YouTube TV's built-in recording feature lets you save programs to watch later, and the system works automatically once you set it up

YouTube TV includes a library feature that records shows and movies for you without needing a separate DVR device. When you mark a show to record, YouTube TV captures it and stores it in your account for up to nine months. You can record individual episodes, entire series, or movies — and the system can record multiple programs at the same time without conflicts.

The recordings live in your Library tab, which you access from the YouTube TV home screen. You can watch them on any device where you're signed into your YouTube TV account: your TV, phone, tablet, or computer. There's no extra cost beyond your YouTube TV subscription, and there are no storage limits — you can record as much as you want.

Key Takeaways

  • Mark a show or series to record by clicking the plus icon or selecting "Add to Library" from the show details page.
  • YouTube TV automatically records all episodes of a series if you record the series itself, rather than just one episode.
  • Recordings stay in your Library for nine months before YouTube TV deletes them automatically.
  • You can watch recordings on any device signed into your account, and you can delete them manually at any time.
  • YouTube TV has no limit on how many programs you can record simultaneously or how many total recordings you can keep.

How to record a single episode

Open YouTube TV on your TV, phone, tablet, or computer and find the show you want to record. You can search for it by name, browse by channel, or look through the guide. Once you find the episode, open the show details page.

Look for a plus icon (usually labeled "Add to Library" or showing a plus sign) next to the episode title or air time. Click or tap that icon. YouTube TV will confirm that the episode is now set to record. If the episode hasn't aired yet, YouTube TV will record it automatically when it broadcasts. If the episode already aired, YouTube TV will add the on-demand version to your Library if it's available.

How to record an entire series

If you want YouTube TV to record every episode of a show — both upcoming episodes and ones that have already aired — go to the show's main page rather than a single episode. You can find this by searching the show name or clicking on the series title from the guide.

On the series page, look for the plus icon or "Add to Library" button. Click it once, and YouTube TV will record all new episodes going forward. The system will also add past episodes to your Library if they're available on demand. From that point on, every new episode that airs will record automatically without you having to do anything else.

Where to find and watch your recordings

All your recordings appear in the Library tab on the YouTube TV home screen. On a TV, this is usually in the left 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 Library shows all your recordings organized by show name. Tap or click any recording to start watching it. You can pause, rewind, and fast-forward through recordings just like you would with live TV. YouTube TV remembers where you stopped, so if you pause a recording and come back later, it will resume from that point.

How long YouTube TV keeps your recordings

YouTube TV stores recordings for nine months from the air date. After nine months, the recording is automatically deleted from your account. This applies to all recordings — single episodes, series, and movies.

If you want to keep a recording longer, you can read it to your device on the YouTube TV mobile app (available on phones and tablets). Downloaded recordings stay on that device until you delete them, even after the nine-month window closes. However, you can only read recordings to one device at a time per show.

Deleting recordings you no longer want

Open your Library and find the recording you want to remove. On a TV, highlight it and look for a delete or trash icon. On a phone, tablet, or computer, tap or click the three-dot menu next to the recording title and select "Remove from Library" or "Delete."

Deleting a recording from your Library does not affect your series recording settings. If you recorded a series and delete one episode, YouTube TV will still record future episodes of that show. To stop recording a series entirely, go to the series page and click the minus icon or "Remove from Library" button on the series itself.

What happens if YouTube TV is down or you lose internet

YouTube TV records shows on YouTube's servers, not on a device in your home. This means the recording happens whether your home internet is on or off. You don't need to leave your TV or any device running for recordings to work.

However, you do need an internet connection to watch your recordings. If your internet goes down, you won't be able to stream them until the connection is back. If you know you'll be without internet, read the recording to your phone or tablet using the YouTube TV app before you lose connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record the same show on multiple channels?

If a show airs on different channels or at different times, you can record it multiple times by marking each airing separately. However, if you record the series itself, YouTube TV is smart enough to record it only once per episode, even if it airs on multiple channels or repeats.

What if a show I recorded gets removed from YouTube TV?

If YouTube TV loses the rights to a show, your existing recording stays in your Library and you can still watch it. However, YouTube TV will stop recording new episodes of that series. You'll receive a notification when this happens.

Can I share my recordings with someone else on my account?

Recordings are tied to your YouTube TV account. Anyone who signs into your account on their device can watch your recordings. However, recordings cannot be shared with people who have their own separate YouTube TV accounts.

Do I need extra storage space for recordings?

No. YouTube TV stores all recordings on its servers, so they don't take up space on your TV, phone, or computer. The only exception is if you read a recording to your mobile device, which then uses that device's storage.

Can I record movies on YouTube TV?

Yes. Movies that air on live TV channels can be recorded the same way as shows. You can also add movies to your Library from the Movies section, and YouTube TV will save them for nine months. Some movies may also be available on demand without recording.