YouTube and 3D Audio – More Than Dolby Atmos?

The technology market is constantly evolving, and the consumption of surround sound is almost non-existent. In today’s world, the internet and smartphones play a crucial role. All content is available on-demand, with just a click.

Those who watch music or videos often have a subscription to a streaming provider like YouTube or Spotify and can access a library of millions of songs and videos in seconds. Today, these contents are also available in 3D audio format, and with a pair of headphones or Apple’s AirPods Pro, it’s possible to dive into new soundscapes.

There are already several streaming services that offer 3D audio as a premium or even for free. Providers like Amazon Music, Apple Music, and others are pioneers in this area. Therefore, more and more eyes and ears are turning to YouTube.

There are early indications that YouTube could catch up – or even surpass the competition. This article reveals playback that is more than mono.

3D Audio Content Already on YouTube

YouTube already has some 3D audio content, but these are often not as sophisticated as those from competitors like Apple Music. Frequently, these are unofficial uploads using binaural 3D audio tracks. Users need to be cautious whether it is truly 3D audio or merely advertised as such in the file title.

Some of the most well-known 3D audio formats come from Sony (360 Reality Audio) and Dolby (Dolby Atmos). While Apple Music exclusively relies on Dolby and Amazon Music offers both formats, YouTube has only a few binaurally processed content that provide a similar spatial listening experience.

However, there is spatial audio! While standard 16:9 videos are rarely equipped with spatial sound, 360° and VR videos open up a whole new world of audiovisual immersion. Learn how to upload your videos with lifelike surround sound to YouTube and test the sound beforehand. Discover the supported formats and technical requirements to immerse your viewers in a space with a captivating soundscape.

YouTube and 3D Audio

Does YouTube support Dolby Atmos? Currently, no. YouTube does not support multi-channel audio content like Dolby Atmos or Sony 360 Reality Audio. However, there are some binaural contents that are often illegally uploaded. These unofficial uploads usually come from other streaming services like Amazon Music and offer a questionable listening experience.

Currently, the usage is similar to Spotify and 3D audio.

There are other ways to upload a project with both stereo and spatial audio to your account. We will get to this usage soon. But what already uses the stereo channel?

8D Audio: Legally Questionable

8D audio is often created without the artists’ consent, which is legally problematic. Usually, stereo audio is sent through spatializer software to create the 3D effect. The tracks are reprocessed and go through a separate mixing process, which is illegal without the artists’ or rights holders’ consent. Users should be cautious as such content can lead to legal issues.

ASMR on YouTube

ASMR videos are very popular on YouTube and are often found in playlists. These videos use binaural microphones to create an especially immersive listening experience. Skurrile Dinge wie das Ablecken von Kunstköpfen oder das Hantieren mit Essen aufgenommen. Many people experience a sort of tingling sensation or relaxation from these sounds.

However, many contents of video advertised as ASMR are not binaurally recorded, which can affect the quality.

Binaural Albums

There are legitimate binaural recordings on YouTube, either in the form of Kunstkopf-Aufnahmen or binaural downmixes of songs. These offer an immersive listening experience but are not always perfectly produced. The production of such content requires careful structure and planning to achieve the best sound experience.

However, there are also poor-quality productions that degrade the quality and reputation of 3D audio. But walking videos can also be found, like my Sounds of Germany project: Sounds of Germany in 3D Audio.

Upmixing with AirPods Pro?

With special headphones like AirPods Pro, you can simulate 3D audio. This allows artists and you to dive into immersive soundscapes where the sound happens all around you – just as we know it from reality. However, this is an artificial simulation and not true multi-channel audio.

A stereo signal is taken and placed artificially in space, providing a spatial impression through headphones. This remains a matter of taste and is not the same as true 3D audio.

For those in the Apple ecosystem, using devices like the iPhone, Mac, and Apple TV along with AirPods Pro or AirPods Max enhances the experience. The seamless integration between Apple devices ensures that the spatial audio effects are optimized and easy to set up, providing a more immersive and cohesive listening experience across all your Apple products.

Using Spatial Audio in 360° and VR Videos

With YouTube’s latest version of spatial audio, you can add an impressive dimension to your 360° and VR videos that standard 16:9 videos on TV rarely achieve. To use spatial audio in your videos, first create a 360° or VR video and process it with the latest version of the metadata tool.

Then upload the video to YouTube. Before uploading, you can test the spatial audio with the VST plug-in Resonance Audio Monitor to ensure the sound is perfect.

YouTube supports two formats for spatial audio: First Order Ambisonics (FOA) and FOA with Head-Locked Stereo. The latter ensures that the sound does not change when viewers move their heads. Ensure that your audio file contains the correct metadata and complies with YouTube’s specifications.

Use first order Ambisonics for audio with the correct channel order and normalization to guarantee the best audio experience. With spatial audio, you can immerse your viewers in a captivating soundscape and revolutionize your video experience on YouTube.

Will YouTube Catch Up with 3D Audio?

Even though YouTube currently does not offer comprehensive support for 3D spatial audio formats, it might catch up soon. The streaming giant has already filed patents indicating future developments in the 3D audio sector. YouTube could soon introduce Dolby Atmos Music and Sony’s 360 Reality Audio or even establish its own format.

Immersive Audio Models and Format

An especially exciting approach could be the Immersive Audio Models and Format (IAMF), developed through a collaboration between Samsung and Google. IAMF offers a revolutionary 3D audio technology that redefines the perception, interaction, and enjoyment of audio.

This technology, designed specifically for home devices, enables an audio experience from all directions and allows users to customize their listen and fine-tune the sound.

YouTube Spatial Audio Competes with Dolby?

IAMF could present serious competition or coexistence with existing formats like Dolby Atmos and has the potential to facilitate the development of sound ecosystems by providing a standard for consistent, high-quality spatial audio and experiences across various platforms. More information can be found on the IAMF GitHub page.

Conclusion YouTube 3D Audio

YouTube currently offers limited 3D audio and lags behind competitors like Apple Music and Amazon Music. However, there is potential and interest in 3D audio, and future developments could change this. Those seeking an immersive listening experience can find some binaural content on YouTube but need to look carefully.

It remains exciting to see if YouTube will soon offer more comprehensive 3D audio options.