Recording shows on YouTube TV works through the Library feature, which automatically saves programs you mark for recording
YouTube TV does not use a traditional DVR with a record button. Instead, you add shows to your Library, and YouTube TV stores them for you to watch later. When you add a show to your Library, YouTube TV automatically records all future episodes of that series. If you add a specific episode, only that episode saves. The recordings stay in your Library for up to nine months after they air, giving you a long window to watch them on your schedule.
The system works across all your devices—phone, tablet, computer, or TV—so you can start watching on one device and pick up where you left off on another. Your Library syncs automatically, so a show you record on your phone appears in your Library on your TV.
Key Takeaways
- Add a show to your Library to record all future episodes automatically; YouTube TV stores them for nine months after they air.
- You can add individual episodes or entire series, and the system works the same way on phones, tablets, computers, and TV devices.
- Your Library syncs across all your devices, so recordings appear everywhere you use YouTube TV.
- You can remove shows from your Library at any time to stop recording future episodes.
- YouTube TV keeps recordings even if you pause your subscription, though you cannot watch them until you reactivate.
How to add a show to your Library from the guide or search
The easiest way to record a show is to find it in the TV guide or search for it by name. Open YouTube TV and look at the guide—you will see upcoming programs listed by channel and time. Find the show you want to record. Tap or click on the show title or poster image to open its details page.
On the details page, you will see a plus sign or an "Add to Library" button. Tap or click it. YouTube TV will when ready start recording all future episodes of that series. If you only want to record one specific episode instead of the whole series, look for an option that says "Add this episode" or similar language on that episode's details page—tap that instead of the series button.
You can also search for a show by name using the search icon at the top of the YouTube TV app or website. Type the show name, find it in the results, and tap or click to open its page. Then tap or click "Add to Library" the same way.
Recording shows from the channel or while watching
If you are already watching a show or browsing a channel, you can add it to your Library without leaving the screen. While a show is playing or displayed, look for a plus sign, a heart icon, or an "Add to Library" button—the exact location depends on whether you are on a phone, computer, or TV device, but it is always visible near the show title.
On a TV remote, you may need to press a button to bring up a menu with the add option. On a phone or computer, the button is usually near the top of the screen or in a menu next to the show title. Tap or click it, and the show is added to your Library.
Managing your Library and removing recordings
Your Library appears as a tab or section in the YouTube TV app or website. Open it to see all the shows you have added. You will see series you are recording, individual episodes you saved, and movies if you have added any. Recordings are organized by type, so series appear in one section and individual episodes in another.
To stop recording a show, open your Library, find the series, and look for a checkmark, a heart icon, or a menu button next to it. Tap or click to remove it. YouTube TV will stop recording future episodes when ready, but episodes you have already recorded stay in your Library until they expire nine months after they air.
If you want to delete a single episode rather than the whole series, open the episode in your Library and look for a delete or remove option. This does not affect the series recording—future episodes will still be added to your Library.
Understanding the nine-month storage window
YouTube TV keeps recordings for nine months after they air, not nine months from when you add them to your Library. This means a show that aired six months ago and you just recorded will only stay in your Library for three more months. Once the nine months pass, YouTube TV automatically deletes the recording, and you cannot watch it anymore.
You can check how long a recording will stay available by looking at the episode details in your Library—some versions of the app show an expiration date. If you want to keep a show permanently, you need to watch it before the nine months are up, or you can purchase it through YouTube's store instead of recording it through YouTube TV.
What happens to recordings if you pause or cancel your subscription
If you pause your YouTube TV subscription, your Library stays intact—all your recordings remain saved. However, you cannot watch them until you reactivate your subscription. Once you turn your subscription back on, you can watch your recordings again as if nothing changed.
If you cancel your subscription entirely, your Library and all recordings are deleted. If you resubscribe later, you start with an empty Library. This is different from pausing, which preserves everything.
Recording sports, news, and live events
Recording works the same way for sports, news shows, and live events as it does for regular series. Add the show to your Library, and YouTube TV records all future episodes. For sports teams or leagues, you can add the team's or league's page to your Library to record all their games automatically.
If you want to record a specific live event that airs only once, add that individual episode to your Library rather than the series. YouTube TV will record that event, and it will stay in your Library for nine months. News shows work the same way—add the show to record all future episodes, or add a specific episode if you only want that one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record multiple episodes of the same show at the same time?
YouTube TV records all future episodes automatically when you add a series to your Library. If multiple episodes air on the same day or time, YouTube TV records all of them. You watch them in your Library whenever you want, in any order.
What if I want to record a show that airs at a time I cannot watch?
That is the main reason to use the Library feature. Add the show to your Library, and YouTube TV records it automatically no matter what time it airs or whether you are watching. You can watch it later on any device, whenever it fits your schedule.
Do I need to do anything special to record shows on my TV?
No. Add shows to your Library on any device—phone, computer, or TV—and they appear everywhere. If you add a show on your phone, it automatically records and appears in your Library on your TV. The Library syncs across all devices when ready.
Can I record shows from channels I do not subscribe to?
No. You can only record shows from channels included in your YouTube TV plan. If a show airs on a channel you do not have, you cannot add it to your Library. Check your channel list in the YouTube TV settings to see what you have access to.
What if a show gets cancelled after I add it to my Library?
YouTube TV stops recording new episodes once the show ends. Episodes you already recorded stay in your Library for nine months. If the show returns later with new seasons, YouTube TV will resume recording automatically because the series is still in your Library.