# How to Record YouTube Videos on Your Mac: The Ultimate Guide

- Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/how-to-record-youtube-videos-on-your-mac-the-ultimate-guide/
- Published: 2024-03-02
- Author: Jordan Brown
- Categories: [Software & APP](https://33rdsquare.com/category/software-app/)

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In today‘s digital age, YouTube reigns supreme as the go-to platform for video content. With over 2.6 billion monthly active users watching over 1 billion hours of video per day, it‘s no surprise that more and more people are looking to record YouTube videos for a variety of reasons.1

Maybe you want to save a favorite tutorial for offline viewing, capture a live stream to watch later, or grab a clip from a video to use in your own project. Whatever your reason, recording YouTube videos on a Mac is easier than you might think.

In this ultimate guide, we‘ll walk you through four simple methods for capturing YouTube videos on macOS:

1. Using QuickTime Player
2. With the built-in Screenshot tool
3. In VLC Media Player
4. Using the Capto app

But first, a word of caution: YouTube‘s terms of service state that you can only record videos for personal, non-commercial use.2 Reproducing or distributing recorded videos without the creator‘s permission could lead to copyright strikes or legal issues. Always respect creators‘ rights and use recorded videos responsibly.

With that said, let‘s dive into the first method!

## Method 1: Record YouTube Videos with QuickTime Player

If you need a quick and easy way to record your screen, look no further than QuickTime Player. This built-in Mac app is ideal for no-frills recording. Here‘s how to use it:

1. Open QuickTime Player from your Applications folder or by searching for it with Spotlight (command + space).
2. From the menu bar, click File > New Screen Recording. A small window will appear with recording options.
3. Click the arrow next to the record button to configure your settings:

- To record audio, choose a microphone input. QuickTime will record system audio by default.
- Check the "Show Mouse Clicks" box to visualize clicks in the recording.
- Set a timer to delay the start of your recording by 5 or 10 seconds, giving you time to navigate to the video.
- Choose a save location for the finished recording.

1. When ready, click the red record button. Your cursor will turn into a camera icon.
2. Click anywhere to record the full screen, or click and drag a selection to record a specific part of the screen.
3. Open YouTube in your browser and play the video you want to record.
4. To stop recording, click the stop button in the menu bar or press command-control-esc.
5. QuickTime will automatically open the recording. From here, you can view, edit, and share the video.

![QuickTime screen recording options](https://33rdsquare.com/quicktime-screenshot.png)
 Considerations:

- QuickTime recordings can result in large file sizes, especially for longer videos. Keep this in mind if you‘re low on storage space.
- There‘s no way to pause a QuickTime recording. If you need to take a break, you‘ll need to stop the recording and start a new one.
- While QuickTime offers basic trimming, you‘ll need a separate app for more advanced editing.

Best for:

- Short recordings that don‘t require editing
- Capturing system audio
- Users who prefer a simple, no-frills approach

## Method 2: Use the macOS Screenshot Tool

Starting with macOS Mojave, Apple includes a handy Screenshot app with advanced recording options. Here‘s how to access it:

1. Press command-shift-5 to open the screenshot toolbar, or launch the Screenshot app from the Applications folder.
2. In the toolbar, select your recording mode:

- "Record Entire Screen" to capture the whole screen
- "Record Selected Portion" to choose a specific area to capture
- "Record Window" to record a single app window

1. Optionally, click "Options" to configure settings like:

- Save location
- Timer
- Microphone selection
- Show or hide mouse clicks
- Show or hide floating thumbnail

1. Click "Record" to start. You‘ll see a brief countdown before the recording begins.
2. Go to YouTube and play the desired video.
3. To stop recording, click the stop button in the menu bar or press command-shift-esc.
4. By default, the recording will be saved to your chosen location (Desktop, unless changed). Click the floating thumbnail to open it or access quick sharing options.

![macOS Screenshot recording options](https://33rdsquare.com/screenshot-options.png)
 Considerations:

- Unlike QuickTime, the Screenshot tool generates smaller file sizes that are more suitable for sharing.
- However, it does not record system audio by default. You‘ll need to enable this in Options > Microphone.
- The editing options in the Screenshot app are still fairly basic. For detailed editing, you‘ll want a dedicated app.

Best for:

- Capturing a specific window or region
- Generating easy-to-share video files
- Users looking for a built-in tool with a few more options than QuickTime

## Method 3: Capture YouTube Videos with VLC

You may know VLC as a powerful media player, but did you know it can also record your screen? Here‘s how:

1. Download VLC from videolan.org and install it, if you haven‘t already.
2. Open VLC and navigate to File > Open Capture Device.
3. In the Capture Device window, select "Screen" from the Capture mode dropdown.
4. Choose your desired frame rate. 30 is a good default for a balance of smoothness and file size.
5. To record audio, check the "Audio" box and select your input device.
6. Click the "Advanced options" box if you want to specify a custom resolution, change the aspect ratio, adjust audio quality, or specify an output location.
7. Click "Open" to start recording. You‘ll see a preview of your screen in the VLC window.
8. Open the YouTube video you want to record and press play.
9. Press command-c to stop recording when finished. The recording will be saved in your specified location, or the first time folder by default, as a .ps file.

![VLC screen capture settings](https://33rdsquare.com/vlc-capture.png)
 Considerations:

- VLC offers the most audio configuration options of the built-in methods, with controls for channels, bit rate, and samplerate.
- However, the user interface for screen recording feels a bit clunky compared to QuickTime or Screenshot.
- You‘ll likely want to convert the .ps output file to a more common format like .mp4 for playback and sharing (which VLC can also handle).

Best for:

- Recording longer videos that benefit from adjustable audio quality
- Users who already have VLC installed and are comfortable with its interface
- Those who want to experiment with advanced output settings

## Method 4: Record with Capto

For a more full-featured recording solution, Capto is a powerful option. This third-party app includes multiple capture modes, a built-in editor, and easy sharing. Here‘s how to use it:

1. Download Capto from the official site or the Mac App Store. Install and launch it.
2. When prompted, grant Capto permissions for screen recording, microphone, and accessibility.
3. In the Capto window, click "Record".
4. Select your capture area:

- "Area" to record a custom portion of the screen
- "Fullscreen" to capture the entire screen
- "Web" to record a browser window

1. Optionally, click the gear icon to adjust frame rate, audio input, cursor settings, and save location.
2. Click the red record button. After a 3-second countdown, the recording will begin.
3. Navigate to the YouTube video and press play.
4. When finished, click the stop button in the recording HUD or press command-shift-esc.
5. The recording will appear in the Capto library. Double-click to open it in the editor.
6. Use the editing tools to trim, annotate, blur, splice, and enhance the video. You can also add captions, highlights, and effects.
7. Click the share button to send the edited video directly to popular destinations like Mail, Messages, Dropbox, or YouTube. Or, export the video in your desired format.

![Capto video editor interface](https://33rdsquare.com/capto-editor.png)
 Considerations:

- Capto offers the most comprehensive feature set of the methods listed here, with multiple recording modes and editing tools that eliminate the need for a separate editor.
- However, it comes at a price. Capto costs $29.99 for a lifetime license, or $17.99/year for a subscription with extra cloud storage and training.
- Some users may find the abundance of options overwhelming compared to more streamlined tools like QuickTime.

Best for:

- Complex recordings that require substantial editing
- Capturing online meetings, presentations, or tutorials
- Users who value an all-in-one workflow and are willing to pay for it

## Comparing the Methods Head-to-Head

Here‘s how the four methods stack up in terms of key features:

| Feature | QuickTime | Screenshot | VLC | Capto |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free | Free | $29.99 or $17.99/yr |
| Records full screen | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Records selection | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Records single window | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Records system audio | ✓ | ✗* | ✓ | ✓ |
| Microphone input | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Customizable shortcuts | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Built-in editing | Basic | Basic | ✗ | Advanced |
| Sharing options | Basic | Basic | ✗ | Advanced |

*System audio requires selecting an input device in Options.

## Tips for High-Quality YouTube Recordings

Regardless of which method you choose, keep these tips in mind for the best results:

1. **Aim for high resolution.** Select the highest resolution and frame rate available in your recording settings. This will result in the sharpest, smoothest video.
2. **Reduce background noise.** If you‘re recording audio with a microphone, use a quiet room and consider a pop filter to minimize plosives and other unwanted sounds.
3. **Mute notifications.** Enable Do Not Disturb mode on your Mac to prevent notification sounds and pop-ups from interrupting your recording.
4. **Use a fully charged or plugged-in computer.** Avoid running out of battery mid-recording, especially for longer videos.
5. **Do a test run.** Before recording a long or important video, do a brief test recording to ensure your settings are correct and everything is working as expected.

If you run into issues like choppy playback, out-of-sync audio, or corrupted files, try these troubleshooting steps:

- Close any unnecessary apps and browser tabs to free up system resources.
- Update your operating system and recording software to the latest versions.
- Try a different web browser or play the YouTube video in an incognito/private window.
- If recording with QuickTime, go to QuickTime > Preferences > Audio and make sure the correct input device is selected.

## Editing Your YouTube Recording

Once you‘ve captured your video, you may want to make some edits before sharing it. QuickTime and Screenshot offer basic trimming, while Capto includes more advanced editing tools. For even more control and creative options, consider a dedicated video editor like:

- **iMovie:** Apple‘s free, beginner-friendly editor that comes pre-installed on new Macs. Ideal for simple projects.
- **Final Cut Pro:** Apple‘s professional-grade editor. Expensive, but offers an impressive array of features and effects. Often used by YouTubers and video professionals.
- **DaVinci Resolve:** A powerful editor with a free version that‘s suitable for most users. Includes advanced color correction and effects.
- **Adobe Premiere Pro:** The industry-standard editor for Windows and Mac. Subscription-based with an abundance of features and integrations. Best for heavy-duty projects.

![Final Cut Pro editing timeline](https://33rdsquare.com/fcpx-timeline.jpg)
 When editing, aim to:

- Cut out unnecessary sections to keep the video concise and engaging
- Adjust audio levels for a consistent volume throughout
- Add captions or graphic elements to reinforce key points
- Apply subtle color correction to improve visual appeal
- Export the edited video in a web-friendly format like .mp4

## The Bottom Line on Recording YouTube Videos on Mac

There you have it—four reliable ways to record YouTube videos on your Mac. While the built-in options like QuickTime and Screenshot are convenient and free, they may not offer the advanced functionality some users need. VLC is an open-source alternative with robust output settings, while Capto provides an all-in-one solution for those willing to spend a bit more.

Ultimately, the best method for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. We recommend starting with QuickTime or Screenshot for basic recordings, then graduating to VLC or Capto if you need more control over the recording and editing process.

Remember, recording YouTube videos should be done sparingly and only for personal use. Never distribute or reproduce copyrighted content without permission.

We hope this guide has empowered you to capture YouTube videos on Mac with confidence. Feel free to revisit it anytime you need a refresher. Happy recording!

### Further Reading and Resources

Looking to learn more about recording video on Mac? Check out these helpful resources:

- [Apple Support: Record the screen on your Mac](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208721)
- [iMore: How to record your screen on Mac](https://www.imore.com/how-record-your-screen-mac)
- [9to5Mac: How to record your screen on macOS](https://9to5mac.com/2018/03/16/how-to-record-mac-screen-video/)
- [Mac Screen Recording Comparison by MacUpdate](https://www.macupdate.com/how-to/record-screen-on-mac)
- [Kapwing: How to Screen Record on Mac (5 Easy Methods)](https://www.kapwing.com/resources/how-to-screen-record-on-mac-5-easy-methods/)

### Sources:

1. [YouTube for Press (https://blog.youtube/press/)](https://blog.youtube/press/)
2. [YouTube Terms of Service (https://www.youtube.com/static?template=terms)](https://www.youtube.com/static?template=terms)

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Source: [How to Record YouTube Videos on Your Mac: The Ultimate Guide](https://33rdsquare.com/how-to-record-youtube-videos-on-your-mac-the-ultimate-guide/)