YouTube TV's DVR works automatically — you don't have to do anything to start recording

YouTube TV includes cloud storage for recordings at no extra cost. When you watch a show, YouTube TV saves it to your library automatically. You don't press a record button or set up a recording schedule the way you would on a traditional DVR. Instead, you mark shows or entire series as favorites, and YouTube TV keeps new episodes for you.

The system stores your recordings in the cloud, which means you can watch them on any device where you're signed into your YouTube TV account — your phone, tablet, computer, or TV. Recordings stay available for up to nine months, though YouTube TV can remove them sooner if the rights holder requests it.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV records shows automatically when you add them to your library; there is no separate recording step or DVR box to manage.
  • You can save individual episodes or entire series by marking them as favorites in the YouTube TV app or website.
  • Recordings are stored in the cloud and available on any device where you sign in, for up to nine months.
  • Some shows and movies cannot be recorded due to licensing restrictions, and YouTube TV will tell you which ones when you try to save them.
  • You manage your library and delete recordings from the "Library" or "Saved" section of the YouTube TV app.

How to save a show or series to your library

Open the YouTube TV app on your phone, tablet, computer, or TV. Search for the show you want to record, or browse the guide to find it. When you find the show or episode, select it to open the details page.

Look for a heart icon or "Save" button on the details page. Tap or click it to add the show to your library. If you're saving an entire series, YouTube TV will record all new episodes going forward. If you're saving a single episode, only that episode will be recorded.

Once you've saved a show, you'll see a confirmation that it's been added. You can now watch it anytime from your Library section, even if it's no longer airing on the live channel.

Where to find your recorded shows

Go to the "Library" tab in the YouTube TV app or website. This is where all your saved shows and movies appear. On most devices, the Library tab is at the bottom of the screen or in the main menu.

Your library is organized by show name. Tap or click any show to see all the episodes you've saved. You can watch them in any order, and YouTube TV remembers where you stopped watching so you can pick up where you left off.

What happens when a show has licensing restrictions

Some shows and movies cannot be recorded because of agreements between YouTube TV and the content owners. When you try to save one of these titles, YouTube TV will show a message saying it's not available to record.

This is most common with recent movies, sports events, and some premium channels. If a show is restricted, you can still watch it when it airs live, but you won't be able to save it for later. YouTube TV will tell you at the moment you try to save it, so you'll know right away whether recording is an option.

How long YouTube TV keeps your recordings

YouTube TV stores your recordings for up to nine months. After nine months, the recording is automatically deleted from your library. However, YouTube TV can remove recordings sooner if the content owner requests it — this sometimes happens with sports events or special broadcasts.

You can delete a recording yourself at any time. Open your Library, find the show or episode, and look for a delete or trash icon. Tap or click it to remove the recording when ready.

Recording sports events and live broadcasts

Sports and live events work the same way as regular shows — you save them to your library and YouTube TV records them. However, some sports broadcasts and special events have restrictions that prevent recording. YouTube TV will tell you if a particular game or event cannot be recorded when you try to save it.

If you can record a sports event, you'll be able to watch it on demand after it airs, which is useful if you can't watch live. Keep in mind that some sports content is removed from the library faster than the standard nine-month window, depending on the league's rules.

Troubleshooting recordings that don't appear

If you saved a show but don't see it in your Library, first check that you're signed into the same YouTube TV account on the device you're using. Recordings are tied to your account, so you won't see them if you're signed in as a different user.

If you're signed in correctly but still don't see the recording, the show may have been removed due to licensing restrictions or the nine-month storage window. You can also check your account settings to make sure your Library is syncing properly across devices. If a recording is missing and you're certain it should be there, contact YouTube TV support through the app or website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record multiple episodes of the same show at once?

Yes. When you save a series to your library, YouTube TV automatically records all new episodes that air. You don't have to save each episode individually. If you want to record past episodes that already aired, you can search for them and save them one at a time.

Do I need extra storage or a DVR box to record on YouTube TV?

No. YouTube TV uses cloud storage, so there's nothing to buy or set up. Your recordings are stored on YouTube's servers, not on a device in your home. This also means you can watch your recordings on any device where you sign in.

What if I want to record a show that airs at a time I can't watch?

Save it to your library before it airs, and YouTube TV will record it automatically. You can then watch it anytime afterward. You don't need to set a specific time or schedule like you would with a traditional DVR.

Can I share my recordings with other people in my household?

Recordings are tied to your YouTube TV account. Other people in your household can watch them if they're signed into your account on a shared device, but they won't appear in their own library if they have a separate account. YouTube TV allows multiple user profiles on one account, and each profile has its own library.

What happens to my recordings if I cancel YouTube TV?

Your recordings are deleted when your subscription ends. YouTube TV does not keep them in storage after you stop paying for the service. If you think you might cancel, read or watch your recordings before your subscription expires.