Yes, you can record on YouTube TV, and it works differently than cable

YouTube TV includes a cloud DVR feature that lets you record programs and watch them later. Unlike a traditional DVR box, your recordings live on YouTube's servers, not on a device in your home. You can record as many shows as you want, and they stay available for nine months before YouTube deletes them automatically.

The feature is included with your YouTube TV membership at no extra cost. You do not need to buy hardware or set up a separate box. Any show you record is accessible from any device where you sign into YouTube TV — your phone, tablet, computer, or TV.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV's cloud DVR lets you record unlimited shows at no additional charge, and recordings stay for nine months.
  • You can record a show by clicking the record button on its details page, or set up a series recording to capture every episode automatically.
  • Recordings appear in your library and sync across all your devices, so you can start watching on one device and finish on another.
  • Some programs cannot be recorded due to licensing restrictions, and YouTube will show you which ones when you try to record them.

How to record a single show or movie

Open the show or movie you want to record in the YouTube TV app or website. Look for the record icon — it looks like a circle with a dot inside — and tap or click it. The icon will fill in or change color to show the recording is set. YouTube TV will record that program the next time it airs.

If the show has already aired and is available on demand, you may not need to record it. YouTube TV often keeps recent episodes available to watch without recording. Check the show's page to see if it is already there.

How to record an entire series automatically

Find the show in YouTube TV and open its main page. Look for the series record button — usually labeled "Record Series" or shown as a record icon next to the show title. Tap or click it, and YouTube TV will record every new episode as it airs for as long as you have the membership.

You can manage series recordings from your library. Go to your saved shows, find the series, and you will see options to stop recording future episodes or delete past ones. If you turn off series recording, YouTube TV will not record new episodes, but episodes you already recorded stay in your library until they expire.

Where to find and watch your recordings

All your recordings appear in the "Library" section of YouTube TV. Open the app or website, select Library, and you will see folders for each show you have recorded. Tap a show to see all its recorded episodes, then select the episode you want to watch.

Your library syncs across devices. If you start watching a recorded episode on your phone, you can pick up where you left off on your TV or computer. YouTube TV remembers how far you watched and jumps to that spot on the next device.

Programs that cannot be recorded

Some channels and networks restrict recording due to licensing agreements. When you try to record a show that cannot be recorded, YouTube TV will show a message saying recording is not available. This usually happens with certain sports events, pay-per-view programs, or content from specific networks.

If a show cannot be recorded, check whether it is available on demand. Many networks let you watch recent episodes without recording them. You can also check the network's own app or website — some offer their content there even if YouTube TV cannot record it.

How long recordings stay in your library

YouTube TV keeps your recordings for nine months from the date they were recorded. After nine months, YouTube deletes them automatically to make room for new content. You do not have to do anything — the deletion happens on its own.

If you want to keep a recording longer, watch it before the nine-month window closes. You can also take screenshots or use other methods to save information about shows you want to remember, but YouTube TV itself will not store the recording indefinitely.

Recording limits and storage

YouTube TV does not limit how many shows you can record at once or how many total recordings you can have. You can record dozens of programs simultaneously, and your library can hold hundreds of episodes. The only limit is the nine-month expiration date.

Because recordings are stored on YouTube's servers, you do not need to worry about running out of space on your home equipment. Your internet connection speed does not affect recording — YouTube records the broadcast on its end, and you read it to your device when you press play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record shows while I am away from home?

Yes. Since YouTube TV records on its servers, not on a device in your home, you can set up recordings from anywhere. Use the YouTube TV app or website to record shows while you are at work, on vacation, or anywhere else with internet access.

What happens if I cancel my YouTube TV membership?

Your recordings are deleted when your membership ends. YouTube TV does not keep them after you stop paying. If you plan to cancel, watch your recordings before your final billing date.

Can I read recordings to watch offline?

YouTube TV does not offer a read feature for recordings. You must stream them over the internet. If you need to watch without internet, check whether the show is available on the network's own app, which may offer offline viewing.

Do I need a cable box or special equipment to record?

No. YouTube TV's cloud DVR works entirely through the app or website. You do not need to buy or install any hardware. Any device that runs the YouTube TV app can access your recordings.

Why is a show I want to record marked as unavailable?

The network or channel has restricted recording for that program due to licensing. This is most common with live sports, pay-per-view events, and some premium content. Check if the show is available on demand instead, or look for it on the network's own streaming service.