Does YouTube have a volume control?

YouTube is a popular video-sharing platform owned by Google that allows users to upload, view, rate, share, and comment on videos. With over 2 billion monthly logged-in users, YouTube is the second most visited website in the world.

One of the key features of YouTube is the ability to control the volume level of videos. However, some users have reported issues with the volume controls not working properly on YouTube. This can prevent users from adjusting the sound and can make it difficult to hear the audio from videos.

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the various volume control options available on YouTube and troubleshooting tips for resolving any volume issues you may encounter.

Default Volume Settings

YouTube’s default auto-play and volume settings are set to start videos at full volume when clicked or when auto-playing after a previous video ends. This default setting can cause issues for users, especially if watching YouTube videos late at night or in public places where blaring audio from videos is disruptive.

As explained on Google’s support page, the autoplay feature for YouTube is enabled by default, which means videos will automatically start playing one after the other unless users opt out of autoplay in their account settings [1]. With autoplay enabled, the next video in the queue will begin automatically once the current video finishes.

Compounding this issue is that the default starting volume for YouTube videos is set to full maximum volume. As noted on Google’s support forums, this default full volume can be jarring, especially if viewers have their device or browser volume turned up loud [2]. The combination of autoplay jumping from video to video and each video blasting audio can create a disruptive viewing experience.

Volume Controls on YouTube Video Player

YouTube provides easy access to volume controls right on the video player. When watching a YouTube video, look below the video for the volume control icon. It looks like a speaker symbol.

Click or tap on the volume icon to bring up the volume slider. Drag the circle left or right along the slider to turn the volume up or down. The left side of the slider mutes the volume, while the right side increases volume.

You can also hover over the volume icon without clicking to bring up the volume slider. Then simply drag the circle left or right to adjust the volume.

These volume controls affect the video you are currently watching. Adjusting the slider will increase or decrease volume for that individual video only. This allows you to customize the volume for each video based on your preferences.

So if one video’s volume seems louder or quieter than others, you can simply adjust the slider for that specific video without affecting the rest of the videos you watch.

Account-Level Volume Controls

YouTube offers settings to control the default volume level for videos played while logged into your YouTube account. This allows you to set a preferred volume level that will be applied across the platform.

To set your account’s default volume level:

1. Go to your YouTube account settings page at youtube.com/account.
2. Under “Playback setup,” click on Volume.
3. Drag the slider to your desired default volume level.
4. Click Save.

Now when you play YouTube videos while logged into that account, the volume will automatically be set to your chosen default level. This applies across the YouTube website, mobile apps, smart TV apps, and anywhere else you access YouTube while signed into that account.

Setting an account-level default is useful for controlling the volume when initially launching videos. You can still manually adjust the volume on individual videos as needed. The account default will be applied again when starting another video.

Device and Browser Volume Controls

You can also control the volume of YouTube videos using your device or browser’s built-in volume controls:

On a computer, you can adjust the volume using your keyboard volume keys or through your device’s system volume settings. Most browsers also have their own volume controls you can use.

On mobile devices, you can set the overall media or app volume levels through your device’s settings menu. This will affect YouTube and other video/audio apps.

The benefit of using device/browser volume controls is that it globally adjusts the volume level rather than just for a single YouTube video. This means you don’t have to change the YouTube player volume every time you start a new video.

The downside is that it adjusts the volume for everything on your device/browser, not just YouTube. You may want to keep YouTube at a different volume level than your system sounds or other media.

Overall, device and browser volume controls provide a quick way to globally adjust your audio levels. But for finer control per video, using the YouTube player settings is better suited.

YouTube App Volume Controls

Compared to the browser version, the YouTube mobile app has some differences in volume settings and controls. The app allows adjusting the overall volume under Settings, but this controls system-wide volume for the YouTube app rather than video-specific levels.

Some users have reported inconsistent experiences controlling volume on the mobile YouTube app, especially when using Chromecast or external devices. For example, changing the in-app volume may persist and affect the volume of other apps or connected devices like smart TVs. Others find the YouTube app volume gets reset after closing the app or doesn’t sync properly when casting videos.

“What’s bizarre is that the YouTube app volume control has a lasting effect on other apps/devices.” (Source)

In general, managing volume through the mobile YouTube app tends to be more limited and potentially unpredictable compared to the desktop browser experience.

Third-Party Browser Extensions

In addition to YouTube’s built-in volume controls, there are a number of third-party browser extensions that can enhance volume control on YouTube. These extensions work by boosting or amplifying the audio output of YouTube videos beyond the website’s default settings. Some of the most popular YouTube volume control extensions include:

Volume Control – This Chrome extension allows you to boost YouTube video volume by up to 600%. You can control the volume using the extension’s slider.

Volume Booster for YouTubeTM – Designed specifically for YouTube, this extension can increase volume by up to 2000%. It also lets you control the volume increment.

Volume Booster – Available as a Chrome and Firefox extension, Volume Booster allows boosting volume for YouTube and other video sites. It also lets you control left/right balance.

These extensions work by intercepting the audio output of the video player and amplifying it before sending it to your speakers or headphones. They provide an easy way to get more volume from YouTube videos, beyond what the website itself allows.

Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some fixes for common YouTube volume issues:

• Check your device or browser volume controls – make sure the volume is turned up there. YouTube follows your system volume.
• Try adjusting the volume on the YouTube video player itself. Drag the volume slider or click the volume icon to unmute.
• Check for headphones or external speakers that may be muting the volume. Unplug any connected devices.
• Close and re-open your browser or YouTube app. This resets any glitches.
• Update your browser or YouTube app to the latest version. Updates often fix bugs.
• Try watching YouTube in a different browser or app. This helps isolate the issue.
• Restart your computer or mobile device. Rebooting can clear up temporary volume problems.

If the standard YouTube volume controls are not working:

• On a computer, try keyboard shortcuts like M to mute/unmute or the up/down arrow keys to adjust volume.
• Install a browser extension like Volume Master to add advanced volume controls.
• Adjust the volume in your computer or device’s system settings, outside of the YouTube app.
• As a last resort, consult with the device or software manufacturer for hardware or driver issues.

Persisting volume problems may require updated drivers, a settings change, or app reinstallation. Contact tech support if troubleshooting does not restore YouTube’s sound.

YouTube Updates and Improvements

YouTube is constantly making updates and improvements to its video platform based on user feedback. Volume control options have seen several changes in recent years.

In 2020, YouTube rolled out a new volume leveling feature which aims to automatically adjust the volume across videos so viewers don’t experience jarring changes. This makes it easier to choose one volume setting that works across all videos.

YouTube has also focused on improving volume controls on mobile apps in response to user requests. The YouTube mobile app now has more granular volume controls, allowing users to fine-tune the volume level.

Looking ahead, YouTube engineers continue to explore ways to improve volume normalization and control. Some potential upcoming features based on user feedback include:

• Remembering volume preferences per device
• Equalizer settings to customize audio
• More voice control options

Volume control remains an important issue for many YouTube users. By continually optimizing these features, YouTube aims to give viewers the best possible viewing experience.

Conclusion

In summary, YouTube does have several built-in volume controls that allow users to adjust the sound level of videos. The main volume slider is located directly on the YouTube video player itself, which controls the volume for the current video you are watching. Additionally, you can set a default volume level for videos in your YouTube account settings that will be applied across all videos.

There are also separate device and browser volume controls that affect the overall sound output, as well as in-app volume settings if you are watching YouTube videos through the mobile app. Some third-party browser extensions like Volume Master can add enhanced volume control features as well.

While YouTube’s volume controls may not be the most advanced, they provide the basic functionality needed to turn the sound up or down. The platform is also continuously updated with new features and improvements over time. With the various volume controls available, you should be able to adjust the loudness to your preferred listening level.