YouTube TV's built-in recording feature lets you save shows to watch later
YouTube TV includes a library where you can record programs and keep them for up to nine months. When you record a show, it saves automatically to your account across all your devices — phone, tablet, computer, or TV. You do not need extra equipment or a separate DVR service.
The recording stays in your library until you delete it or until nine months pass. If a show is still airing new episodes, you can set up a series recording so each new episode saves automatically without you having to record each one by hand.
Key Takeaways
- You record a show by clicking the plus icon next to its name in the guide or on its details page, and it appears in your library within seconds.
- Series recordings capture every new episode automatically, but you can choose to record only new episodes or all episodes including reruns.
- Recordings stay in your library for nine months, then YouTube TV deletes them to make room for new content.
- You can watch a recording on any device signed into your YouTube TV account, and you can delete it anytime to free up space.
- YouTube TV does not charge extra for recordings — the feature is included with your subscription.
How to record a single show
Open YouTube TV on any device and find the show you want to record. You can search for it by name, browse the guide, or look at the details page for a channel. Next to the show title, you will see a plus icon (it looks like a + in a circle). Tap or click that icon.
The icon will fill in or change color to show the recording is saved. The show now appears in your library. If the show has already aired, YouTube TV will add it to your library right away. If it has not aired yet, the recording will save once the broadcast starts.
You can record the same show multiple times if it airs on different days or times. Each recording appears as a separate item in your library, so you can watch them in any order.
Setting up automatic series recordings
If you want every new episode of a show to record without doing it manually each time, use the series recording feature. Find the show in the guide or search for it, then tap or click the plus icon next to the series name (not next to a single episode). A menu will appear with options.
You will see choices like "Record all" or "Record new episodes only." Choose "Record new episodes only" if you want only future broadcasts, or "Record all" if you also want past episodes that YouTube TV still has in its system. Once you choose, YouTube TV records every matching episode automatically.
You can change or cancel a series recording anytime. Go to your library, find the series, and look for a menu or settings option to modify it. If you turn off a series recording, episodes you already recorded stay in your library.
Finding and playing your recordings
All your recordings live in your library. On the YouTube TV home screen, look for a "Library" tab or button — the exact location depends on which device you are using. Tap or click it to see all your saved shows and movies.
Your recordings are organized by show name. Tap or click any recording to play it. You can pause, rewind, or fast-forward just like you would with a live broadcast. The playback controls are the same across all devices.
If you have recorded multiple episodes of the same show, they stack together in your library. Tap the show name to see all episodes, then choose which one to watch.
Deleting recordings and managing library space
YouTube TV does not limit how many shows you can record, but recordings automatically delete after nine months. If you want to delete a recording sooner, open your library, find the show, and look for a delete or trash icon. Tap or click it to remove the recording when ready.
Deleting a recording does not affect your subscription or your ability to record new shows. You can record the same show again anytime. If you delete a series recording, all episodes of that series disappear from your library, but you can set up the series recording again if you change your mind.
Recording shows across multiple devices
Your recordings sync across every device signed into your YouTube TV account. If you record a show on your phone, you can watch it on your TV, tablet, or computer without recording it again. The library is the same everywhere.
If you are watching a recording on one device and switch to another, you can pick up where you left off. YouTube TV remembers how far you watched and jumps to that spot on the new device.
What happens if a show gets cancelled or removed
If a show is cancelled or YouTube TV loses the rights to broadcast it, your recording stays in your library and you can still watch it. The nine-month deletion window still applies, so the recording will eventually disappear unless you delete it first.
If a recorded episode has technical problems or will not play, try deleting it and recording the show again the next time it airs. Contact YouTube TV support if the problem continues across multiple recordings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record a show that is currently airing live?
Yes. You can record a show while it is broadcasting, and the recording will start from the moment you tap the plus icon. If you want to watch from the beginning, you may need to wait for the broadcast to finish or use YouTube TV's rewind feature if the show is still within the last few hours.
Do I lose my recordings if I cancel my YouTube TV subscription?
Yes. If you cancel your subscription, your library and all recordings disappear. If you resubscribe later, your old recordings do not come back. You would need to record the shows again.
Can I read a recording to watch offline?
YouTube TV does not offer a read feature for recordings. You can only watch them while connected to the internet through the YouTube TV app or website. Recordings are stored on YouTube TV's servers, not on your device.
What if I record a show by mistake?
Delete it from your library anytime by finding the show and tapping the delete icon. Deleting a single recording does not affect series recordings or your ability to record other shows. You can record the same show again if you change your mind later.
Can multiple people in my household record different shows at the same time?
Yes, as long as they are using different devices. YouTube TV lets multiple household members watch different channels or recordings at the same time, depending on your plan. Check your plan details to see how many simultaneous streams you are allowed.