How to Record a YouTube Video: A Complete Guide for Creators

• Screen recording remains a reliable, cost-effective way to capture YouTube videos with perfectly synced video and audio.
• You can record YouTube videos on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android without installing extra apps by using their built-in screen recorders.
• Browser-based recorders are helpful for quick captures but often limit recording length, quality, and audio sources.
• To record YouTube audio properly, system audio must be enabled in your recording settings to prevent capturing silent footage.
• Always run a short 5 to 10 second test run to verify your audio levels, capture area, and performance before starting a long recording.

When I first considered creating YouTube videos, I assumed it would drain my wallet. In my mind, you needed a camera setup, tripods, lights, you know, the full production package, before you could record anything worth posting. I even started saving for gear because I thought that was the only way to get started. It took me a while to realize you can record a solid YouTube video with almost zero budget using the built-in screen recorder on your device.

However, discovering that didn’t magically make the process simple. I still remember my first attempt at recording a YouTube video. I hit record, captured a full 20 minutes, and only afterward realized I had recorded my webcam instead of my screen. That moment taught me the hard truth: recording isn’t just about pressing a button. I realized that understanding the right recording method makes all the difference.

Over the past few years, I've tested every major recording method available across different devices and platforms. Whether you need to save a tutorial for offline viewing, capture a live stream, or create reaction content, I've figured out which techniques actually work and which ones waste your time. I've made all the mistakes, so you don't have to. In this guide, I'll walk you through the exact methods I use to record YouTube videos reliably.

Best overall method: screen recording with a dedicated tool (e.g., Movavi Screen Recorder)

This method often delivers the cleanest, most reliable captures; you get precise control over your recording area, synced system audio, webcam overlay options, and built-in editing tools, making it an ideal choice for professionals.

Best free method: built-in OS screen recording

Windows Game Bar and the macOS Screenshot Toolbar launch instantly with keyboard shortcuts. No setup, no installation, and no learning curve compared to using dedicated tools.

Best for quick captures: browser extension recording

Extensions like Loom or Awesome Screenshot let you record directly from your browser tab. This is the fastest way to capture short clips without opening the full software.

Best for mobile: native screen recording

The built-in recorders on iOS and Android handle YouTube playback smoothly and save directly to your device library, making them perfect when you're away from your computer.

Pro tip: I always do a 5-second test recording before capturing anything important. This allows me to confirm my audio sources are working, the capture area is correct, and my computer can handle the recording without lag. I've saved myself from failed recordings countless times with this simple habit.

Step 1. Open your browser

Open your browser and navigate to the YouTube video you want to record

Step 2. Open Game Bar

Press Win + G keys to open the Game Bar overlay.

Step 3. Confirm the prompt.

If asked "Do you want to open Game bar?", check Yes, this is a game (works for any window).

Step 4. Start recording

• Click the circular record button in the Capture widget
• Or press Win + Alt + R to start recording immediately

Step 5. Monitor your recording

A small timer appears showing recording duration.

Step 6. Stop recording

• Press Win + Alt + R again
• Or click the stop button in the floating control bar

Step 7. Find your video

Recordings automatically save to Videos, Captures folder in MP4 format.

Step 1. Open the Screenshot Toolbar

Press Cmd + Shift + 5 keys to open the Screenshot Toolbar.

Step 2. Select recording type

• Click Record Entire Screen (fourth icon) for full-screen capture
• Click Record Selected Portion (fifth icon) to manually select your browser area

Step 3. Configure options

• Click the Options button
• Under Microphone, select your mic if you want commentary
• Choose a save location (I use Desktop for easy access)

Step 4. Start recording

Click Record or press Return.

Step 5. Stop recording

Click the stop button in the menu bar when finished.

Step 6. Access your video

The file saves to your chosen location as an MOV file.

Pro tip: For Windows Game Bar, I always check audio settings before recording. To do this, you can click the settings gear icon, Capturing, ensure Record audio when I record a game is enabled. For Mac, the Screenshot Toolbar options menu lets you select your microphone source before starting.

Step 1. Install a recording extension

• Go to Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons
• Search for "screen recorder" (popular options: Loom, Awesome Screenshot)
• Click Add to Chrome or Add to Firefox
• Grant necessary permissions when prompted

Step 2. Open a YouTube video

Open the YouTube video you want to record in a new tab.

Step 3. Click the extension icon

Click the extension icon in your browser toolbar (usually the top-right corner).

Step 4. Choose recording mode

• Tab only records just the current browser tab (best for YouTube)
• Desktop records your entire screen
• Some extensions offer Tab + Camera for webcam overlay

Step 5. Select audio source

• Enable Tab audio to capture the YouTube video sound
• Toggle Microphone if adding commentary

Step 6. Start recording

Click the Start Recording or Record button. A countdown appears (usually 3 seconds) before recording begins.

Step 7. Record your content

Play the YouTube video.

Step 8. Stop recording

• Click the extension icon again and hit Stop
• Or use the keyboard shortcut shown in the extension interface

Step 9. Save or share

• Most extensions upload to their cloud service automatically
• Download the video file to your computer if desired

Pro tip: Many free browser extensions limit recording time (5-10 minutes) or add watermarks. I've had recordings cut off unexpectedly at the time limit, so always check the extension's restrictions before starting a long capture.

For Loom specifically: When I use Loom, I appreciate that it generates an instant shareable link after recording. This is perfect when I need to quickly share a YouTube clip with someone, but the automatic cloud upload requires a stable internet connection.

Step 1. Add screen recording to Control Center (one-time setup)

• Open the Settings app
• Navigate to Control Center
• Scroll down to More Controls
• Tap the green + icon next to Screen Recording.

Step 2. Open Control Center

• iPhone X and newer: Swipe down from the top-right corner
• iPhone 8 and earlier: Swipe up from the bottom edge
• iPad: Swipe down from the top-right corner

Step 3. Long-press the Screen Recording button (circular record icon)

Step 4. Enable microphone audio

• Tap the microphone icon (turns red when active)
• This captures both YouTube audio and any commentary you add

Step 5. Tap Start Recording

A 3-second countdown begins. Prepare your YouTube app.

Step 6. Record as needed

The status bar turns red, indicating active recording. Open YouTube and play your video.

Step 7. Stop recording

• Tap the red status bar at the top
• Select Stop in the confirmation pop-up
• Or open Control Center and tap the recording button again

Step 8. Find your video

Automatically saved to Photos app in Recents.

Step 1. Access Quick Settings

• Swipe down from the top of your screen once
• Swipe down again to see the full panel

Step 2. Locate the Screen Record tile

• Look for the Screen Record icon (small screen with a dot)
• If not visible: tap pencil/edit icon and drag Screen Record to your active tiles

Step 3. Tap Screen Record

Configure recording options in the pop-up:

• Select Record audio, choose Device audio for YouTube sound
• Optional: enable Show touches on screen for tutorial-style videos
• Optional: enable Show taps on screen

Step 4. Tap the Start button

A 3-second countdown gives you time to prepare.

Step 5. Record your content

Open YouTube and navigate to your video.

Step 6. Stop recording

• Swipe down the notification shade
• Tap the Stop button in the screen recording notification

Step 7. Access your video

Saved to Gallery in Screenshots or Movies folder.

Pro tip: When I record on mobile, I always ensure I have at least 50% battery power and check available storage first. A 10-minute full HD recording can consume 500MB to 1GB of storage, and I've had recordings fail when my device ran out of space mid-capture.

I've also noticed that using the microphone option sometimes picks up background noise more prominently on mobile than on desktop recording. If you're in a noisy environment, I recommend using headphones or recording in a quieter location.

After testing every major recording method for YouTube videos, I've learned that the best technique depends entirely on your specific situation and needs. For most people, I recommend starting with Movavi Screen Recorder. It provides the perfect balance of professional features and ease of use, and I've relied on it for the majority of my YouTube recordings over the past two years.

When I need something quick and don't have time for software, I use Windows Game Bar (Win + Alt + R) or macOS Screenshot Toolbar (Cmd + Shift + 5). These built-in methods have saved me countless times when I needed to capture something immediately. For mobile recording, the native iOS and Android screen recorders work flawlessly. I've captured dozens of YouTube videos on my phone while traveling with excellent results.

The key lesson from all my testing? Don't overcomplicate the process. Start with the most accessible method for your device, practice with short recordings first, and gradually explore advanced features as you become comfortable. I began with simple screen captures three years ago, and now I confidently handle multi-source recordings with webcam overlays and professional audio mixing.

Whatever method you choose, always do a test recording first. This simple habit has prevented more failed recordings than any other tip I can offer.