Ever flipped through YouTube TV and realized you'd miss the season finale of your favorite show? I've been there. Last month, I almost missed the championship game because of a work trip. That's when I dove deep into figuring out how to record on YouTube TV. Honestly, it's simpler than most cable DVRs, but there are some quirks you should know.
What Makes YouTube TV Recording Different?
Unlike traditional DVRs, YouTube TV uses cloud storage – no physical box needed. Your recordings live online, accessible anywhere. When you set up a recording, YouTube TV saves EVERY airing of that show to your library automatically. That includes reruns! Storage is unlimited, but here's the catch: recordings expire after 9 months.
I learned this the hard way when my documentary collection vanished. Still, it beats my old cable DVR that constantly nagged about space.
| Recording Feature | YouTube TV | Traditional Cable DVR |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Type | Unlimited Cloud | Physical Hard Drive (Limited) |
| Accessibility | Any device with app | Only on TV with DVR box |
| Recording Expiration | 9 months | Until manually deleted |
| Simultaneous Recordings | Unlimited | Usually 2-4 shows |
Step-by-Step: Recording Shows and Sports
Let's get practical. Here’s how to record on YouTube TV whether you're using a phone or TV:
For New Episodes Only
Say you only want fresh episodes of "The Voice":
- Open the show's details page
- Click the + Add to Library button
- Toggle OFF "Include reruns" (default is ON)
Pro tip: If you see a blue checkmark instead of the "+" icon, it means you're already recording everything!
Recording Live Sports
Sports recording is where YouTube TV shines. Want to catch every Lakers game?
- Search for "Los Angeles Lakers"
- Click the team icon under search results
- Select + Add Team
All future games on any channel will record automatically. Even better – it extends recordings if games run long. My buddy learned this saved his overtime hockey game!
Recording Secret: Add shows directly from the LIVE guide. Scroll to a future airing, press the select button, and hit "Add to Library." Faster than searching!
Managing Your Recordings Like a Pro
Your library is your DVR dashboard. The "New in your library" section shows recent recordings. But sorting matters:
| View Option | Best For |
|---|---|
| Shows | Browsing entire series you record |
| Events | Sports and special broadcasts |
| Movies | Films you've saved |
| Scheduled | Upcoming recordings (prevents surprises) |
Annoyance alert: There's NO bulk delete option. You must remove episodes individually. I wish YouTube TV would fix this.
Watch Recordings Offline? Sort Of.
YouTube TV requires internet, but here's a workaround:
- Open the recording in the mobile app
- Look for the download icon (downward arrow)
- Files expire in 30 days and only play in the app
Note: Not all networks allow downloads. CBS and NBC usually do; ESPN often doesn't.
Troubleshooting Common Recording Issues
Even cloud DVRs glitch. Here's what I've seen:
Why did my recording stop early? If a live event runs long (like baseball extra innings), YouTube TV might cut off the end unless you manually adjust. Go to Settings > Recordings and toggle "Extend recordings" for sports.
Other frequent headaches:
- Recording disappeared? Check expiration dates – they start from original air date
- Wrong episode recorded? Networks sometimes change schedules. Always check "Scheduled" tab
- Recording not in HD? Your internet speed may drop quality during congestion
YouTube TV Recording FAQs
Let’s tackle your burning questions about recording on YouTube TV:
Can I record two shows at once?
Absolutely! Unlimited simultaneous recordings. I tested 6 shows during primetime – all saved perfectly.
Why are commercials in recordings?
You can't skip ads in recordings unless you upgrade to YouTube TV Premium. Standard plans include commercials on DVR content. Annoying? Yeah, but cheaper than cable.
Does recording use data?
Only when you watch playback. Setting up recordings uses minimal data like browsing.
Can I share recordings?
Nope. Recordings are tied to your account. My family learned this when trying to swap football games.
Expert Tricks I Learned the Hard Way
After two years of daily use, here’s what saves me time:
- Keyword Alerts: Add actor names (like "Tom Hanks") to record all their movies/shows
- Priority Fix: If two shows air simultaneously, YouTube TV records both but won’t tell you which it prioritized
- Voice Commands: On smart TVs, say "Hey Google, record Modern Family" hands-free
My biggest gripe? No manual recording option. You can’t set a timer for generic time slots – only specific shows.
Is YouTube TV Recording Worth It?
Compared to Hulu Live or Sling? Absolutely. The unlimited storage beats Hulu's 50-hour cap. But sports fans should know regional blackouts can block recordings. When my local NFL game was blacked out, my "recording" was just an error message. Frustrating!
The bottom line? Learning how to record on YouTube TV unlocks its best feature. Once you nail the workflow, you'll wonder how you tolerated cable. Just set expiration reminders!