Have you ever watched your favorite YouTube live broadcast and thought, ``I want to watch it later!'' but there was no archive?

YouTube itself does not have a function to "record and save live broadcasts". If the broadcaster makes the archive public, you can watch it again, but if it is made private or deleted, you can no longer view it.

This article provides an easy-to-understand explanation of how to record and save YouTube live broadcasts on PC, iPhone, and Android as of February 2026, focusing on free tools. We will also introduce the terms of use and precautions regarding copyright, so please check it out until the end.

First check | YouTube archive mechanism and limitations

Before using the recording tool, first check YouTube's archive function.

According to YouTube official help, an archive (recording) is automatically created if the live broadcast is less than 12 hours. After the broadcast ends, it will be displayed as a normal video on the "Video" tab of the channel.

However, the archive cannot be viewed in the following cases.

  • If delivery exceeds 12 hours — archive is not automatically created
  • If the broadcaster has made it private/private — You cannot view it even if you know the URL
  • If the publisher deletes the archive — recovery is not possible
  • Immediately after delivery — May take several hours to process and may not be seen immediately

In other words, there is no guarantee that the archive will remain. If you have a broadcast that you absolutely want to watch again, it is a good idea to record it yourself.

3 ways to record on PC (Windows)

There are three main ways to record YouTube live on your computer. All are free to use.

Method 1: Xbox Game Bar (Windows standard feature)

This is a screen recording function that is included in Windows 10/11 from the beginning. The biggest advantage is that you can use it right away with no additional software required.

  1. Open YouTube Live in your browser and make it full screen
  2. Press Win + G on your keyboard to launch Game Bar
  3. Click the ● (Start recording) button in the "Capture" widget
  4. To stop recording Win + Alt + R
  5. The recording file will be saved in MP4 format in the "PC > Video > Capture" folder

Roughly speaking, It's easy as you only need to memorize two shortcut keys. However, please note that you cannot record the desktop screen itself (app window unit).

Method 2: OBS Studio (high functionality/completely free)

OBS Studio is a standard recording software that is also used by live broadcasters. Although it is completely free, it supports high-quality recording and allows detailed settings such as scheduled recording and scene switching.

  1. Download and install from official website
  2. Start OBS and add "+" → "Display Capture" in "Source"
  3. Play YouTube live in your browser
  4. Click the "Start Recording" button in OBS
  5. When the broadcast is finished, click "Stop Recording"

The initial settings are a little complicated, but once you set them up, all you have to do is press a button. This is the best option for people who want to be particular about image quality and want to record long-term broadcasts.

Method 3: QuickTime Player for Mac

If you are using a Mac, you can record your screen using the standard app QuickTime Player.

  1. Open QuickTime Player and select "File" → "New Screen Recording" from the menu
  2. Select recording range (full screen or range specification)
  3. Click the “Record” button to start
  4. Quit with the stop button on the menu bar

The saving format is MOV file. If you want to convert it to MP4, you can convert it by selecting H.264 format from "File" → "Export".

How to record on iPhone/Android

For iPhone: Screen recording (standard feature)

Since iOS 11, the Screen recording function is standard on iPhone. No additional apps required.

Advance preparation (first time only):

  1. Open "Settings" → "Control Center"
  2. Check if "Screen Recording" is listed. If not, add it with "+"

Recording procedure:

  1. Open live broadcast in YouTube app
  2. Swipe down from the top right of the screen to display Control Center
  3. Tap the double circle icon (screen recording button)
  4. Recording begins after a 3 second countdown
  5. To end, tap the red time display on the top left of the screen → "Stop"

According to Apple Official Support, internal audio (sound of the broadcast) is automatically recorded. However, if silent mode (mute) is on, there will be no sound, so be sure to turn it off before recording.

For Android: Screen record (standard feature)

Screen Record is included as standard in Android 11 and later.

  1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to display the quick settings panel
  2. Tap "Screen Record" (or "Screen Recording")
  3. Check "Record device audio" and "Start"
  4. Play live streaming on YouTube app
  5. When finished, press "Tap to stop" in the notification bar

The button names and positions differ depending on the model, but the basic process is the same.

You can officially save offline with YouTube Premium

Actually, YouTube has only one official way to save videos. That is the "temporary save" function of YouTube Premium.

As of February 2026, YouTube Premium prices are as follows.

  • Personal plan: 1,280 yen per month
  • Family plan: 2,280 yen per month (up to 5 people)
  • Student Plan: 780 yen per month

If you become a Premium member, an "offline" button will be displayed on the video playback screen. Just tap it to temporarily save it to your phone and watch it offline for up to 29 days. (From YouTube official help)

However, there are some caveats.

  • Cannot be saved during live broadcast (only after archive is published)
  • Re-download required after 29 days
  • After canceling Premium, you will no longer be able to view saved videos
  • Temporary saving on PC browsers is only supported in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Opera

In short, it is a system similar to "rental". Although it is not suitable for permanent storage, it has the great advantage of being the only official method that does not violate the regulations.

Notes to know before recording

There are some legal and rule points to be aware of when recording YouTube Live.

Downloading and recording are prohibited in principle under YouTube Terms of Service

YouTube's Terms of Service prohibits "downloading of content on YouTube in any manner other than as expressly permitted by YouTube." This means that recording using screen recording software may violate the Terms of Service.

Under Japanese copyright law, "private use" is a gray area

On the other hand, Article 30 of the Japanese Copyright Act allows copying for private use. It is said that it is unlikely to be illegal if it is for personal enjoyment, but the following cases are completely out.

  • Uploading recorded videos to SNS or sites → Copyright infringement
  • Selling and distributing recorded videos → Copyright infringement
  • Knowingly recording content that was uploaded illegally → Possibility of falling under illegal downloading

In summary, it's a delicate position: ``If you're just watching it for yourself, it's unlikely to be a problem legally, but it's against YouTube's terms of service.'' Please make your own decisions at your own risk.

FAQ

When will the YouTube live archive be available for viewing after the broadcast?

After the distribution ends, it will be available for viewing within a few minutes to several hours. The longer the stream, the longer it will take to process, so don't panic if you can't see it right away. Archives will not be created for broadcasts longer than 12 hours.

Is it illegal to record YouTube live?

Japanese copyright law allows copying for personal use, but YouTube's terms of service generally prohibit it. Sharing, selling, or uploading recorded videos to others is illegal as copyright infringement. Please keep it for personal reference only.

Why is there no sound when recording the iPhone screen?

If silent mode is turned on, internal audio will not be recorded. Before recording, turn off silent mode using the switch on the side of your iPhone, turn up the volume, and then start recording.

What should I do on a Windows PC without Xbox Game Bar?

For PCs with Windows 10 or earlier or where Game Bar is disabled, we recommend installing OBS Studio (free). It can be downloaded from the official website and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

What is the difference between temporary storage and screen recording on YouTube Premium?

Temporary storage on YouTube Premium is a function officially provided by YouTube and does not violate the Terms of Service. However, it is limited to a maximum of 29 days, and you will no longer be able to watch it after canceling your Premium subscription. Screen recordings can be saved permanently, but this may violate the Terms of Service.

References