YouTube TV lets you record shows and movies to watch later using a feature called Library
YouTube TV's recording system works differently from a traditional DVR. When you record a show or movie, it saves to your personal library for up to nine months. You can then watch it whenever you want on any device where you're signed into your YouTube TV account — phone, tablet, computer, or TV.
The recording happens on YouTube's servers, not on a device in your home. This means you don't need special hardware, and you get the same show quality whether you record it live or watch it later. The nine-month window is set by YouTube and applies to all recordings.
Key Takeaways
- You record a show by clicking the plus icon next to its name in the guide or on its details page, and it saves to your Library automatically.
- Recordings stay in your Library for nine months from the air date, then disappear — you cannot extend this window.
- You can record the same show every time it airs by selecting "Record series" instead of recording a single episode.
- Your YouTube TV plan includes unlimited recording space, so you can record as many shows as you want without running out of storage.
- Recordings appear in your Library within minutes of the show ending, even if you started watching it live.
How to record a single show or movie
Open the YouTube TV app or website and find the show or movie you want to record. You can search for it, browse the guide, or look at the details page for a channel. Next to the title, you'll see a plus icon (it looks like a circle with a plus sign inside). Click or tap that icon.
The icon will fill in or change color to show the recording is set. YouTube TV will record that episode automatically when it airs. If the show is already airing or has already aired, YouTube TV will record it if it's still available in the broadcast schedule — usually within the last few days.
How to record every episode of a series
If you want to record a show every time a new episode airs, use the "Record series" option instead. Open the show's details page and look for a button or option that says "Record series." Click it, and YouTube TV will automatically record every new episode going forward.
You can stop recording a series at any time by going back to the show's details page and clicking the same button again — it will now say "Stop recording series" or similar. This won't delete episodes you've already recorded; it only stops future recordings.
Where to find your recordings
All your recordings live in the Library section of YouTube TV. Open the app or website, look for the Library tab or menu option, and you'll see a list of everything you've recorded. Recordings are organized by show name, so all episodes of the same series appear together.
You can also search for a show in the Library if you have many recordings. Click on any recording to start watching it from the beginning, or pick up where you left off if you paused it on another device.
How long recordings stay in your Library
YouTube TV keeps recordings for nine months from the original air date. After nine months, the recording automatically disappears from your Library. You cannot read recordings to keep them permanently, and there's no way to extend the nine-month window.
If you want to keep a show longer, you can watch it before the nine months are up and take notes, or check if the show is available to purchase or stream on another service. YouTube TV shows you the air date of each recording, so you can plan ahead if a show you love is approaching its removal date.
Recording limits and storage
YouTube TV does not limit how many shows you can record. You have unlimited recording space, so you can record as many episodes, series, and movies as you want without worrying about running out of room. The only limit is the nine-month window — once a recording reaches nine months old, it's gone.
This is different from a home DVR, which has a fixed hard drive and can fill up. With YouTube TV, storage is handled on YouTube's servers, and you don't have to manage it yourself.
What happens if you miss the live broadcast
If a show has already aired but is still within the broadcast window (usually the last few days), you can still record it. Search for the show, click the plus icon, and YouTube TV will record the most recent airing if it's available. This works for shows that aired a few days ago but not for episodes from months back.
For older episodes, check if the show is available on-demand through YouTube TV or another streaming service. Many networks offer recent episodes free or through a subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record a show that's currently airing?
Yes. Click the plus icon while the show is on the air, and YouTube TV will record it. You can also start watching it live and then click the plus icon to record it from the beginning — YouTube TV will capture the whole episode even though you've already seen part of it.
What if I want to delete a recording before nine months?
Open your Library, find the recording, and look for a delete or remove option (usually three dots or a menu icon next to the title). Click it and confirm. The recording will disappear from your Library when ready, and you won't be able to watch it again.
Can I watch a recording on my phone if I recorded it on my TV?
Yes. Recordings are tied to your YouTube TV account, not to a specific device. Sign into YouTube TV on your phone, tablet, or computer, and you'll see all the same recordings. You can start watching on one device and finish on another.
Do I need a YouTube TV subscription to record shows?
Yes. Recording is included with all YouTube TV plans at no extra cost, but you must have an active subscription. If your subscription ends, you lose access to your recordings.
Can I record movies on YouTube TV?
Yes, if the movie is airing on a live channel. Search for the movie in the guide, click the plus icon, and YouTube TV will record it. The same nine-month window applies to movies as to TV shows.