How to boost volume on YouTube beyond 100%
YouTube’s volume slider tops out at 100%, which often is not enough for quiet uploads, lectures, or older recordings. Here is how to push past it without distorting the audio.
- 1Step 1
Install VidBar from the Chrome Web Store
Add the VidBar extension. It works on YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, and most HTML5 video sites.
- 2Step 2
Open any YouTube video
Go to a video that feels too quiet. The VidBar toolbar appears at the bottom of the player.
- 3Step 3
Open the volume control
Click the volume icon in the VidBar toolbar to reveal the boost slider.
- 4Step 4
Boost up to 500% with safe gain on
Drag the slider to your target — VidBar’s safe-gain mode prevents harsh clipping at high boost levels.
- 5Step 5
Optional: turn on the compressor
Enable the audio compressor to even out loud peaks and quiet dialogue. Useful for lectures and podcasts.
- 6Step 6
Save it as a per-site default
Pin the boost level to the site so it applies automatically next time you visit YouTube.
FAQ
- Is boosting YouTube volume safe?
Yes — VidBar uses a soft limiter so loud peaks are softened instead of clipping harshly.
- Does this work on YouTube Music?
No — YouTube Music is not currently supported. Use VidBar on regular YouTube videos and other supported HTML5 video pages instead.
Try VidBar on a live video
Open the interactive demo to test karaoke, speed, filters, audio tools, and export before installing.
Related
More video guides
How to boost video audio and use EQ in Chrome
Boost quiet video audio and apply EQ presets in Chrome without extra hardware. A guide to the best audio enhancement extensions in 2026.
How to listen to YouTube in audio-only mode on Chrome
Save bandwidth and battery by switching YouTube to audio-only mode — keep the sound, stop loading the video.
Best Chrome extension for YouTube in 2026
Enhance YouTube with speed control beyond 2×, bookmarks, karaoke lyrics, AB loops, and audio boost. A guide to the best YouTube Chrome extensions in 2026.
Best Chrome extension for Twitch in 2026
Enhance Twitch with speed control for VODs, clip recording, theatre mode, volume boost, and filters. A guide to the best Twitch Chrome extensions in 2026.