How to Record YouTube Videos Effortlessly on Any Device Anytime?

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One of the main superpowers of humanity is the ability to collaborate. By combining our efforts, we hone our skills, generate better content, and create brand-new digital products that bring us unprecedented success.

That’s why you can see many collaborations, reaction videos, reviews, and other collaborative videos on YouTube. Some of them bring the collaborators many more views, likes, and comments than individual videos of each of them.

Do you want to join creative collaborations on multimedia platforms and generate high-quality, engaging content? Then, you should learn how to record a YouTube video on your phone or desktop. We have prepared detailed guides for each type of device and popular operating systems.

Can You Capture a YouTube Video Legally?

Rule #1: If you are going to use a fragment of another video in a positive context, ask the author for permission. Usually, creators leave their contact information in the channel description. If they don’t, you can always send a request for an email after passing the CAPTCHA verification.

YouTube channel description

Rule #2: If you don’t plan to contact the author for permission, be sure to read the terms of fair use of copyrighted content. Legislation in most countries allows partial use of copyrighted content even if it is officially registered. Google experts point out that you can avoid legal problems if you:

  • Use small fragments of video — a few seconds in a row
  • Modify the content — change the visual design, sound, color scheme, break the sequence of frames, etc.;
  • Use recorded materials to disseminate information;
  • Avoid negative attitudes towards the author and their content — this can be seen as harmful to reputation.

Rule #3: Study the local laws of your country and the author’s country. Most copyright infringement lawsuits are considered according to local regulations. If you want to borrow a video from a highly popular channel or discuss the work of a well-known media personality, it’s a good idea to consult a lawyer.

If you want to capture a YouTube video solely for personal use, you don’t need to worry about copyright infringement. If the video is available for free and does not require a paid subscription to the channel, you can record it to use it for learning, creativity, experimentation, or just for fun. However, make sure that the resulting digital products are not published online or used for commercial purposes.

You can also use the alternative of recording to utilize the content for personal needs. The NOIZ service will provide you with a full transcription of the video or a summary with the most important points highlighted. You can copy the finished material with one click, upload it through the menu, or even automatically transfer it to other applications.

Noiz Main App

Complete Guides for Capturing YouTube Videos on Any Device

Almost every operating system has built-in tools for recording video from the screen. You can use them for YouTube capture without installing third-party applications. Here’s where to find them and how to use them.

Windows 10

On PC, you have a convenient yet not logical and obvious solution. You can use the same tools that YouTubers use to record their gameplay. Here’s what it looks like:

1. Open the Start menu and find Game Bar in the list of programs, or go to the desktop and press Windows+G.

2. A toolbar will open at the top of the screen. Click the Capture button with the camera icon.

How to record your screen on windows

3. To keep the panel accessible, pin it by clicking the corresponding button.

Capture your screen on desktop

4. Enter the settings, open the Widget item, and select the best way to record audio.

Record all windows on desktop

5. When you’re ready, click the start button. When you’re done capturing, click it again.

Capture your screen on windows

6. You can view the finished recordings by clicking the See My Captures link.

Windows 11

The new version of the Microsoft OS has an even easier and more convenient tool for recording video from the screen. You can use it by following these instructions:

1. Select Snipping Tool from the list of applications in the main menu or press Windows+Shift+S.

Record part of the screen on windows

2. Click the button with the image of a video camera and click New. You will then be able to select the desired recording area. This will save you time and effort in post-processing.

Windows Snipping tool for recording the screen

3. Click the Start button in the toolbar at the top. Click it again to complete the recording. The application will then prompt you to choose a location to save the file.

Mac (OS X)

Mac also has a tool for capturing YouTube videos:

  1. Find Quick Time Player in the menu and launch it.
  2. Open the File menu and choose New Screen Recording.
  3. Click the arrow next to the record button to choose how you want to capture the audio. You can also select the mouse cursor here.
  4. Click the record button. To record the entire screen, click anywhere else. To select a capture area, hold down the left mouse button and drag a rectangle on the screen.
  5. When the recording is complete, click the same button again. Quick Time Player will automatically open the finished video for viewing, editing, or sharing.

YouTubers also use the Screenshot Tool to record video on Mac. It’s available in newer versions of the OS, starting with Mojave. You can launch it by pressing Shift+Command+5. You will see tools for selecting the desired area of the screen and capturing the video stream.

MacOS record screen

Android

Newer versions of the operating system (from 12 or from 9 in separate shells) provide everything you need to record video from the screen:

1. Open the Quick Access panel by swiping down.

2. Find the Screen Recording button.

Record your screen on Android

3. If the button is not there, add it in the Quick Access panel settings.

Add record button to the control panel on Android

4. Press the button for a few seconds to open the settings. Select the video quality, audio source, and location of the recording control panel.

Change video recording quality on Android

5. Open the shortcut bar again and tap Screen Recording once to start capturing the video.

6. When you’re done, locate the recording control panel and click Done. The video will be automatically saved to the gallery.

Recording your screen on Android

iPhone

Using this feature on iOS has certain differences that make it a bit more convenient. To download YouTube video to iPhone camera roll, use the following instructions:

1. Open Settings and find Control Center.

2. Add Screen Recording to the Included Controls section.

3. Open the Control Center by swiping down.

4. Click Screen Recording and minimize any unnecessary toolbars before the timer countdown ends.

5. When the recording is complete, open the Control Center again and click the corresponding button.

6. The finished video will be saved in the gallery.

Short Conclusion: How to Record YouTube Videos

The main tip is to always check for potential copyright issues. If you doubt the legality of using content, contact the author or carefully study international and local fair use rules. If you want to get a recording for research or educational purposes, you can generate a transcription or a short summary using NOIZ instead of the full video.

To record YouTube videos on your phone or desktop, you can use native built-in apps. They are simple and easy to use but not always perfect. That’s why many creators choose alternatives — specialized screen capture applications such as Screencapture, Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder, Panopto Express, Snagit, OBS Studio, or ScreenFlow.

FAQ

What is the best way to record a YouTube video?

It all depends on your goal. If you just want to save the video for re-watching or studying, use the built-in recording tools that almost every operating system has. If you want to repurpose the content, download an app like OBS Studio or use an online service like Screencapture, both of which have video editing tools.

How do I record a portion of a YouTube video?

It’s simple — you can start and stop recording at any time. This feature is available in specialized applications and built-in tools of operating systems.

How do I record and post a YouTube video?

First, ask yourself if you are violating copyright law. If not, follow the instructions below:

  • Step 1: Record something awesome (or hilariously awkward).
  • Step 2: Edit it with free tools like iMovie or DaVinci Resolve.
  • Step 3: Upload to YouTube, add a catchy title, and voila! You’re officially a YouTuber. Bonus: Don’t forget tags unless you want your video to hide in obscurity.

What do YouTubers use to record videos?

When it comes to capturing video from the screen, the most popular services are Snagit, Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder, Screencapture, Panopto Express, OBS Studio, or ScreenFlow. But you can also start with something simpler — built-in recording tools in your operating system.

Is it OK to record YouTube videos?

To answer this question, check the content fair use rules, local copyright laws, and the laws in the author’s country. Does it sound too complicated? You can always contact the author of the video to discuss the terms of use of the content.

What is the best equipment to record YouTube videos?

Any computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet will suffice for screen recording. If you’re going to create new content from scratch, you’ll need a high-quality camera (DSLR, action camera, or smartphone), a tripod for stationary placement, a microphone, and a lighting system.

How to capture a YouTube video on a PC?

In Windows 10, you can use the built-in Gaming bar designed for streamers, in Windows 11 — Snipping Tool, in Mac OS — Quick Time Player or Screenshot tool.

Can I film YouTube videos with my phone?

Yes, and you don’t need to point the camera at a computer or TV screen. Both Android and iOS have screen recording tools located in the Quick Access panel. If you don’t see them there, simply add them through the settings menu.

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