Recording shows on YouTube TV works through the service's built-in DVR feature, which stores your recordings in the cloud rather than on a device

YouTube TV includes cloud DVR storage at no extra cost. When you record a show, it lives on YouTube's servers, not on your TV box or computer. You can watch your recordings from any device where you're signed into your YouTube TV account — your phone, tablet, computer, or TV. Recordings stay available for nine months unless you delete them sooner.

The process itself is straightforward: you select a show you want to record, and YouTube TV saves it automatically. You don't need special equipment or a separate DVR box. The service handles everything in the background.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV's cloud DVR stores recordings for nine months at no additional cost, and you can watch them on any device signed into your account.
  • You can record a single episode, an entire series, or set up automatic recording for shows that air regularly.
  • Recordings are available when ready after the show finishes airing, so you don't have to wait for processing time.
  • If you run out of storage space, YouTube TV will delete your oldest recordings first, though you can manually delete anything you no longer want.

How to record a single episode

Open YouTube TV on any device and find the show you want to record. This can be a show that's currently airing, one coming up later, or a rerun. Look for the record button — it's usually a circle icon next to the show title or in the show details. Tap or click it.

The button will change appearance (often filling in or turning a different color) to show the episode is now scheduled to record. YouTube TV will capture it when it airs. If the show has already aired, you may see an option to add it to your library instead, which works the same way — the episode becomes available in your recordings when ready.

Recording an entire series automatically

If you want YouTube TV to record every new episode of a show, find the series page and look for a "record series" or "add series" button. This is different from recording a single episode. When you record the series, YouTube TV will automatically capture each new episode as it airs for as long as you keep the recording active.

You can manage series recordings from your library. Open the show, and you'll see options to stop recording new episodes, delete all recordings of that series, or keep only the most recent episodes. Some people use series recording for shows they watch regularly but might miss due to schedule changes.

Where to find and watch your recordings

Your recordings live in the Library section of YouTube TV. On a TV, select Library from the main menu. On a phone or computer, look for the Library icon (usually at the bottom of the screen). All your recorded shows appear there, organized by title.

You can search for a specific recording, sort by date, or browse by category. When you select a recording, YouTube TV shows you the episode details and a play button. Start watching from the beginning, or pick up where you left off if you've already started the episode. You can also read recordings to your phone or tablet to watch offline, though this feature varies by device and location.

Managing storage and deleting recordings

YouTube TV gives you enough cloud storage to record dozens of shows without running out of space in most cases. If you do fill your storage, the service automatically deletes your oldest recordings first to make room for new ones. You'll get a notification before this happens.

You don't have to wait for automatic deletion. Open any recording and look for a delete or trash icon. Confirm the deletion, and the recording is removed when ready. Deleting a single episode doesn't affect other episodes of the same series. If you delete a series recording entirely, YouTube TV stops recording new episodes going forward.

What happens if a show airs while you're away

YouTube TV records shows whether you're home or not. The recording happens on YouTube's servers, so you don't need your TV box or any device turned on. As long as you've set up the recording before the show airs, it will be waiting for you in your library when you return.

This is different from older DVR systems that required a box to be plugged in and connected to your cable line. With YouTube TV, the recording is complete the moment the broadcast ends, and you can start watching when ready from any device.

Restrictions and things to know

Some shows and networks restrict how long recordings stay available or whether they can be recorded at all. If you see a message that a show can't be recorded, it's usually because the network or content provider has set that restriction. These limitations are set by the broadcaster, not by YouTube TV, so there's no way around them.

Recordings are tied to your YouTube TV account, not to a specific device. If you cancel your YouTube TV subscription, your recordings disappear. They're not stored on your TV or phone — they live only on YouTube's servers as long as your account is active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record shows on YouTube TV if I'm not home?

Yes. YouTube TV records to the cloud, so your TV box doesn't need to be on or connected. Set up the recording before the show airs, and it will be ready to watch when you return. You can record while traveling, at work, or anywhere else.

How many shows can I record at the same time?

YouTube TV allows unlimited simultaneous recordings. Unlike older DVR systems that could only record two or three programs at once, cloud DVR has no limit. You can record five shows airing at the same time without any conflict.

What if I delete a recording by accident?

Once deleted, a recording is gone permanently. YouTube TV doesn't have an undo button or trash folder. However, if the show airs again as a rerun, you can record that airing instead. For series you record regularly, you can set up the series recording again to capture future episodes.

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

Recordings are part of your YouTube TV account and visible to anyone signed into that account on a shared device. If you have multiple people using the same YouTube TV subscription, they can all see and watch your recordings. However, recordings don't transfer to a different account or subscription.

Do I need extra storage or a separate device to record shows?

No. YouTube TV's cloud DVR is included with your subscription at no extra cost, and you don't need any special equipment. All recordings are stored on YouTube's servers, so you only need an internet connection to watch them.