Scientists at the UK's Royal Society have detailed the benefit of streaming in standard definition in the battle against climate change.
Laptop
A report from the organisation has revealed how HD video streaming on a phone generates roughly eight times more in carbon emissions than doing so in SD.
Scientists leading the study have urged both platforms and regulators to limit streaming resolution and have the default setting in SD.
The report's authors also noted how people streaming music can turn off an accompanying video - if they are listening rather than watching - to save energy.
It's estimated that digital technology contributes somewhere between 1.4 and 5.9% of the global total emissions.
Making small moves could save up to 5% of the emissions from a service, which is comparable to running YouTube's severs on renewable energy.
Lead author Professor Andy Hopper - from Cambridge University - said: "There are many routes to net zero [carbon emissions], but digital technology has a central role to play.
“We must stay alert to digital demand outpacing the carbon emission reductions this transition promises.”
And speaking to BBC News, co-author Professor Corinne Le Querre - from the University of East Anglia - added: "To be honest, digital tech is a small fraction of your emissions compared with, say flying even once a year – but every bit of CO2 saving is significant.
"What’s more, we’re trying to prompt people to harness the power of digital to help tackle climate change.
"The way we heat our homes, for instance, is a nonsense. We occupy part of house but heat the whole thing. We can cure that by using digital technology."