h264ify

Makes YouTube stream H.264 videos instead of VP8/VP9 videos

h264ify - Stream YouTube in H.264

h264ify is a Chrome extension that makes YouTube videos stream in H.264 format instead of VP8/VP9. This optimization benefits users with less powerful devices by reducing CPU usage, preventing stuttering, and saving battery life, as H.264 is generally hardware accelerated. Note that 4K and 1440p videos are not supported as YouTube does not provide these resolutions in H.264. For smoother video playback, try h264ify!

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Extension stats

By: erkserkserks

Users: 1,000,000+

Rating: 4.55

(1,150)

2 new ratings

Version: 2.0.1 (Last updated: 2025-03-05)

Creation date: 2019-09-08

Permissions:

scripting
storage

Host permissions:

*://*.youtube.com/*
*://*.youtube-nocookie.com/*
*://*.youtu.be/*

Size: 32.46K

Email: st*****@icloud.com

Full description: See detailed description

Ranking

# 344 ▲ 70

Other rankings

#2715 in Workflow & Planning ▲ 21 #275 in details keyword 58 ▲ 10

Other platforms

Not available on Android

Not available on Firefox

Not available on Edge

User reviews

These summaries are automatically generated weekly using AI based on recent user reviews. Chrome Web Store does not verify user reviews, so some user reviews may be inaccurate, spammy, or outdated.

Pros

Greatly reduces CPU usage for video playback on older computers
Allows for smoother playback of 1080p videos on low-end hardware
Helps users watch YouTube videos without lagging or stuttering
Improves streaming performance significantly on aged systems

Cons

Disables ability to view videos at higher than 1080p resolution
Can cause errors when trying to open videos on YouTube
Some users experience issues after updates
Not all users find it effective for their specific hardware configurations

Most mentioned

Significant improvement in CPU usage while watching videos
Compatibility issues with video resolutions above 1080p
Errors encountered with video playback on YouTube after installation
Helps older devices run YouTube videos more smoothly

User reviews

Espectacular extensión! Funciona a las mil maravillas ! Mi CPU de mi viejo portátil ha bajado de 70%-80% a un 15-20% !

Raúl Prieto Fernández, 2025-03-07

all I need its you

Tuấn Trần minh, 2025-03-05

와 진짜 혁신이다. 솔직히 tv 유툽용으로 최신컴 사기 진짜 아까운데 이 앱 하나로 구형컴으로 유튜브 볼수 있음. 그것도 저전력으로, 강추! 당연히 4k부터는 h.264 코덱이 지원 안함. FHD 60hz 까진 똥컴으로 문제없음.

멘소레담, 2025-02-25

View all user reviews

Extension safety

Risk impact

h264ify requires some sensitive permissions that could impact your browser and data security. Exercise caution before installing.

Risk impact analysis details

Critical Request access to the following domains: youtube.com, youtube-nocookie.com, youtu.be
High ******* ******* **** *** ****** ***** *** ***** ** ******* **** ********* ********* ** * *********** *****

Risk likelihood

We don't have sufficient data to confidently determine the risk likelihood of h264ify. Use it at your own risk.

Risk likelihood analysis details

High This extension was recently updated in the past month. New updates may not be stable or safe.
Medium **** ********* *** ****** **** ****** ********* ********** *** *** ** ****** ** *****
Low **** ********* *** ***** **** **** * ****** **** ***** ********** *** **** ****** ** ** ****** *** *****
Good **** ********* ** * ******** ********* ** ****** *** *****
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