How To Record YouTube Live Stream? (All Devices)

Ever wondered how to capture the excitement of a YouTube livestream?

Whether you want to create viral TikToks, Instagram reels or analyze gaming strategies, knowing how to record a YouTube live stream is essential. 

You can record YouTube live streams using built-in applications on your Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS devices and using different third-party software and mobile applications. 

With content creators like MrBeast allowing their streams to be used without copyright issues in an announcement, a world of possibilities opens up for content creators. You can attract new viewers with reaction videos and engage them with your unique commentary. 

This guide, ‘How to Record a YouTube Live Stream,’ will walk you through the process step-by-step, tailored to your device—whether it’s a Mac, Windows, iPhone, or Android. Let’s unlock the potential of recording YouTube livestreams and transform your content engagement.

How to Record a YouTube Live Stream on Mac

If you’re an avid Mac user and want to record YouTube live streams, you’re in luck.

Mac offers a convenient built-in stream recorder feature as well as third-party software options to capture those captivating live moments.

By following these steps, you can confidently record YouTube live streams on your Mac using either the built-in stream recording tool or popular third-party software.

Built-in YouTube Live Stream Recording Tool

Easily record YouTube live streams with your Mac’s built-in screen recording software. To capture a live YouTube video on your Mac, do the following steps to record YouTube live video:

1. Start up your preferred web browser and navigate to the YouTube live stream you wish to record.
2. Press Command+ Shift + 5 to open the built-in screen recording software.
3. You can also launch “Launchpad” and look for “QuickTime Player.”
4. Open the program and go to the “File” menu, where you should select “New Screen Recording.“
5. A panel to manage the recording of your screen will pop up. By selecting the appropriate buttons, you can record either the entire screen or just a selected area.
6. If you want to begin recording, hit the red “Record” button.
7. Start the live stream from YouTube and have QuickTime Player record it.
8. Stop recording by either clicking the “Stop” button in the menu bar or by pressing the “Command” + “Control” + “Esc” + keys all at once.
9. It’s up to you where on your Mac you keep the recording.

Using Third-party Software For Recording the YouTube Live Stream

Mac users have access to renowned third-party live stream recording software in addition to the built-in screen recording capability. ScreenFlow and Camtasia are two useful options.

1. Loom

Available both for Windows and Mac users, you can record YouTube live streams with Loom’s Mac free Online Screen Recorder. This application combines ease of use with a suite of powerful features, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of users, from content creators to professionals looking to archive live digital events.

Key Features of Loom’s Mac Screen Recorder:

• Simple Setup: Start recording your screen, voice, and audio with just a few clicks.
• High-Quality Videos: Record in impressive up to 4K quality, ensuring crystal-clear playback of your live streams.
• Editing on the Go: Trim and stitch your recordings effortlessly. Loom’s intuitive editing tools let you perfect your videos instantly.
• Easy Sharing: Generate links for your screen recordings quickly, making it easy to share your captures with the world.
• Mobile Compatibility: Take Loom with you and record on the move with its iPhone and Android apps.

2. Camtasia

Next: Camtasia also offers a comprehensive solution. Camtasia is recognized for its ease of use and robust editing capabilities, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users.

Key Features of Camtasia’s Mac Screen Recorder:

• High-Resolution Recording: Camtasia allows recording in high quality, including up to 4K resolution, ensuring your live stream captures are clear and detailed.

• Advanced Editing Tools: The software includes professional editing options, such as trimming, stitching, and adding captions or subtitles. This makes it possible to refine your recordings and tailor them to your needs.

• Audio Editing: With Camtasia, you can edit your voice over, text and automatically generate captions, enhancing the audio quality of your recordings.
• Cursor Effects: The software offers various cursor effects, including cursor replacement and path smoothing, to emphasize key points in your video.
• Templates and Assets: Camtasia provides a range of templates and assets like video clips, music, and images, facilitating quick and professional video creation.
• Ease of Use: The intuitive interface and drag-and-drop features of Camtasia make it accessible for anyone to create quality videos without needing extensive video editing experience.
• System Requirements: It’s compatible with recent versions of Windows and macOS, requiring a minimum of 8GB RAM and 4GB of available disk space for optimal performance.
• Trial and Purchase Options: Camtasia offers a 3-day free trial, with watermarking on exported content during the trial. Various subscription and perpetual purchase options are available, including a bundle with Audiate for enhanced audio editing.

How to Record a YouTube Live Stream on Windows

Navigating the Windows landscape, you’re showered with opportunities.

Two options dance before you – the simplicity of a built-in screen recorder and Third-party software for recording live stream videos on YouTube.

Built-in YouTube Live Stream Recording Tool

Windows serves up a quick and effortless method, seamlessly baked right into the operating system. Tempting, isn’t it? Here’s your step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Start by firing up your preferred web browser. Navigate to the YouTube livestream. All set?
2. Now, initiate a secret handshake with your keyboard. Press the “Windows” key + “G” simultaneously. The result? The Game Bar swings into view.
3. Spot the “Record” button (a small circle) in the Game Bar overlay. Click it. Or, if you love keyboard shortcuts as much as we do, use “Win” + “Alt” + “R” instead. Your recording journey has begun.
4. Let your live stream play. Sit back and relax, as Windows does the heavy lifting, capturing both the video and audio for you.
5. Done recording? Hit the “Win” + “Alt” + “R” shortcut again, or simply click the “Stop” button in the Game Bar overlay.

A professional tool right at your fingertips, letting you savor those YouTube live streams again and again.

Using Third-party Software For Recording YouTube Live Streaming

Want to record YouTube live streams on Windows but looking for a touch more flexibility? Let’s discuss third-party software to record a live stream. Allow us to introduce two stellar options you might consider:

1. OBS Studio

For Windows users looking to record YouTube live streams, OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is a highly regarded choice. OBS Studio is an open-source software, widely used for video recording and live streams.

Key Features of OBS Studio Screen Recorder

• High-Quality Recording: OBS Studio allows you to record live streams at high resolutions, ensuring your captures are of excellent quality.
• Customizable Setup: It offers a highly customizable interface and settings, enabling you to set up your recording layout exactly as you need it. This includes the ability to capture full-screen, windowed mode, or specific portions of the screen.
• Advanced Audio Options: OBS Studio provides extensive audio settings, allowing for the capture of both in-game/system sounds and microphone input simultaneously, essential for recording live

2. Movavi

Movavi Screen Recorder is a versatile tool suitable for Windows users, especially for recording YouTube live streams. Here are some key features and functionalities that make it a good choice for this purpose.

Key Features of Movavi Screen Recorder

1. Ease of Setup: Movavi Screen Recorder offers a straightforward process to start recording. You can quickly select the area of the screen you want to capture and start recording with a simple click.
2. Recording Features: It allows you to capture both video and audio from your computer. This is particularly useful for recording live streams where both video and audio are important.
3. Editing Capabilities: After recording, Movavi provides options for basic editing. You can trim unwanted sections and make minor edits like adding text, which can be useful for personalizing or annotating your recorded live streams.
4. Scheduling and Noise Reduction: The software comes with a scheduling feature, allowing you to set up recordings in advance. Additionally, the noise reduction feature helps in minimizing background disturbances during recording.
5. Flexible Output Options: Movavi Screen Recorder enables you to save your recordings in various formats, depending on your needs. This flexibility is beneficial if you plan to share your recorded content across different platforms or devices.
6. Usability: Users have found Movavi Screen Recorder easy to use, making it suitable for a range of users from beginners to more experienced individuals.
7. Pricing: Movavi Screen Recorder offers a free trial, but the full version is available for purchase. The pricing is considered reasonable, especially given the range of features it offers.

How to Record a YouTube Live Stream on an iPhone

Recording live streams on your iPhone is more simple than recording live streams on your computer.

Recording YouTube live streams on your iPhone allows you to capture and relish those exciting moments on the go.

In this section, we’ll explore two main methods: utilizing the built-in screen-capturing feature and using third-party applications available on the App Store.

Built-in YouTube Live Stream Recording Tool

Your iPhone could double up as a recorder for YouTube live streams. Thanks to its built-in screen recording feature. So, how do we tap into this functionality?

Let’s take a look:

1. Got a YouTube livestream to catch? Hop onto the YouTube app or pick your favourite browser and land on your desired stream.
2. Summon the Control Center, simply by swiping down from the top-right corner if you’re on an iPhone X or newer, or swiping up from the bottom for older models.
3. See a button that looks like a circle inside another? That’s your screen recording button. Give it a tap!
4. Notice a countdown? This is your window to ensure the YouTube live stream is good to go.
5. As the countdown hits zero, the magic begins. Your iPhone starts recording both the screen and audio.
6. Done with recording? Access the Control Center once more and stop the recording by tapping the screen recording button.
7. Your recorded video finds a home in your Photos app.

Stream Recording Applications Available on the Apple Store

If you’re looking for different options to record YouTube live videos, the Apple Store offers a variety of third-party applications for recording your screens on your iPhone. Here are some popular options:

1. Record it!: Record it! is a powerful and user-friendly screen recording app designed compatible with the latest iPhone 15. It offers a simple interface and a range of features, including high-quality recording, customizable settings, and the ability to add commentary during the recording.
2. DU Recorder: DU Recorder for iPhone is a reliable screen recording and live streaming app. It supports online streaming to YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch, along with high-quality screen recording. Notably, it allows simultaneous recording of the microphone and internal audio, making it ideal for capturing both commentary and in-game/system sounds. Additionally, DU Recorder offers powerful video editing features, enabling users to enhance their recorded content.

How to Record a YouTube Live Stream on Android Smartphones

Your Android smartphone is a powerful ally at your fingertips, ready to encapsulate each moment of a YouTube live stream.

Just like its Apple counterpart, Android opens up a dual-faceted approach to your recording endeavor.

The inbuilt recording prowess, concealed within the device’s ecosystem, offers you one avenue.

Alternatively, a treasure trove of third-party applications on the Google Play Store extends another inviting pathway

Inbuilt Recording System for Recording Live Streaming Tool

Android phones, such as Huawei, Samsung, OnePlus, and Google Pixel, often provide a built-in screen recording system that allows you to record not only your activities but also the online streaming of others. Follow these steps to utilize the inbuilt recording system:

1. Launch the YouTube app or a web browser on your Android phone and navigate to the live stream you want to record.
2. Swipe down twice from the top of your screen to access the quick settings panel.
3. Look for the screen recording icon, which usually resembles a rectangle with a circle inside or says “Screen Record” or “Record Screen.”
4. Tap the screen recording icon to start recording. A countdown might appear, indicating that the recording will begin shortly.
5. Open the YouTube live stream and ensure everything is set up as desired.
6. Once the countdown finishes or the recording starts, the Android phone will capture the screen and audio of the YouTube live stream.
7. To stop the recording, access the quick settings panel again and tap the screen recording icon.

Stream Recording Applications Available on Google Play Store

You can also record videos by simply downloading an application from your Play Store account. The Google Play Store offers a variety of third-party applications for recording YouTube live streams on Android phones. Here are some popular options worth considering:

1. AZ Screen Recorder: AZ Screen Recorder is a highly regarded application that helps you record YouTube live streams with ease. It offers features such as adjustable video quality, audio recording, and the ability to draw on the screen during recording.
2. Mobizen Screen Recorder: Mobizen Screen Recorder is another versatile option that provides a seamless recording experience for Android phone users. It offers features like screen capture, face cam recording, and the ability to edit recorded videos directly within the app.

Understanding YouTube’s Policies on Recording Live Streams

YouTube provides popular and necessary guidelines for recording live streams, allowing you to enjoy and engage with the content at your convenience.

By following these guidelines, you can effortlessly record and save online streams from other creators, delve into the excitement of gaming sessions, educational webinars, or live events, and even study strategies from expert players. Let’s explore these recommended guidelines for recording YouTube live streams, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable viewing experience:

1. Respect Copyright and Fair Use

When recording YouTube streams, ensure you respect the intellectual property rights of the original content creator. Seek permission or focus on recording content that falls within fair use policies.

2. Authorized Recording Methods

Utilize authorized third-party software or screen recording tools that comply with YouTube’s policies. These tools allow you to capture the live stream smoothly and ensure a high-quality recording.

3. Maintain Privacy and Consent

Respect the privacy of individuals featured in the online stream. Obtain necessary consent before recording and sharing any personal information or sensitive content.

4. Comply with Community Guidelines

Adhere to YouTube’s Community Guidelines while recording real-time streams. Avoid actions or commentary that may violate these guidelines or promote harmful behavior.

5. Attribute and Credit

Give appropriate credit to the original content creator when sharing or using recorded live streams. Provide clear attribution and acknowledge their work.

6. Personal Use Only

Limit the use of recorded live streams for personal viewing and reference purposes. Avoid distributing or monetizing the recorded content without proper authorization.

Conclusion

This comprehensive guide, your roadmap to the art of capturing YouTube live streams, spans across an array of devices – Mac, Windows, iPhone, and Android. If your phone doesn’t come up with a built-in video and audio recorder, don’t worry your choice isn’t confined to the built-in screen recording feature only but extends to the realm of advanced third-party software.

These mobile and web video recording applications are more than enough and they will meet your need of recording a YouTube live stream for you.

Nonetheless, every path chosen should honor YouTube’s code of conduct. This isn’t just about mastering the techniques, is it? It’s about navigating the labyrinth of copyright and fair use, striking a balance with authorized recording methods, and threading the needle of privacy and consent.