Recording on YouTube TV works through the service's built-in DVR feature
YouTube TV includes cloud DVR storage at no extra cost, so you can record programmes and watch them later. When you record a show, it stores on YouTube's servers rather than on a device in your home — you access it from any phone, tablet, or computer where you sign in. The recording stays available for nine months, then YouTube deletes it automatically.
You do not need any external hardware or a separate DVR box. The recording happens through the YouTube TV app or website, and playback works the same way you would watch live TV on the service.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV records programmes to cloud storage automatically when you add them to your library, with no monthly DVR fee.
- Recordings stay available for nine months before YouTube removes them, so plan to watch within that window.
- You can record a single episode or set up the service to record every new episode of a show automatically.
- Recorded programmes play back on any device where you sign into YouTube TV, and you can skip forward and backward through them.
- Some programmes may not be available to record due to licensing restrictions set by the broadcaster or network.
How to record a single episode
Open YouTube TV on your phone, tablet, or computer and find the programme you want to record. You can search for it by name, browse the guide, or look at the upcoming schedule. When you find the show, select it to open the details page.
Look for the record button — it appears as a circle icon on the details page. Tap or click it, and YouTube TV adds that episode to your library. The button changes appearance to show the recording is set. You can now close the app; YouTube TV will record the episode when it airs, and it will appear in your library afterward.
Setting up automatic recording for a series
If you watch a show regularly, you can record every new episode without selecting each one individually. Find the show in YouTube TV and open its details page, then look for the option to add the series to your library. This is different from recording a single episode — it tells YouTube TV to record all future episodes automatically.
Once you add a series, YouTube TV records each new episode as it airs. You can remove the series from your library at any time to stop recording, and any episodes you have already recorded will remain available for nine months. If you want to stop recording but keep watching old episodes, removing the series does not delete what you have already recorded.
Where to find your recorded programmes
Open YouTube TV and look for the Library tab or section — the location depends on whether you are using the app or website. Your library shows all recordings and series you have added, organized by type. Tap or click any recording to start watching it when ready.
You can also search for a show by name from the main YouTube TV screen, and if you have recorded episodes, they will appear in the search results. The library view lets you see how much time remains before each recording expires (usually shown as a countdown to the nine-month deletion date).
Playback controls and skipping commercials
When you play a recorded programme, you can pause, rewind, and fast-forward just as you would with live TV. The progress bar shows where you are in the episode and how much time remains. You can skip forward or backward in 10-second or 30-second increments depending on your device.
YouTube TV does not automatically remove commercials from recordings — you will see them when you play back the episode. However, you can skip past them manually using the fast-forward button. Some programmes may have fewer or no ads depending on the network's broadcast rules.
Why some programmes cannot be recorded
Occasionally you will find a show that does not have a record button available, even though it airs on YouTube TV. This happens because the broadcaster or network has restricted recording rights for that particular programme. Sports events, pay-per-view content, and some premium channels often have these restrictions.
If a show is not recordable, you can still watch it live or on-demand if YouTube TV offers it that way. Check the show's details page to see if an on-demand version is available — many networks provide recent episodes to stream without recording.
Storage limits and what happens after nine months
YouTube TV does not limit how many programmes you can record at once — you can record as many shows as you want, and they all count toward your nine-month window. The service stores everything in the cloud, so there is no local storage to fill up on your device.
After nine months, YouTube TV automatically deletes the recording. You will see a countdown timer in your library showing when each recording expires. If you want to keep a programme longer, you would need to watch it before the nine-month period ends, or check whether the network offers it on-demand or through another service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record a show that is currently airing right now?
Yes, you can record a live show while it is playing. Open YouTube TV, find the programme in the guide, and tap the record button. YouTube TV will record from that point forward, so you will miss the part that already aired, but you can watch the rest when you are ready.
What happens to my recordings if I cancel YouTube TV?
Your recordings are deleted when your subscription ends. YouTube TV removes access to your library as soon as your account is no longer active, so read or watch anything you want to keep before you cancel.
Can I watch a recording on multiple devices at the same time?
You can watch your recordings on different devices, but YouTube TV limits how many streams can play at once across your account — usually three simultaneous streams depending on your plan. If someone else on your account is already watching, you may need to wait or use a different device.
Do I need internet to watch a recorded programme?
Yes, because recordings are stored in the cloud, not on your device. You need an active internet connection to stream them. YouTube TV does not offer offline read or local storage options for recorded shows.
Can I record a show that airs multiple times per week?
Yes, when you add a series to your library, YouTube TV records every new episode that airs, regardless of how many times per week it broadcasts. You can remove it from your library anytime to stop recording future episodes.