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.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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