X (formerly Twitter) is stepping up its video game by letting select creator uploads video in 4K resolution, aiming to keep users engaged on its platform instead of losing them to competitors like YouTube or Vimeo. This 4K upload feature is currently available to a limited group but will soon roll out to all premium subscribers, according to X’s engineering team.
Previously, premium subscribers could upload videos in 1080p quality, with a maximum file size of 8GB and a length of about three hours. With the introduction of 4K uploads, X may revise these size limits to accommodate the larger file sizes that come with higher-resolution content. The move is part of a broader strategy under Elon Musk’s leadership to encourage more video content on X, including gradually increasing upload limits and adding new video-focused features.
Earlier this year, X also introduced a dedicated vertical video feed, complete with a home page shortcut in its mobile apps, to attract users who might be looking for alternatives amid uncertainty over TikTok’s future in the U.S.. This vertical feed is designed to boost user engagement and make it easier to discover trending video content directly on X.
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For creators and users looking to take advantage of higher-quality uploads, X provides settings in its mobile app to enable high-quality video and image uploads over both Wi-Fi and mobile data. This ensures that videos can be shared in their best possible quality, though users should be aware that uploading 4K content may require more processing time and a stable internet connection.
In addition to the 4K upgrade, X is reportedly working on other features like XMoney and XChat, signaling a broader push to transform the platform into a more comprehensive digital ecosystem. For now, the 4K video feature is expected to significantly enhance the viewing experience, making X a more attractive destination for both creators and viewers who value high-quality content.
X Premium subscribers can now upload videos up to four hours long (at 1080p) with a file size limit of 16GB, and there is no cap on the number of videos uploaded. The platform may adjust video resolution and bitrate during playback depending on the viewer’s internet speed, to ensure smooth streaming.
X’s push into 4K and longer videos aligns with a broader industry trend where social platforms are competing to become all-in-one destinations for content creation, sharing, and monetization. By enabling 4K uploads and expanding its suite of features, X is positioning itself as a serious contender in the video content space, aiming to keep both creators and audiences engaged within its ecosystem.
