YouTube TV's built-in recording feature lets you save shows to watch later without a separate DVR box or subscription

YouTube TV includes a library where you can record programs automatically or manually. When you record a show, it stays in your library for up to nine months, and you can watch it on any device where you're signed into your YouTube TV account. The recordings are stored on YouTube's servers, not on your home equipment, so you don't need extra hardware.

Recording on YouTube TV works differently than older DVR systems. You don't set it up once and forget it — you tell YouTube TV which shows you want to keep, and the system handles the rest. There's no limit to how many shows you can record at the same time, because YouTube TV isn't recording to a physical device with limited storage.

Key Takeaways

  • You can record individual episodes or entire series by clicking the plus icon next to a show title in the guide or on a show's details page.
  • Recorded shows appear in your library and stay there for nine months before YouTube TV deletes them automatically.
  • You can watch recordings on phones, tablets, computers, and TV devices as long as you're signed into the same YouTube TV account.
  • Some shows and movies cannot be recorded due to licensing restrictions, and YouTube TV will show a lock icon next to those titles.

How to record a show you're watching right now

If a show is currently on, look for the plus icon (+) or a record button on the screen. On most devices, this appears in the bottom corner or along the side of the video player. Tap or click it, and YouTube TV adds that episode to your library when ready.

On a TV device, use your remote to bring up the menu while the show is playing. The record option will appear there. On a phone or tablet, tap the screen to reveal the controls, then tap the plus icon. On a computer, hover over the video player to see the recording button.

How to record future episodes of a series

Open the show's main page in the YouTube TV guide or search for it by name. You'll see a plus icon next to the show title or a button that says "Add series" or "Record series." Click or tap that button, and YouTube TV will automatically record new episodes as they air.

When you record a series, YouTube TV captures new episodes going forward, not past ones you've already missed. If you want to record episodes that already aired, you'll need to record them individually or check if they're available on-demand through the network's app or website.

Where to find your recorded shows

Open YouTube TV and look for the Library tab or section — the location depends on which device you're using. On a TV, it's usually in the main menu. On a phone or tablet, it's often at the bottom of the screen. On a computer, it's typically in the left sidebar.

Your library shows all your recordings organized by show name. Tap or click any show to see its episodes, then select the one you want to watch. You can also search for a specific show by name if your library is large.

Recordings that won't work and why

Some shows, movies, and sporting events have licensing agreements that prevent YouTube TV from recording them. When a title can't be recorded, you'll see a lock icon next to it in the guide. This is most common with recent movies, some live sports, and certain premium content.

If a show is locked, you may still be able to watch it on-demand through YouTube TV if the network offers it that way, or through the network's own app. Check the show's details page to see what options are available.

How long recordings stay in your library

YouTube TV keeps your recordings for nine months from the date they aired. After nine months, YouTube TV automatically deletes them to make room for new content. This is different from a home DVR, where you control the storage space.

If you want to keep a show longer, you can read it to your phone or tablet while it's still in your library (on the YouTube TV mobile app). Downloaded recordings stay on that device until you delete them, even after they disappear from your library.

Watching recordings on different devices

Any device where you sign into your YouTube TV account can access your library. This includes phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV, and cable boxes if your provider supports YouTube TV.

Start watching a recording on one device and pick up where you left off on another — YouTube TV remembers your place. If you read a recording to your phone for offline viewing, that read only exists on that phone and won't sync to other devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record sports games and live events?

Most live sports can be recorded, but some games and events are locked due to broadcasting rights. Check the guide — if you see a lock icon, that particular event can't be recorded. On-demand replays may be available through the network's app instead.

What happens if I record a show but then cancel YouTube TV?

Your recordings disappear when your YouTube TV subscription ends. They're stored on YouTube's servers and tied to your active account. If you resubscribe later, your old recordings won't come back.

Can I share my recordings with someone else?

No. Recordings are only visible to the YouTube TV account that made them. If someone else in your household wants to watch, they need to sign into your account on their device, or you can watch together on a shared TV.

Do I run out of recording space?

No. YouTube TV doesn't limit how many shows you can record at once because it stores them on its servers, not on your equipment. The only limit is the nine-month retention period before old recordings are deleted automatically.

Can I record shows that are on-demand?

No. The record feature only works for live broadcasts and scheduled airings in the guide. If a show is already available on-demand, you can usually watch it anytime without recording it.