have a right to choose how their work is presented to the public. Without this, a seemingly convenient feature can easily become a point of controversy.

THANH THU

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/thuc-hu-viec-youtube-tu-dong-chinh-sua-video-khien-cong-dong-tranh-cai-20250828165050001.htm