Recording a show on YouTube TV takes three steps: open the show or channel, tap the record button, and YouTube TV stores it in your library
YouTube TV's recording feature works automatically once you set it up. When you record a show, YouTube TV saves it to your account for you to watch later — you do not need external equipment or a separate DVR box. The recording stays available for nine months, then YouTube TV deletes it to make room.
You can record a single episode, an entire series, or both. If you choose to record a whole series, YouTube TV will automatically record every new episode that airs, so you build a library without having to record each one by hand.
Key Takeaways
- You record a show by finding it in YouTube TV and tapping the record icon, which looks like a circle with a dot inside.
- Recordings stay in your library for nine months before YouTube TV removes them automatically.
- Recording an entire series means YouTube TV will automatically record every new episode going forward, not just the ones that have already aired.
- You can watch a recording on any device where you are signed into YouTube TV — phone, tablet, computer, or TV.
- YouTube TV does not charge extra for recordings; the feature is included with your subscription.
How to record a single episode
Open YouTube TV and find the show you want to record. You can search for it by name, browse the guide, or look in a channel's schedule. Once you find the episode, open it and look for the record button — it looks like a circle with a dot in the middle, usually near the play button or in the show details.
Tap or click the record button. YouTube TV will confirm that the episode is recorded and show you a checkmark or confirmation message. The episode now appears in your library under "Recordings" or "My Library," depending on your device. You can watch it anytime during the nine-month window.
How to record an entire series
Find the show's main page or series listing in YouTube TV. Instead of selecting a single episode, look for an option that says "Record Series" or "Add Series." This button is usually on the show's main page, separate from individual episode record buttons.
Tap "Record Series" and YouTube TV will record every new episode that airs from that point forward. It will not record old episodes that already aired before you set up the series recording — only new ones going forward. All recorded episodes appear in your library and stay there for nine months.
Where to find your recordings
Open YouTube TV and look for a menu option called "Library," "My Library," "Recordings," or "Saved." The exact name depends on which device you are using. On a phone or tablet, this is usually a tab at the bottom of the screen. On a computer or TV, it is typically in the left sidebar menu.
Your recordings are organized by show name. Tap or click on the show to see all episodes you have recorded, then select the one you want to watch. YouTube TV plays it the same way it plays live TV — you can pause, rewind, or fast-forward through the recording.
How long recordings stay in your library
YouTube TV keeps your recordings for nine months from the date you recorded them. After nine months, YouTube TV automatically deletes the recording to manage storage. This applies to both single episodes and series recordings — each episode is deleted nine months after it was recorded.
If you want to keep a show longer, you can re-record it before the nine-month window closes, or you can watch it during the nine months and note any information you need to remember. YouTube TV does not offer a way to extend the storage time or move recordings to permanent storage.
Recording on different devices
You can record shows on YouTube TV from any device — phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV. The record button works the same way on all of them. Once you record a show on one device, it appears in your library on all your other devices, so you can start watching on your phone and finish on your TV.
To watch a recording, you must be signed into the same YouTube TV account on each device. If you share your YouTube TV subscription with family members, each person can see and record shows separately, and each person's recordings appear only in their own library.
What happens if you record a show that is still airing
If you record a show that has not finished airing yet — for example, a live sports event or a breaking news broadcast — YouTube TV will record only the part that has already aired. It will not record future parts of the broadcast that have not happened yet.
If you want to record a show that is currently airing, you can set up a series recording so that YouTube TV records the next episode when it airs. For live events that happen only once, you may need to tune in live or check whether YouTube TV offers on-demand replays of the event.
Removing recordings from your library
You can delete a recording anytime before the nine-month window closes. Open your library, find the recording, and look for a delete button, trash icon, or menu option. Tap it and confirm that you want to remove the recording. It will disappear from your library when ready.
If you recorded an entire series and want to stop recording new episodes, you can remove the series recording. Find the series in your library, look for an option to "Stop Recording Series" or "Remove Series," and confirm. YouTube TV will no longer record new episodes, but any episodes you already recorded will stay in your library until the nine-month important date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record a show that already aired?
Yes, if YouTube TV has the episode available on demand. Search for the show, find the episode, and tap the record button. YouTube TV will add it to your library. However, if the episode is no longer available on demand and has already aired, you cannot record it.
What if I record the same show twice by accident?
YouTube TV will not create a duplicate. If you record a show that is already in your library, YouTube TV recognizes it and does not add a second copy. You can delete the recording and re-record it if you want a fresh copy.
Do I need to be home to record a show?
No. YouTube TV records shows automatically once you tap the record button, whether you are home or away. The recording happens on YouTube TV's servers, not on a device in your house, so you do not need to leave your TV or any equipment on.
Can I record multiple shows at the same time?
Yes. YouTube TV can record as many shows as you want at the same time because recordings happen in the cloud, not on a physical DVR with limited tuners. You can record five shows airing at the same moment without any conflict.
What if I cancel my YouTube TV subscription?
Your recordings are deleted when your subscription ends. If you pause your subscription and come back later, your old recordings will be gone. YouTube TV does not store recordings after you stop paying for the service.