YouTube TV's Cloud DVR Records Movies Automatically to Your Library

YouTube TV includes cloud storage for recordings at no extra cost. When you find a movie you want to watch later, you can save it to your library in one tap or click. The system stores your recording in the cloud, which means you can watch it from any device signed into your YouTube TV account — your phone, tablet, computer, or TV.

The recording stays in your library for up to nine months after you save it, unless you delete it sooner. YouTube TV does not charge per recording, and there is no limit to how many movies you can save at once.

Key Takeaways

  • You can record a movie by selecting it and choosing "Save" or "Add to Library" from the menu on any device.
  • Recordings are stored in the cloud and appear in your Library tab, where you can watch them anytime from any signed-in device.
  • Movies stay in your library for nine months, and you can delete them manually if you want to remove them sooner.
  • Some movies may not be recordable if they are marked as non-recordable by the network or broadcaster, though this is uncommon.

How to Record a Movie on Your TV

Open YouTube TV on your television and find the movie you want to record. You can search for it by name, browse by channel, or look in the guide. Once you have found the movie, select it to open the details page.

Look for a button or option that says "Save," "Add to Library," or a heart icon. Press it. The system will confirm the save, usually with a checkmark or a message saying the movie has been added to your library. That is all you need to do — the recording happens automatically in the background.

How to Record a Movie on Your Phone or Tablet

Open the YouTube TV app and search for the movie or find it in the guide. Tap the movie title to open its details page. You will see a "Save" button, usually near the top of the screen or in a menu marked with three dots.

Tap "Save." The app will confirm that the movie has been added to your library. The recording process begins right away, even if the movie is not airing for several days. You do not need to do anything else or keep the app open.

How to Record a Movie on Your Computer

Go to youtube.tv in your web browser and sign in. Search for the movie or find it in the guide. Click on the movie title to open its details page.

Look for a "Save" button or a heart icon near the top of the page. Click it. The page will show a confirmation that the movie has been added to your library. Your recording is now queued and will be stored once the broadcast airs.

Where to Find Your Recorded Movies

All your saved movies appear in the Library tab. On a TV, select "Library" from the main menu. On a phone or tablet, tap the Library icon at the bottom of the screen. On a computer, click "Library" in the left sidebar.

Your recorded movies are organized by show or movie title. You can scroll through the list, search by name, or sort by date added. When you find the movie you want to watch, select it and press play. You can pause, rewind, and fast-forward just as you would with live TV.

What Happens When a Movie Airs Multiple Times

If a movie is scheduled to air more than once during your nine-month storage window, YouTube TV records only one copy. You do not need to save it multiple times. The system keeps the most recent recording and deletes older versions automatically.

If you want to record a different version of the same movie — for example, a different broadcast time or a different channel — you can save it again, but YouTube TV will still store only one copy in your library.

Deleting a Recorded Movie

Open your Library and find the movie you want to remove. On a TV or computer, hover over or select the movie and look for a delete button, usually marked with a trash icon or an X. On a phone or tablet, swipe left on the movie title or tap and hold it until a delete option appears.

Confirm the deletion. The movie is removed from your library when ready and the storage space is freed up. You can always record it again later if you change your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record a movie that airs in the future?

Yes. When you save a movie, YouTube TV records it automatically when it airs, even if that is days or weeks away. You do not need to do anything else — just save it and check your library when you are ready to watch.

What if I save a movie but it does not appear in my library?

Check that you are signed into the same YouTube TV account on all your devices. If the movie is scheduled to air in the future, it may not show up in your library until after the broadcast. If the movie aired recently and still is not there after a few hours, try saving it again or contact YouTube TV support.

Can I share my recorded movies with someone else on my account?

Anyone with access to your YouTube TV account can watch your recorded movies from their own device. If you want to restrict who sees certain recordings, you will need to manage account access through your YouTube TV settings.

How long can I keep a recorded movie?

Recordings stay in your library for nine months from the date you save them. After nine months, YouTube TV deletes them automatically to make room for new recordings. You can delete a movie sooner if you want.

Why is a movie grayed out or marked as non-recordable?

Some networks or broadcasters prevent certain movies from being recorded due to licensing restrictions. If a movie is marked as non-recordable, you cannot save it, but you can usually watch it live when it airs. Check the TV guide to see when it is scheduled.