Recording on YouTube TV works through the library feature, not a traditional DVR

YouTube TV does not have a DVR box or a record button you press while watching. Instead, you save shows to your library, and YouTube TV stores them for you to watch later. When you add a show to your library, YouTube TV automatically records new episodes as they air — you do not have to record each one separately.

The library is built into your YouTube TV account. Any show you save appears there, and you can watch it whenever you want within the storage window. YouTube TV keeps most recordings for nine months, though some content may be removed sooner if licensing agreements change.

Key Takeaways

  • You save shows to your library instead of recording them manually; YouTube TV then stores new episodes automatically.
  • To add a show to your library, find it in the guide or search, open the show page, and select the plus icon or "Add to library" button.
  • Recordings stay in your library for nine months, though some shows may disappear earlier due to licensing restrictions.
  • You can remove shows from your library at any time, and YouTube TV stops recording new episodes once you do.
  • The library feature works the same way on phones, tablets, computers, and TV devices connected to your account.

How to add a show to your library from the guide

Open YouTube TV on any device and go to the guide. Scroll through the channels until you find the show you want to record. You can also search for it using the search box at the top of the screen.

Once you find the show, click or tap on it to open the show page. Look for a plus icon or a button that says "Add to library." Click it. The button will change appearance — usually it will show a checkmark or turn a different color — to confirm the show has been added.

From that moment on, YouTube TV will record every new episode of that show and store it in your library. You do not have to do anything else.

How to add a show to your library while watching

If you are already watching a show and want to record future episodes, look at the screen while the show is playing. On a TV or computer, you will see a menu bar at the bottom or top of the player. On a phone or tablet, tap the screen to bring up the controls.

Find the plus icon or "Add to library" button in that menu. Click or tap it. The show will be added to your library, and YouTube TV will record new episodes going forward. You can keep watching the current episode without interruption.

Where to find your recorded shows

Open YouTube TV and look for the "Library" tab or button. On most devices, this appears at the bottom of the screen or in the main menu. Tap or click it to see all the shows you have added.

Your library is organized by show name. Find the show you want to watch and click on it. You will see a list of recorded episodes. Select the episode you want to watch and it will start playing. You can watch from the beginning, or resume where you left off if you have already started it.

How long YouTube TV keeps your recordings

YouTube TV stores most recordings for nine months from the air date. After nine months, the recording is deleted automatically, and you can no longer watch it. Some shows may be removed sooner if the licensing agreement between YouTube TV and the network expires.

You can check how much time is left on a recording by looking at the episode details in your library. If a show is about to expire, YouTube TV will usually show a warning. You cannot extend the storage time or read the recording to keep it permanently.

Removing shows from your library

If you no longer want YouTube TV to record a show, open your library and find the show. Look for a menu icon — usually three dots or a gear symbol — next to the show name. Click or tap it and select "Remove from library" or a similar option.

Once you remove a show, YouTube TV stops recording new episodes. Any episodes already in your library will remain there until they expire after nine months, but no new ones will be added. You can add the show back to your library at any time if you change your mind.

Recording movies and special events

The library feature works for movies and one-time events too, though the process is slightly different. When you find a movie or special event in the guide, you can add it to your library just like a show. YouTube TV will record it if it has not aired yet, or make it available when ready if it is currently airing or has already aired.

Movies and events stay in your library under the same nine-month rule as shows. Once they expire, they are deleted. You cannot rewind or fast-forward through movies the way you can with shows, but you can pause and resume watching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record a show that is currently airing?

Yes. If you add a show to your library while it is on the air, YouTube TV will record the current episode and all future ones. You can then watch the current episode from your library once the recording finishes.

What happens if I cancel my YouTube TV subscription?

Your library and all recordings are deleted when your subscription ends. You lose access to them when ready. If you resubscribe later, your library will be empty and you will need to add shows again.

Can I watch my recordings on multiple devices?

Yes. Your library syncs across all devices signed into your YouTube TV account. A show you record on your TV will appear in your library on your phone, tablet, and computer. You can watch from any device.

Do I need an internet connection to watch recorded shows?

Yes. YouTube TV streams your recordings over the internet; it does not read them to your device for offline viewing. You must have an active internet connection to watch anything in your library.

Can I fast-forward through commercials in recorded shows?

Yes. Unlike live TV, recorded shows let you fast-forward and rewind freely. You can skip through commercials or jump to any part of the episode you want to watch.