To record on YouTube TV, simply find the show, movie, or live event you want and click the “+ Add to Library” button. YouTube TV automatically records all upcoming airings and saves them to your cloud DVR for up to 9 months. There is no storage limit, and recordings are available across devices.
Below is a complete guide covering live TV, sports, series recording, storage limits, and troubleshooting.

How to Record Shows on YouTube TV (Step-by-Step Guide)
Recording on YouTube TV is different from traditional cable DVR. There is no “record” button during playback. Instead, you add content to your library.
Follow these steps:
- Open YouTube TV on your device
- Use the search bar to find a show, movie, or sports event
- Click on the program
- 選擇 + Add to Library button
Once added, YouTube TV will:
- Record all upcoming episodes
- Record re-airings automatically
- Store them in your Library tab
There is no need to schedule recordings manually.
How to Record Live TV on YouTube TV
To record live television:
- While browsing Live TV, select the program currently airing
- 按一下 + Add to Library button
- The recording will begin automatically
If the show is already in progress, YouTube TV typically saves the full episode once it becomes available on demand.
This works for:
- News broadcasts
- Reality shows
- Live competitions
- Award ceremonies
How to Record Sports on YouTube TV
Recording sports is one of YouTube TV’s strongest features.
You can:
- Add a specific team
- Add a league
- Add a single event
For example, if you follow the NFL, you can search for the league or your favorite team and add it to your library. All future games will automatically record.
This ensures you never miss live events, even if schedules change.
How YouTube TV Unlimited DVR Works
One major advantage of YouTube TV is unlimited cloud DVR storage.
工作原理如下:
- No storage cap
- Record unlimited programs simultaneously
- Recordings stored for 9 months
- Access recordings on any supported device
After 9 months, recordings expire automatically.
There is no extra cost for DVR features. It is included with your subscription.
How to Watch and Manage Recordings on YouTube TV
To access recordings:
- 前往 Library tab
- Browse by shows, sports, or movies
- Select the episode you want to watch
You can:
- Fast forward through commercials (on DVR recordings)
- Resume playback across devices
- Remove a show from your library to stop future recordings
If multiple versions are available (DVR and VOD), you can choose which one to watch.
How to Record a Series on YouTube TV Automatically
To record every episode of a series:
- Search for the show
- 按一下 + Add to Library
- All current and future episodes will record automatically
You do not need to select individual episodes.
If the show airs on multiple channels, YouTube TV records from all of them.
Can You Record on YouTube TV Without Storage Limits?
Yes. YouTube TV offers unlimited DVR storage.
Unlike traditional cable DVR:
- No hard drive limits
- No recording conflicts
- No scheduling clashes
However, the 9-month expiration rule still applies.
How to Record on YouTube TV Using Different Devices
You can record using:
- Smart TVs
- Streaming devices (Roku, Chromecast, Fire TV)
- Web browsers
- Mobile apps
As long as you are signed into your YouTube TV account, recordings sync automatically.
Because YouTube TV is owned by Google, your recordings are stored securely in the cloud rather than on a physical device.
Why YouTube TV Is Different from Regular YouTube
Do not confuse YouTube TV with standard YouTube.
YouTube TV:
- Is a paid live TV streaming service
- Includes live cable channels
- Offers unlimited DVR
Regular YouTube:
- Does not have DVR recording
- Does not support live channel recording
They are separate services.
Troubleshooting: Why Is My YouTube TV Not Recording?
Common reasons include:
- You did not click “Add to Library”
- The event was removed from the schedule
- Licensing restrictions
- Subscription issues
Try:
- Removing and re-adding the program
- Checking internet connection
- Confirming active subscription
Most recording issues are account-related rather than technical.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recording on YouTube TV
How do I record everything on YouTube TV?
You cannot record all channels at once, but you can add unlimited shows, teams, or leagues to your library.
How long do recordings stay on YouTube TV?
Recordings remain available for 9 months.
Does YouTube TV charge extra for DVR?
No. Unlimited DVR is included in the base subscription.
Can I skip commercials on recorded shows?
Yes, if you are watching the DVR version. Some on-demand versions may not allow skipping.