Netflix now streams 30% of its content using the AV1 codec, a move that significantly cuts data usage and reduces buffering for viewers.
This transition has improved the viewing experience by enabling higher-quality features like HDR and Film Grain Synthesis while using a third less bandwidth and cutting buffering interruptions by 45%.
While a next-generation codec is on the horizon, Netflix is actively exploring AV1's potential for live events and other data-heavy applications like cloud gaming.
Netflix revealed in a new post on its Tech Blog that the efficient AV1 codec now powers 30% of all its streaming, a move that cuts bandwidth use and reduces buffering for millions of viewers.
A win for viewers: The switch to AV1 means higher-quality video on less data. According to details shared by the company, AV1 streams use a third less bandwidth than older codecs and cut frustrating buffering interruptions by 45%.
More than just smooth: The codec is also unlocking more immersive features. This year, Netflix used AV1 to launch HDR streaming and a technique called Film Grain Synthesis, which preserves a director's intended cinematic look without the high data cost.
The live frontier: While AV1 has primarily been for video-on-demand, Netflix is now exploring its potential for live programming, seeing clear opportunities in large-scale events like sports and for enabling features like customizable graphics overlays.
While the next-generation AV2 codec is on the horizon for late 2025, Netflix's message is clear: "AV1 is very much the present—serving as the backbone of our platform. As Netflix operationalizes AV1 for video, industry watchers are also pointing to the codec's potential impact on other data-heavy applications like cloud gaming.
