Google will let you watch YouTube videos on Android Auto now - is your car supported?

Innovation Home Innovation Transportation Google will let you watch YouTube videos on Android Auto now - is your car supported? Android Auto will officially support full HD videos, including watching YouTube. But there are a couple of limits. Written by Artie Beaty, Contributing WriterContributing Writer May 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. PT

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Google is letting you watch videos on your Android Auto screen.
• Video playback only works while parked.
• Support will arrive later this year.

Downtime in your car is about to get a little less boring, as Google is finally introducing a feature users have wanted for years.

Google has announced that it's officially adding the capability for you to watch 60 fps full HD video on your car's infotainment screen through Android Auto. Since modern cars have "high-definition screens, premium stereo systems and comfortable seating," Google noted, essentially making them mini-movie theaters, it's the perfect time for in-car video.

Also: I've used Android Auto for years, and these 5 changes solved my biggest issues

Naturally, you'll only be able to watch video content while parked or charging. When you switch from park to drive, your video will switch to audio only for apps that allow background audio. Google didn't mention a full list of compatible apps, only saying that you'll be able to watch videos on "apps like YouTube."

While this feature will be plenty useful if you wait in pickup lines at school or spend time in your vehicle on your lunch break, it'll be especially useful for people with electric vehicles since they have in-car downtime while charging. And with electric vehicles like Tesla normalizing entertainment in cars, it's nice to see Google bringing the same functionality to a wider audience.

Which cars are supported - and when?

The new video capability will come to "supported cars" later this year, Google said, starting with models from BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, and Volvo. In addition, Google is leaning even more into entertainment and adding immersive, spatial sound using Dolby Atmos in several cars from BMW, Genesis, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, and Volvo.

Also: I tested Gemini on Android Auto, and now I can't stop talking to it: 5 tasks it nails

You could technically already watch video through Android Auto, but you had to use third-party, unofficial apps.

An official YouTube app did start popping up for users earlier this year, but it was only for audio and required you to be a YouTube Premium subscriber since it's playing audio in the background. It was a little strange to see an audio-only version of YouTube, but now that video is on the way, that addition makes much more sense.

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