Why Your Netflix Looks Better Now - AV1 Hits 30% Milestone

Netflix just dropped a bombshell for codec enthusiasts. The streaming giant confirmed that AV1 now powers approximately 30% of all viewing on its platform - and it's on track to become their most-used codec "very soon".
 

This milestone marks a major shift in how we consume video. Just a few years ago, AV1 was an experimental format. Now it's delivering content to hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.

Why This Matters for You

AV1 isn't just a technical upgrade. Netflix reports that AV1 sessions use one-third less bandwidth than both H.264 and HEVC. That translates to 45% fewer buffering interruptions for viewers.

Quality improves too. AV1 streaming sessions score 4.3 VMAF points higher than AVC and nearly a full point above HEVC. You're getting better picture quality while using less data.

Device Support Has Exploded

Netflix revealed that 88% of large-screen devices submitted for certification between 2021 and 2025 now support AV1.

Since 2023, virtually every device they've received can handle AV1 playback at 4K@60fps.

Want to play AV1 content locally? VLC Media Player handles AV1 files without any extra configuration. For system-wide support across all your Windows apps, the K-Lite Codec Pack includes LAV Filters with full AV1 hardware acceleration.

New Features Rolling Out

Netflix launched AV1 HDR streaming in March 2025 using HDR10+ dynamic metadata. This now covers about 85% of their HDR catalog, with full coverage expected within months.

The real game-changer is Film Grain Synthesis (FGS). AV1 strips grain before encoding and recreates it during playback. Netflix reports this cuts bitrate by roughly two-thirds while delivering better-looking cinematic grain than traditional encoding.

What's Next: AV2 on the Horizon

The Alliance for Open Media is finalizing AV2 specifications, with Netflix calling it the next step in their compression roadmap. AV2 promises even better efficiency for 8K, VR, and live sports streaming.

For content creators wanting to encode AV1 today, HandBrake supports AV1 encoding with hardware acceleration on compatible GPUs.

Curious how AV1 stacks up against the competition? Check out the AV1 vs H.265 comparison guide.

AV1 has officially moved from "promising new codec" to "industry backbone." If you're not already set up for AV1 playback, now's the time. Download the AV1 Video Extension to ensure your system is ready for the streaming future.