YouTube TV's built-in recording feature lets you save shows automatically
YouTube TV includes a library where you can record shows and movies at no extra cost. When you add a show to your library, YouTube TV records new episodes automatically as they air. You can also record individual episodes or movies one at a time. The recordings stay in your library for up to nine months, and you can watch them whenever you want on any device where you're signed in.
The process is straightforward: find the show or movie you want, select the record button, and YouTube TV handles the rest. You don't need to set up a separate DVR device or pay monthly fees for recording storage.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV records shows to your library automatically when you add them, with no extra equipment or monthly fees required.
- You can record an entire series, single episodes, or movies by finding them in the guide or search and tapping the record icon.
- Recordings stay in your library for nine months, and you can delete them anytime to make room for new ones.
- You can watch your recordings on phones, tablets, computers, and TV devices as long as you're signed into your YouTube TV account.
- Some shows may have restrictions that prevent recording, though this is uncommon with most broadcast and cable networks.
How to record a show or movie from the guide
Open YouTube TV and look at the channel guide. Find the show or movie you want to record. Next to the title, you'll see a circle with a plus sign inside it—that's the record button. Tap or click it. The button will fill in with a checkmark, which means the recording is set.
If you're recording a series, YouTube TV will automatically record all future episodes. If you're recording a one-time movie or special, only that broadcast will be saved. You can record the same show on multiple channels if it airs more than once, and YouTube TV will keep all the recordings in your library.
Recording shows through search and show pages
You can also record by searching. Type the show name into the search box at the top of YouTube TV. When the show page opens, look for the record button—usually a circle with a plus sign, or sometimes labeled "Add to Library." Tap it to record the show or all episodes in the series.
Show pages often display upcoming air times and let you see which episodes are already recorded. If you want to record only certain episodes rather than the whole series, you can tap the record button next to individual episodes instead of the series title.
Where to find and watch your recordings
All your recordings appear in the Library section of YouTube TV. Open the app or website, tap or click "Library" in the left menu, 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.
Tap any recording to watch it. You can start watching, pause, and come back later—YouTube TV remembers where you stopped. You can also fast-forward and rewind through recordings just like you would with a regular video.
How long recordings stay in your library
YouTube TV keeps recordings for nine months from the air date. After nine months, the recording automatically deletes. This applies to all recordings, whether they're from broadcast networks, cable channels, or premium channels included with your membership.
You don't have to wait for the nine-month window to close. You can delete any recording anytime by opening it and selecting the delete option. This frees up space if you want to record more shows. There's no limit to how many shows you can record at once—YouTube TV's library can hold as many as you want to add.
Restrictions and shows that cannot be recorded
Most shows and movies on YouTube TV can be recorded, but some content has restrictions set by the network or studio. If a show can't be recorded, you'll see a message instead of the record button, or the button will be grayed out. This is uncommon, but it does happen with certain premium events or exclusive content.
If a show is restricted, your only option is to watch it live when it airs, or watch it on-demand if YouTube TV offers an on-demand version. On-demand content is different from recordings—it's provided by the network and may have ads or other limitations, but you can watch it anytime during the availability window.
Recording on different devices
You can record shows from any device where you use YouTube TV: phones, tablets, computers, or TV devices like Roku, Apple TV, or Chromecast. The record button works the same way on all of them. Once you record something, it appears in your library on every device you sign into.
This means you can record a show on your phone while you're out, then watch it on your TV at home later. Your library syncs across all your devices automatically, so you always see the same recordings no matter where you're watching from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record multiple shows at the same time?
Yes. YouTube TV records to the cloud, not to a physical DVR, so there's no limit to how many shows you can record simultaneously. You can record ten shows airing at the same time without any problem.
What happens if I cancel my YouTube TV membership?
Your recordings are tied to your active membership. If you cancel, you lose access to your library and all recordings. If you resubscribe later, your old recordings won't come back.
Can I read recordings to watch offline?
No. YouTube TV recordings can only be watched while you're connected to the internet and signed into your account. You cannot read them to a device for offline viewing.
Do I need a cable box or separate DVR to record shows?
No. YouTube TV's recording feature is built in, so you don't need any extra equipment. You just need your YouTube TV subscription and a device to watch on.
Can I share my recordings with someone else?
Recordings are private to your account. Other people can watch them only if they sign into your YouTube TV account on a shared device. They won't appear in another person's library unless they have their own YouTube TV membership.