Recording programs on YouTube TV works through the library feature, which stores your recordings indefinitely at no extra cost

YouTube TV lets you record any program by adding it to your library. When you add a show, YouTube TV records all future episodes automatically. When you add a movie, it records that single showing. Your recordings stay in your library until you delete them — there is no storage limit and no monthly fee for recording.

The recording happens on YouTube TV's servers, not on your device. That means you can watch your recordings from any phone, tablet, computer, or TV where you sign in to your YouTube TV account. You do not need a separate DVR box or external hard drive.

Key Takeaways

  • Add any show or movie to your library to record it; future episodes of shows record automatically, but single movies record only that one airing.
  • Recordings live in your library indefinitely and cost nothing extra — YouTube TV does not charge per recording or limit storage.
  • You can watch recordings on any device signed into your YouTube TV account, and you can delete them anytime to free up space in your library.
  • Some programs have licensing restrictions that prevent YouTube TV from recording them, though most broadcast and cable shows record without issue.

How to add a show or movie to your library

Open YouTube TV on any device and find the program you want to record. You can search for it by name, browse by channel, or find it in the guide. When you find the show or movie, open its details page.

Look for a plus sign or "Add to library" button. Tap or click it. The button will change to a checkmark or "Added to library" to confirm. That is all you need to do — YouTube TV handles the recording automatically from that point forward.

For TV shows, YouTube TV records all future episodes in that series. If the show airs multiple times per week, each episode records. If you add a show mid-season, only episodes that have not yet aired will record. For movies, YouTube TV records only that single showing — if the same movie airs again later, you would need to add it again to record the next airing.

Finding and watching your recordings

Open YouTube TV and tap or click the "Library" tab at the bottom of the screen (on phones and tablets) or the left side (on computers and TV devices). Your library shows all the shows and movies you have added, organized by type.

Tap or click the show or movie title to see all your recordings of it. For shows, you will see a list of episodes with air dates. For movies, you will see the single recording. Select the episode or movie you want to watch, and it will play when ready.

YouTube TV remembers where you stopped watching. If you pause an episode halfway through on your phone and come back to it on your TV later, it will resume from that same spot.

Deleting recordings and managing your library

Open your library and find the show or movie. Tap or click and hold on the title (on phones and tablets) or right-click it (on computers and TV devices). A menu will appear with a delete option. Select it to remove that recording from your library.

Deleting a show from your library stops YouTube TV from recording future episodes. If you delete a show by accident, you can add it back to your library anytime, and YouTube TV will resume recording new episodes going forward.

YouTube TV does not impose a limit on how many recordings you can keep. You can store hundreds of shows and movies in your library without any slowdown or additional charge. Delete only the programs you no longer want to watch.

Programs that cannot be recorded

Most broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox) and cable channels allow recording. However, some programs have licensing agreements that prevent YouTube TV from recording them. These restrictions are set by the networks and studios, not by YouTube TV.

If a program cannot be recorded, YouTube TV will not show an "Add to library" button on its details page. You will see a message explaining that the program is not available to record. This is most common with certain sports events, pay-per-view content, and some premium cable shows, though the restrictions change over time as licensing agreements are renewed.

Recording the same show on multiple devices

You do not need to add a show separately on each device. When you add a show to your library on your phone, it automatically appears in your library on your TV, tablet, and computer. YouTube TV syncs your library across all your devices when ready.

If multiple people in your household watch the same show, they each see it in their own library if they have separate YouTube TV profiles. Each profile can add and delete shows independently, so one person's recordings do not affect another person's library.

What happens to recordings when your YouTube TV subscription ends

If you cancel your YouTube TV subscription, your recordings are deleted and you lose access to your library. YouTube TV does not store recordings after your subscription ends. If you reactivate your subscription later, your library will be empty — you would need to add shows and movies again to start recording them.

This is different from owning a physical DVR, where your recordings stay on the device even if you cancel cable service. With YouTube TV, the recordings exist only as long as your subscription is active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record a show that is currently airing right now?

Yes. If you add a show to your library while it is airing, YouTube TV will record that episode if it has not finished yet. If the episode has already ended, YouTube TV will record the next episode in the series. You can also search for past episodes in the guide and add them individually if they are still available.

How long does YouTube TV keep my recordings?

YouTube TV keeps your recordings indefinitely as long as your subscription is active. There is no expiration date. You can watch a recording you made months or years ago. Recordings are deleted only when you delete them yourself or when your subscription ends.

Can I share my recordings with someone outside my household?

No. Recordings in your YouTube TV library are tied to your account and the people in your household who have access to your account. You cannot share a recording with someone who does not have access to your YouTube TV subscription.

What if I want to record two shows that air at the same time?

YouTube TV records both. Because recordings happen on YouTube TV's servers rather than on a single device, there is no limit to how many shows you can record at the same time. You can record ten shows airing simultaneously without any conflict.

Can I read recordings to watch offline?

YouTube TV does not offer offline read for recordings. You must be connected to the internet to watch your recordings. However, you can watch on any device with internet access, including phones and tablets on mobile data.