Recording on YouTube TV works through your library, not a DVR box

YouTube TV stores recordings in your library automatically when you mark a show to record. You do not need a separate device or subscription — recordings come with your YouTube TV membership and stay available for up to nine months. The process takes seconds: find the show, tap or click the record button, and it saves to your library.

Recordings work differently depending on whether you record a single episode or an entire series. A one-time recording captures just that episode. A series recording captures every new episode going forward, which is useful for shows that air regularly. Both types appear in the same library section, and you can delete them anytime to free up space.

Key Takeaways

  • Record a single episode by opening the show details and tapping the record icon; it appears in your library within minutes.
  • Record an entire series by selecting "Record series" from the show page, and YouTube TV automatically captures every new episode.
  • Recordings stay in your library for nine months, then YouTube TV removes them automatically.
  • You can manage all recordings from the Library tab, where you can delete individual episodes or cancel series recordings at any time.
  • YouTube TV stores unlimited recordings — there is no limit on how many shows you can record simultaneously.

How to record a single episode

Open the YouTube TV app or website and search for the show you want to record. When you find it, open the show details page — this is the page that shows the episode name, description, and air time. Look for a record icon, usually a circle with a dot inside or a plus sign next to "Record." Tap or click it once.

The button changes appearance to show the recording is set. YouTube TV begins recording automatically at the scheduled air time. If the episode has already aired, YouTube TV records it from the on-demand version if one is available. The recording appears in your Library within a few minutes of the air time ending.

How to record an entire series

Find the show's main page — not a single episode, but the series page itself. This page lists multiple seasons and episodes. Look for a button that says "Record series" or shows a record icon with a plus sign. Tap or click it once.

YouTube TV now records every new episode of that series automatically. If the show has already aired episodes in the current season, YouTube TV does not go back and record those — it only captures episodes that air after you set the series recording. To get past episodes, you can record them individually or check if they are available on-demand.

Finding and playing your recordings

Open YouTube TV and tap or click the Library tab at the bottom or side of the screen. Your recordings appear in a section labeled "Recordings" or "My Recordings," depending on your device. Tap any recording to play it when ready.

Recordings play in full quality and can be paused, rewound, or fast-forwarded just like live TV. You can watch them on any device where you are signed into your YouTube TV account — phone, tablet, computer, or TV. If you start watching on one device, you can pick up where you left off on another.

Managing and deleting recordings

Go to your Library and find the recording you want to remove. Tap or click the three-dot menu next to the episode title and select "Delete" or "Remove." The recording is removed when ready and the space becomes available for new recordings.

To stop recording a series, go to Library, find the series name, and tap the three-dot menu. Select "Cancel series recording" or "Stop recording." YouTube TV stops capturing new episodes but keeps any episodes you have already recorded. You can delete those episodes individually if you want.

What happens to recordings after nine months

YouTube TV automatically deletes recordings nine months after they air. You do not need to do anything — the deletion happens in the background. If you want to keep a show longer, you can read it to your device before the nine-month window closes, though this option is not available on all devices or for all content.

The nine-month timer starts from the original air date, not from when you recorded it. So if a show aired six months ago and you record it today, you have three months left before YouTube TV removes it. Check your Library occasionally to see which recordings are coming up on their removal date.

Recording limits and storage

YouTube TV does not limit the number of recordings you can make. You can record 50 shows at once, 500 shows in a month, or record every episode of every series you watch — there is no cap. Storage is unlimited as well, so you never have to choose between recordings.

The only constraint is the nine-month retention period. Once a recording reaches nine months old, it is deleted automatically. This means you cannot build a permanent archive, but you have plenty of time to watch anything you record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record a show that is currently airing live?

Yes. If you record a show while it is still broadcasting, YouTube TV captures the rest of the episode from that moment forward. You can then watch the full episode from the beginning once it finishes airing and moves to your library.

What if I record a show but it is not available on-demand?

YouTube TV records from the live broadcast. If the show does not have an on-demand version and you miss the live airing, you cannot record it retroactively. Set your recording before the episode airs to make sure you capture it.

Can I record the same episode twice by accident?

No. If you record a series and then also record a single episode of that series, YouTube TV recognizes it is the same episode and stores only one copy. You will not see duplicates in your library.

Do recordings use my internet bandwidth?

No. YouTube TV records on YouTube's servers, not on your device. Recording does not affect your home internet speed or data usage. You only use bandwidth when you play back a recording.

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

Recordings are tied to your YouTube TV account and visible to anyone who signs into that account on a shared device. You cannot share recordings with a different account or household.