YouTube videos load slower on WiFi than LTE?

Question

Level 1

10 points

YouTube videos load slower on WiFi than LTE?

I have noticed that YouTube videos (using the Google app) have difficulty loading on my iPhone 5 when connected to WiFi. They will load, but every 10-15 seconds it will stop and try to buffer more video, making the viewing experience entirely undesirable. I've tried switching WiFi off and the videos load without issue. I understand that having a WiFi connection enabled makes the video stream at a higher quality vs. LTE which may explain the difference in speed.

My question is - does this happen for everyone or just me? I've run a few speed tests on my WiFi and I am getting the speeds I would expect given the internet plan I have. Web pages load fine, apps download quickly, etc. The only issue is with YouTube. Is this a limitation of YouTube bandwidth or an issue with the app or an issue with the phone? I heard today that around 1.3 million YouTube videos are played every minute... so if it is just a limitation of YouTube then I guess there is nothing I can do about it...

Any help/feedback is appreciated. Thanks you reading.

iPhone 5, iOS 6.1.2

Posted on Mar 21, 2013 5:45 AM

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Answer 1

KiltedTim

Level 10

225,672 points

Mar 21, 2013 6:24 AM in response to zormy007

For what it's worth, you're not the only one. I've noticed the same thing. They load fine on both my Macs on the same internet connection, but I see excessive buffering on both my iPhone and iPad. If I felt inclined to believe in conspiracy theories, I'd say google is intentionally throttling the stream to iOS devices...

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Answer 2

Ralph9430

Level 7

21,998 points

Mar 21, 2013 6:29 AM in response to zormy007

The buffering of videos is usually caused by inadequate speed on the Internet connection or inadequate bandwidth. My Internet connection (DSL) is fast enough to keep up with lower quality videos but if someone posts a HD video I'll usually have problems watching it because of the buffering.

My LTE connection is definitely faster than my wifi Internet connectin. I notice all web activities are smoother and faster when using the LTE connection.

New fibre optic lines are going to be installed this spring and I'm hoping this improves my DSL connection.

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Answer 3

seant169

Level 1

0 points

Jun 13, 2013 8:28 PM in response to zormy007

I have this same issue. Not just with youtube videos but with various videos on tumbler too. I have uverse 23mbits and the lte speed at my house is 10-15mbits. Why and what should i do to maybe to resolve the issue or is it a software issue????

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