YouTube TV's Library feature saves shows automatically

YouTube TV records programs for you without any setup—the service automatically saves shows you mark as favorites and stores them in your Library for up to nine months. You don't need to schedule recordings or manage a DVR queue the way you would with cable. Instead, you add shows to your Library, and YouTube TV captures new episodes as they air.

The Library holds both live recordings and on-demand content. When you add a show, YouTube TV records all future episodes unless you remove it. You can watch recordings on any device where you're signed into your YouTube TV account, and you can fast-forward through commercials on most recorded programs.

Key Takeaways

  • Mark a show as a favorite in the YouTube TV app or website, and the service automatically records all new episodes to your Library.
  • Recordings stay in your Library for nine months, then YouTube TV removes them to make room for new content.
  • You can watch recorded programs on phones, tablets, computers, and TV devices where you're signed in to your account.
  • Fast-forwarding through commercials works on most recorded shows, though some programs have restrictions set by the network.
  • You can remove a show from your Library at any time to stop recording new episodes.

How to add a show to your Library on the YouTube TV app

Open the YouTube TV app on your phone, tablet, or TV device. Search for the show you want to record or browse to it using the guide. When you find the show's page, look for a heart icon or a plus sign (the exact button varies by device). Tap or click it to add the show to your Library.

YouTube TV will then record all new episodes of that show. You'll see a confirmation message saying the show has been added. From that point forward, each new episode appears in your Library automatically as it airs. You can check your Library anytime to see what's been recorded and what's coming next.

How to add a show to your Library on the YouTube TV website

Go to tv.youtube.com and sign in with your account. Use the search bar at the top to find the show, or browse the guide to locate it. Click on the show's title or poster image to open its details page.

On the show's page, you'll see a heart icon or an "Add to Library" button. Click it to start recording. The page will update to show that the show is now in your Library. New episodes will record automatically and appear in your Library as they air.

Where to find your recorded shows

Open the YouTube TV app or website and look for the Library section, usually found in the main menu or navigation bar. Your Library displays all the shows you've added, organized by category. Recorded episodes appear under each show's title with air dates listed.

You can also access your Library from the home screen by looking for a "Saved" or "Library" tab. On TV devices, this is typically in the main menu. On phones and tablets, swipe or tap to find the Library option. All your recorded shows sync across devices, so a show you recorded on your phone appears in your Library on your TV as well.

How long YouTube TV keeps your recordings

YouTube TV stores recorded programs in your Library for nine months from the air date. After nine months, the service automatically deletes the recording to make room for new content. This applies to all recorded shows, regardless of how many episodes you have.

If you want to keep a recording longer, you can read it to your device before the nine-month window closes, though this option is not available for all shows due to licensing restrictions. Check your Library regularly for shows you want to watch, and plan to view them within the nine-month window if you don't want to lose access.

Removing shows from your Library

To stop recording a show, open your Library and find the show you want to remove. Look for a menu icon (three dots) or a heart icon next to the show's title. Tap or click it and select "Remove from Library" or a similar option. YouTube TV will stop recording new episodes when ready, though any episodes already in your Library remain until the nine-month retention period ends.

Removing a show does not delete episodes you've already watched. If you change your mind later, you can add the show back to your Library at any time, and YouTube TV will resume recording new episodes from that point forward.

Watching recorded shows across your devices

Sign into your YouTube TV account on any device—phone, tablet, computer, or TV—and your Library syncs automatically. A show you recorded on your phone appears in your Library on your TV without any extra steps. Your watch history also syncs, so if you start watching an episode on one device, you can resume it on another device from where you left off.

Fast-forwarding through commercials works on most recorded programs when you watch them on phones, tablets, and computers. On some TV devices, fast-forwarding may be limited depending on the network's rules. If a show has restrictions, YouTube TV will let you know when you try to fast-forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record a single episode instead of the whole series?

YouTube TV doesn't offer single-episode recording. When you add a show to your Library, the service records all new episodes going forward. If you only want to watch one episode, you can watch it on-demand if it's available, then remove the show from your Library to stop future recordings.

What happens if I remove a show and add it back later?

YouTube TV resumes recording new episodes from the date you add it back. Episodes that aired while the show was removed from your Library won't be recorded. If you want to catch up on those episodes, check if they're available on-demand through the show's page.

Can I read recorded shows to watch offline?

Some shows can be downloaded to your phone or tablet for offline viewing, but this depends on licensing agreements with networks. Open a recorded episode and look for a read icon. If the option isn't available, the network has restricted downloads for that show.

Do I need a DVR subscription to record shows?

No. Recording is included with all YouTube TV memberships at no extra cost. The Library feature works the same way for every account, and you get nine months of storage automatically.

Why can't I fast-forward through commercials on some shows?

Some networks restrict fast-forwarding on their recorded programs as part of their licensing agreement with YouTube TV. This varies by network and sometimes by show. If fast-forwarding is blocked, YouTube TV displays a message when you try to skip ahead.