Recording shows on YouTube TV uses the service's built-in library feature

YouTube TV lets you record programs directly through your account without needing a separate DVR box or external hard drive. When you add a show to your library, YouTube TV automatically records new episodes as they air, and you can watch them whenever you want for up to nine months. The recording happens on YouTube's servers, not on your device, so you don't need storage space on your phone, tablet, or TV.

The process is straightforward: you mark a show for recording, and the system handles the rest. You can record as many shows as you want at the same time—there's no limit on the number of simultaneous recordings like older DVR systems had. Once a show is recorded, you access it from the library section of the YouTube TV app or website.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV stores recordings on its servers for nine months, so you don't need a DVR box or home storage device.
  • You can record unlimited shows at once, and new episodes record automatically once you add a show to your library.
  • Recordings are available on any device where you're signed into YouTube TV—phone, tablet, computer, or TV.
  • Some programs have recording restrictions due to licensing, and YouTube TV will show you which ones cannot be recorded.
  • You delete recordings manually from your library when you're done watching them.

How to add a show to your library for recording

Open the YouTube TV app or go to youtube.com/tv on your computer. Search for the show you want to record using the search bar at the top. When you find it, open the show's page and look for the plus sign (+) icon or "Add to library" button—the exact location depends on whether you're using the app or website, but it's always visible on the show's main page.

Tap or click that button, and the show is now set to record. YouTube TV will automatically record all new episodes going forward. You'll see a checkmark or filled icon appear next to the show's title, confirming it's been added. The first episode may take a few minutes to appear in your library if it just aired, but typically recordings show up within an hour.

Finding and playing your recorded shows

Go to the Library section of YouTube TV—it's usually a tab at the bottom of the app or in the left menu on the website. Your recorded shows appear here organized by title. Tap or click the show you want to watch, and you'll see a list of all recorded episodes with their air dates.

Select the episode you want to watch and press play. The recording plays just like any other video on YouTube TV. You can pause, rewind, or fast-forward through it. If you're watching on a TV, you can use your remote. On a phone or tablet, use the on-screen controls. You can start watching on one device and pick up where you left off on another device signed into the same account.

What to do if a show cannot be recorded

Some programs have licensing restrictions that prevent YouTube TV from recording them. When you search for these shows, you'll see a message saying the show cannot be added to your library, or the add button will be grayed out. This usually happens with certain sports events, pay-per-view programs, or shows with specific broadcast agreements.

If a show is blocked from recording, your only option is to watch it live when it airs. You can set a reminder on your phone or calendar so you don't miss the broadcast. Check back later—sometimes licensing restrictions change, and a previously blocked show may become recordable.

Managing storage and deleting recordings

YouTube TV keeps your recordings for nine months from the air date. After nine months, the recording automatically deletes itself, so you don't have to worry about running out of space. If you want to delete a recording before that time, open your library, find the show or episode, and look for a delete or trash icon. Tap or click it to remove the recording when ready.

You can also remove a show from your library entirely, which stops future episodes from recording. Open the show's page, find the checkmark or filled icon you tapped to add it, and tap it again to remove the show. Any episodes already recorded will stay in your library until you delete them individually or they expire after nine months.

Recording live sports and special events

Most live sports and special events can be recorded the same way as regular shows—search for the event, add it to your library, and YouTube TV records it. However, some sporting events and premium broadcasts have restrictions and cannot be recorded. The search results or event page will tell you whether recording is available.

For events that air only once, like a championship game or awards show, add it to your library as soon as you know you want to watch it. This ensures the recording is set up before the event airs. If you miss adding it beforehand, you may still be able to watch a replay or on-demand version if the network offers one, but that's separate from the recording feature.

Watching recordings on different devices

Once you record a show, you can watch it on any device where you're signed into YouTube TV. Start watching on your TV, pause it, then pick up on your phone during your commute. The app remembers where you stopped and lets you resume from that point on any other device. This works across phones, tablets, computers, and TV apps.

Make sure you're signed into the same YouTube account on each device. If you're using a shared account with family members, everyone in the household can see and watch the same recordings. YouTube TV's family sharing settings let you control which family members can access recordings if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record multiple episodes of the same show at the same time?

Yes. When you add a show to your library, YouTube TV automatically records all new episodes as they air. If multiple episodes air on the same day or at overlapping times, they all record without any conflicts or limits. You can record as many shows as you want simultaneously.

What happens to my recordings if I cancel YouTube TV?

Your recordings are deleted when your subscription ends. YouTube TV does not keep recordings for former subscribers. If you plan to cancel, watch or read any recordings you want to keep before your account closes.

Can I read recordings 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. If you need to watch offline, you would need to use a different method to capture the broadcast.

Do I need to do anything special to record a series finale or season premiere?

No. Once you add a show to your library, all episodes record automatically, including series finales and season premieres. You don't need to take any extra steps. The recording happens the same way as any other episode.

Can I share my recordings with someone outside my household?

No. Recordings are only available to people signed into your YouTube TV account. You cannot share a recording link with someone who doesn't have access to your account. They would need their own YouTube TV subscription to watch the same show.