How to record shows on YouTube TV
⚡ Fast fix
- Find the show and tap the + icon. That adds it to your Library instantly.
- No storage limits to worry about. YouTube TV includes unlimited DVR.
- Recordings save automatically. Once added, all future episodes are recorded.
- Can’t find it? Make sure you’re signed into the right profile.
You’re scrolling through YouTube TV®, you spot something you want to watch later, and then it hits you—how exactly do you record a show on YouTube TV?
If you’re used to cable DVRs with record buttons and storage limits, YouTube TV works a little differently. There’s no manual “schedule recording” screen. Instead, you add shows to your Library, and YouTube TV automatically records every upcoming episode from that point forward.
Once you understand how it’s set up, it’s actually much simpler than traditional DVR systems.
Can you record shows on YouTube TV?
Yes—and you get unlimited DVR storage included with your subscription. There’s no cap on how many shows you can save. Once you add something to your Library, YouTube TV records:
- All future episodes
- Live airings
- Replays across supported networks
You don’t have to manage storage space the way you would with a cable DVR.
How to record a show on YouTube TV
Here’s how to add a show to your Library:
On Smart TV or Streaming Device
- Open YouTube TV.
- Search for the show or browse live TV.
- Select the show’s title page.
- Select the + Add to Library button.
Once you do that, YouTube TV automatically records all upcoming episodes.
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On Mobile (iPhone or Android)
- Open the YouTube TV app.
- Search for the show.
- Tap the show.
- Tap the + icon.
You’ll see confirmation that it’s been added to your Library. From that point forward, recordings happen automatically—you don’t need to schedule anything else.
How do I add shows to my Library?
Adding a show to your Library and recording it are the same action. When you tap the + Add to Library button:
- The show is saved to your Library.
- All future airings are automatically recorded.
- You can access them anytime under Library.
If you change your mind later, you can remove it.
How do I find my recordings?
To access your saved shows:
- Open YouTube TV.
- Select Library from the top menu.
Inside Library, you’ll see:
- Recently recorded
- Scheduled
- Shows
- Movies
- Sports
Everything you’ve added appears there.
How long are recordings saved?
YouTube TV saves recordings for 9 months. After that, they automatically expire. If a show re-airs and you still have it in your Library, it will record again.
Can you skip ads on YouTube TV recordings?
It depends on the version you’re watching.
- For DVR recordings, you can fast-forward through ads.
- For certain on-demand (VOD) versions provided by networks, ads may not be skippable.
If both versions are available, choose the DVR version to skip ads.
How do I delete recordings?
You don’t delete individual episodes the same way you would with cable DVR.
To remove a show:
- Open YouTube TV.
- Go to the show in your Library.
- Select it.
- Choose Remove from Library (the checkmark icon).
That stops future recordings and removes it from your saved list. Previously recorded episodes will remain available until their 9-month expiration.
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FAQ
Is YouTube TV DVR unlimited?
Yes. YouTube TV includes unlimited DVR storage. You can record as many shows as you want. There’s no limit to how many programs you add to your Library.
How do I record a single episode instead of the whole series?
YouTube TV records all upcoming episodes once a show is added to your Library. It doesn’t currently allow single-episode-only recording.
Can multiple profiles record different shows?
Yes. Each profile has its own Library and DVR recordings.
Why isn’t my show recording?
Make sure the show is added to your Library and that you’re viewing the correct profile.
Do recordings take up space?
No. DVR storage is unlimited and cloud-based.
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