360p

360p is a designation for a video resolution used in digital video encoding. It denotes a vertical dimension of 360 pixels, with the corresponding horizontal dimension depending on the aspect ratio. For common 16:9 content, 360p corresponds to 640×360. It is considered a low-definition option, offering relatively small file sizes and lower bandwidth requirements.

In practice, 360p is typically delivered as a progressive-scan format and can be encoded with widely used codecs such as H.264/AVC, VP9, or AV1. It is often paired with 4:2:0 chroma subsampling and can be available at various frame rates, including standard (around 24–30 fps) and higher (up to 60 fps) depending on the source and delivery platform. The exact bitrate and encoding settings vary by service and device.

Usage and availability: 360p is commonly offered as one of several selectable quality levels on video streaming platforms. It is favored for mobile devices on slow or metered connections and in regions with limited bandwidth, where reducing data usage and ensuring smoother playback is a priority. Adaptive streaming protocols such as HLS and MPEG-DASH frequently provide 360p as one of the lower-resolution options to accommodate fluctuating network conditions.

Comparison and impact: Compared with higher resolutions such as 480p, 720p, or 1080p, 360p provides noticeably less detail but requires substantially less data and processing power. It is not ideal for large screens or close viewing, but remains a practical choice for data-conscious viewers and bandwidth-constrained environments.

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