Stable volume is a YouTube setting that evens out loud and quiet parts of a video so you're not reaching for the volume button. It's on by default. To turn it off, open the video's Settings gear while it plays and switch Stable volume off (on phones it's under Additional settings).
If YouTube videos sound oddly flat, or a whisper and a shout come out at almost the same level, stable volume is probably why. It's YouTube's automatic levelling, and it's switched on for most videos without you ever choosing it. That's great for watching in bed. It's less great for music, film trailers or anything where the dynamics are the point.
What stable volume does
YouTube says stable volume balances the range between quiet and loud, continuously adjusting the volume to reduce variations in sound. In practice it turns up quiet speech and turns down sudden loud bits, so you can leave your device at one level. It doesn't change the video file. It's applied as you watch, and you can switch it off at any time.
Two things YouTube points out that most people don't know:
- It isn't available on every video, so you won't always see the option.
- It's turned off for YouTube Music and official music videos, so songs keep their original dynamics.
How to turn off stable volume
| Device | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Computer | Click the Settings gear at the bottom of the video, then toggle Stable Volume |
| Android phone or tablet | Tap the Settings gear at the top of the video, tap Additional settings, then turn stable volume off |
| iPhone or iPad | Tap the Settings gear at the top of the video, tap Additional settings, then turn stable volume off |
| TV | Tap Settings at the bottom of the video and uncheck Stable Volume |
The setting is changed from the player while a video is playing, which is why people can't find it in the main app settings. Start a video first, then open the gear. On phones the gear sits at the top of the video, not the bottom, which is the other reason people miss it.
How to tell if stable volume is changing what you hear
The quickest test is a video with a big contrast in it, such as a quiet voiceover followed by loud music. Play it with stable volume on, then switch it off from the gear and play the same section again. If the loud part suddenly jumps out at you, the setting was flattening it. If you can't hear any difference, the video may not support the feature, or the creator's audio was already evenly mixed. It's worth doing this once, because then you'll know what you're listening to every time you reach for the volume.
Stable volume vs voice boost
YouTube has a second audio tool called voice boost, and they don't work together. Voice boost reduces background noise and lifts dialogue, which helps with podcasts, interviews and anything recorded in a noisy room. YouTube says stable volume is turned off automatically when voice boost is on, though both still balance quiet and loud parts.
| Setting | Best for | Where it works |
|---|---|---|
| Stable volume | Evening out sudden loud and quiet moments | Most devices, on by default |
| Voice boost | Hearing speech over background sound | Computer and TV |
Should you turn it off?
I'd leave it on for talking-head videos, tutorials and anything you watch late at night. It saves your ears from creators who whisper the intro and then shout the ad read. I'd switch it off for:
- Concert footage and live music that isn't on an official music video
- Film trailers, gaming clips and anything with deliberate quiet and loud moments
- Any time you're judging audio quality, such as checking your own uploads
If you want more control over how videos play in general, my guide to changing the YouTube layout covers the other player settings worth knowing.
For creators: can you stop YouTube changing your audio?
Yes, for future uploads. YouTube may apply audio enhancements, including stable volume and voice boost, to make videos easier to listen to. In YouTube Studio on a computer, go to Settings, then Channel, then Advanced settings, and uncheck Let YouTube enhance audio quality. YouTube notes that this doesn't affect ads or videos you've already uploaded, and that if you disable enhancements, viewers may not be able to use features like stable volume on your content.
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Think carefully before you do it. If your audio levels jump around, stable volume is doing you a favour by stopping viewers clicking away. If you're a musician or sound designer, switching it off protects the mix you worked on.
Stable volume option missing?
- The video doesn't support it. YouTube says it's not available on every video.
- You're watching music. It's off for YouTube Music and official music videos.
- Voice boost is on, which switches stable volume off.
- The creator has turned off audio enhancements for the channel.
- Your app needs an update. Older versions may not show the toggle.
If the sound has stopped altogether rather than just changing level, that's a different problem. Check whether a black screen or playback fault is the real issue.
My verdict
Stable volume is a sensible default that most people never notice until a song or trailer sounds squashed. Turn it off from the gear icon while the video plays when the dynamics matter, and leave it on for everything you watch with the sound low.
This guide is part of my YouTube Help: 30 Guides to Channels, Subscribers, Monetisation, Thumbnails and Fixes.
Frequently asked questions
What is stable volume on YouTube?
A setting that balances quiet and loud parts of a video by adjusting the volume as you watch. It's on by default.
How do I turn off stable volume on YouTube?
While a video plays, open the Settings gear and switch Stable volume off. On Android it's under Additional settings.
Why can't I find stable volume on YouTube?
It isn't available for all videos, it's off for music videos, and it switches off automatically when voice boost is on.
Does stable volume work on YouTube Music?
No. YouTube says the feature is turned off for YouTube Music and official music videos.
