Uscreen supports 4K video quality for your on-demand content. When 4K is enabled for your store, your members can watch in up to 4K on devices and network connections that support it. This article covers how 4K works, how to upload in 4K, where your members see it, how it affects your storage, and the current limitations.
ℹ️ INFO: 4K is currently in early access beta and is enabled per store by the Uscreen team, by invitation. Expect wider availability in later 2026.
4K may require a plan upgrade or add-on package.
What Is 4K on Uscreen?
Until now, every video uploaded to Uscreen was processed at up to 1080p (Full HD), even if the original file was higher resolution. With 4K enabled, your uploads are processed at their native resolution, up to 3840x2160 (4K UHD). Your members then watch at the best quality their screen and connection can handle, up to full 4K.
This also applies to 2K (1440p) source files. A video exported at 2K is preserved and delivered at 2K, rather than being reduced to 1080p.
Playback quality remains adaptive. Members are never forced into 4K, and members on slower connections or smaller screens continue to get the smooth experience they have today.
Uploading in 4K
There is nothing new to learn. Once 4K is enabled for your store, your normal upload flow handles it:
Export your video from your editing software at its native resolution, up to 3840x2160.
Upload it the same way you upload any video.
After processing completes, a 4K badge appears next to the video in your admin video list and on the video details page, confirming the resolution.
💡 TIP: Already uploaded a video that was originally shot in 4K? Re-upload the original file and it will be processed in 4K. Videos uploaded before 4K was enabled stay at their current resolution and cannot be converted automatically.
📝 NOTE: 4K files are roughly 4 times larger than 1080p files, so uploads take longer. For multi-gigabyte files, use a stable connection and keep the upload tab open until it completes.
Where Members Watch in 4K
4K works automatically across platforms. When a member's device, screen, and connection support it, playback is available up to 4K.
Web: members can select 4K manually from the quality menu in the video player. Playback defaults to 1080p quality.
TV apps: members watching on a 4K TV with a good connection receive 4K automatically. TVs are where 4K makes the biggest visible difference.
Mobile apps: quality is automatic. Phones typically play at 1080p, which matches their screens and protects your members' data plans.
AirPlay and Chromecast: casting to a 4K TV can carry 4K.
📝 NOTE: Safari does not offer a manual quality menu. This is an Apple limitation that applies to every video platform, not just Uscreen. Members watching in Safari still receive 4K automatically when their setup supports it.
4K and Your Storage
Higher resolution video takes more space to store, so high-resolution videos count more against your storage limit:
Standard video (1080p and below) counts at 1x its duration.
2K video counts at 2x its duration.
4K video counts at 4x its duration.
For example, a 10-minute 4K video uses 40 minutes of your storage allowance. Your billing page shows exactly how your storage splits between standard and 4K content, so there are no surprises. For more detail, see Manage Your Storage Limit.
Current Limitations
4K applies to on-demand video only. Live streams are not available in 4K.
Only new uploads are processed in 4K. Existing videos keep their current resolution unless you re-upload the original file.
Trailers and free previews play at up to 1080p, so your full-resolution content stays behind the paywall.
Offline downloads in the mobile apps play at up to 1080p.
Safari members cannot manually select quality, though automatic 4K still works there.
FAQs
Do I need to re-upload my entire library?
No. Most creators enable 4K going forward and re-upload only the videos where 4K makes a real difference, such as flagship content or cinematic footage.
Does 4K work with DRM?
Yes. DRM protection and 4K are independent, and DRM-protected videos can be delivered in 4K.
Will 4K cause buffering for members on slow connections?
No. Playback quality is adaptive and defaults stay unchanged. A member only receives 4K when their device and connection can handle it, and members can always pick a lower quality in the web player.
Why don't members see a 4K option on a video?
The video needs to have been uploaded in 4K after the feature was enabled for your store, and the member needs to be on a platform with a quality menu. If a specific video shows no 4K option, check for the 4K badge on that video detail page in your admin area first.
Does 4K cost extra?
4K may require a plan upgrade or add-on package.
What happens if I stop using 4K?
Nothing breaks. Every 4K video also includes standard quality levels, so playback simply continues at up to 1080p, exactly as before.