How to Screen Record YouTube Videos: Step-by-Step Guide

Sunny Wen 08/01/2026

CleverGet RecorderScreen Recorder

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YouTube is one of the most popular video platforms, offering tutorials, entertainment, and more. Many users want to save videos for offline viewing, but YouTube does not always provide a download option. On the one hand, third-party tools like CleverGet can help download videos for offline use. On the other hand, screen recording is also a popular method. Can you easily screen record YouTube videos? How do you record videos for YouTube? Yes. With the guide below, you can capture the content and watch it later.

Part 1: Is It Legal to Screen Record YouTube Videos?

Many people ask, "Can I screen record YouTube videos?"Actually, you don't need to worry. Whether it's legal depends on how you use the recorded content. If it is for your own use, there is generally no issue with recording the screen. However, if you wish to share or distribute the recorded content, you should exercise caution. Copyrighted content, such as movies, shows, or music videos, is protected by law. Therefore, if you simply want to record YouTube videos and watch them yourself, that is acceptable. Nevertheless, be sure not to violate any terms of service or copyright law.

Part 2: How to Screen Record YouTube Videos on PC?

Now that the basics are clear, let’s look at how to record YouTube videos on a PC using different screen recording tools. You can use several tools to record YouTube videos, and some can also record extra audio or live broadcasts. There are two common choices:

1. Streaming Video Recorder: CleverGet Recorder

A good choice to record YouTube videos on the computer is CleverGet Recorder. It can easily record high-quality videos, even record YouTube live stream. The use method is simple:

Step 1: Launch the software

Launch CleverGet Recorder and go to the settings panel.

Step 2: Set output preferences

Step 3: Open YouTube in the built-in browser

In the built-in browser, open YouTube and navigate to the video you want.

Step 4: Start Recording

Start recording by pressing the record button when the video begins playing.

Step 5: Stop Recording

Stop when playback ends. The recording will be saved locally.

2. Screen Recorder: Leawo Free Screen Recorder

One of the best screen recorders on the computer is Leawo Free Screen Recorder. This tool is free, easy to use, and can record video and sound at the same time. Here are the steps to use it:

Step 1: Launch the software

Launch Leawo Free Screen Recorder and go to the settings panel.

Step 2: Set output preferences

Once the software is open, go to the settings panel where you can choose the output format, such as MP4, set the resolution, and frame rate.

Step 3: Determine Recording Area

You can either record the entire screen for maximum coverage, or define a custom recording area to capture only the YouTube playback window.

Step 4: Open Youtube in the built-in browser

Open the video in your web browser, then click Record in the screen recorder.

Step 5: Start Recording

Start recording by pressing the record button when the video begins playing.

Step 6: Stop Recording

Stop when playback ends. The recording will be saved locally.

Part 3: How to Screen Record YouTube Videos on Mobile Devices?

For mobile phone users, screen recording is also very simple, because the mobile phone has its own screen recording function, and there are third-party apps available. Whether you use an iPhone, iPad or Android phone, you can easily record YouTube videos.

1. Built-In Screen Recorder: iPhone/iPad and Android

Both iPhone and Android devices come with built-in screen recording functionality. Here’s how you can use them:

On iPhone/iPad:

1. Add Screen Recording in Settings > Control Center if needed.
2. Open the YouTube app and find the video.
3. Swipe down to open Control Center.
4. Long-press Screen Recording, set the microphone if needed, then tap Start.
5. Play the video to record it.
6. Tap the red status bar to stop. The video is saved to Photos.

On Android:

1. Swipe down to open the quick settings menu.
2. Tap the screen recording option to begin recording and play the video.
3. Once done, stop the recording by tapping the notification. The file will be stored in your Gallery or Files app.

2. Third-Party Screen Recorder: XRecorder

If your phone doesn’t have a built-in screen recorder, you can always use a third-party app like XRecorder (available for both Android and IOS). Here’s a quick guide to using it:

1. Download and install XRecorder from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and select the screen recording option.
3. Tap the record button to start capturing the video.
4. Once finished, tap the stop button, and your recording will be saved to your gallery.

Part 4: FAQs

1. Can YouTube Detect Screen Recording?

YouTube can't directly know whether we are recording or not, but it does have an anti-piracy function to prevent others from downloading videos casually. Remember, if you record a video and just watch it yourself, it's generally fine, but if you share it or spread it, it may violate YouTube rules.

2. Why Does My Recording Have No Audio?

If your screen recording has no sound, it may be because you haven't turned on the system sound option in the screen recording software. Be sure to check the audio settings before you start recording. If you are using a tool like CleverGet Recorder or Leawo, make sure that the audio of the system and the microphone are turned on.

3. Can I Screen Record YouTube in the Background?

In most cases, recording YouTube videos requires keeping the recording window active. If the screen is minimized or switched, recording may be paused or stopped.