Learn how to record streaming videos for free on Windows PC, Mac, smart TV, phones, or even online in this article. Get the best streaming recorder to capture any content without a black screen.
Live streaming videos are everywhere - from Netflix series and YouTube gaming streams to Twitch events and Facebook Live sessions. Whether for offline viewing, study, or personal use, learning how to record streaming video across different devices can save you time and improve your content experience.
For Windows and Mac users, there are various options. Here, the best free video recording software is introduced to you, from third-party professional screen recorder to built-in tools. To help you understand more quickly, we have made an information table of desktop recorders for streaming video:
Tool | System | Internal Audio | Price | Pros | Cons |
Windows 7/8/10/11, macOS 10.13+ | ✅ | Free & Paid | High-quality, DRM-supported, no watermark, scheduled recording | Free version has some limitations | |
Mac | ❌ | Free | Built-in, easy to use, no installation needed | Cannot record internal audio, limited editing, large file size | |
Windows / Mac | ❌ | Free | Open-source, network URL support | No DRM support, cannot record system audio |
Best for: Users who want high-quality recordings of live streams, including DRM-protected content. TechRadar Rating: 4.5 out of 5 |
EaseUS RecExperts is one of the most popular streaming video recorders on Windows and Mac. It can record streaming movies, shows, or other live stream videos in 1080p/4K with a frame rate higher than 60 FPS. It lets you screen record protected videos without black screen or DRM protection issues. You can capture streaming videos in full screen, a specific window, or a selected area.
⭐Stunning features of this best streaming video recorder:
🚩Steps for how to record streaming videos on Windows PCs:
Step 1. Launch EaseUS RecExperts and select Full Screen as your recording mode. This ensures smooth capture of streaming movies, online shows, or live video content without missing any detail.
Step 2. Choose whether to record the Webcam, System Sound, or Microphone based on your needs. Then, open the major video sites or platforms you want to record from.
Step 3. If you experience a black screen when recording playback, enable the Black Screen Fix feature to ensure smooth video capture. Once it's turned on, the REC button will change to purple. Navigate back to your streaming video, then click the purple REC button to start capturing.
Step 4. After a 3-second countdown, the recording will begin. A floating taskbar will appear on your screen. Use the toolbar to Pause or Stop the recording anytime during playback.
Step 5. Once the recording ends, you'll be taken to the preview window. Here, you can watch, trim, or edit your captured video, ideal for reviewing recorded sessions, saving study notes, or creating commentary-based content.
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Best for: Mac users who want to record streaming videos without downloading third-party tools. Spiceworks Community Rating: 3 out of 5 |
QuickTime Player is a versatile program, as you can play different media files and achieve basic format conversions effortlessly. This built-in tool can record streaming video content without DRM protection. However, it has a limitation that it cannot record internal audio Mac.
🚩Steps for saving a streaming video with QuickTime Player on Mac:
Step 1. Open the video that you like and use QuickTime Player. Then click "File" > "New Screen Recording" and the screen recording controls will appear.
Step 2. Click on a triangle to bring up the options menu. From the drop-down menu, choose the "Built-in Microphone", and you also can choose the destination where your recorded video will be saved.
Step 3. To deal with your streaming show, click the red dot in the middle of the screen recording box. Besides, you can adjust the area that you want to capture.
Step 4. Once done, click the stop button. Next, click "File" > "Export" to save your recorded video.
Since QuickTime Player cannot record internal audio and the files are usually large, it is recommended that you click the download button below to download EaseUS Mac screen recorder to easily capture streaming videos.
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Best for: Users who want an open-source tool to record YouTube live streams. G2 Rating: 4.5 out of 5 |
How can I record a streaming video on my computer (including the audio)?
VLC Media Player is a free and open-source media player, which helps play and convert media files on Windows and Mac. Besides, it is also streaming video capture software. To capture an online show in this stream capturer, you are allowed to use a URL. When entering a network URL into its Network Protocol, it will record while synchronizing the live broadcast.
Note: I have tried many times, but due to network or regional restrictions, VLC not recording or streaming issues often occur.
🚩Followed is a guide for capturing online streaming shows from YouTube with VLC Media Player:
Step 1. Launch VLC and open it. To record the show from social media platforms like YouTube, click "Open Network Stream" > "Network".
Step 2. A new window appears, and you need to paste a URL of the streaming show that you want to capture in the box and click "Play".
Step 3. Click the red button to start your capturing task. Once you want to stop it, click the same button again.
Step 4. Choose "Media" > "Open Recent Media". Here, you view the saved streaming video on your computer.
Best for: Record streaming video online for free, no installation, no time limit. |
Recording video from streaming websites has never been easier. EaseUS Online Screen Recorder is a lightweight, browser-based screen recorder that allows you to capture live streams, webinars, YouTube videos, and other streaming content without installing bulky software. This online streaming recorder is perfect for Windows, Mac, and even Chromebook users. This tool helps you save live streaming videos for offline viewing.
💡 Tip: For best results, use a stable internet connection and avoid switching browser tabs during recording to maintain smooth video capture.
Key Features:
Capture live streaming video from Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, Vimeo, etc.
Export recordings in MP4 format for easy sharing
No installation required, works directly from your web browser
Detailed steps on how to save streaming video online:
Step 1. Visit its official website and launch the recorder in your browser, and select the recording source. Enable System Audio and Microphone if needed.
Step 2. Play the live stream or online video you want to capture, then click the REC icon to begin high-quality streaming video recording.
Step 3. Click the Stop icon when finished, preview your recording, and export the video in MP4 format for offline playback or sharing.
If you prefer to use a more powerful live stream video recorder, please download its desktop version.
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Compatibility: iOS 11 or a later; Android 10 or a later Best for: mobile users who have enough storage space for video recording |
To do this task on your phone or tablet, you can choose the built-in screen recorder. The saved live-streaming show will be saved on the Photos or Gallery app automatically.
Recording streaming videos on an iPhone is straightforward thanks to the built-in screen recording feature, which is easily accessible from the Control Center. This feature ensures high-quality output, capturing both the screen and audio seamlessly. However, it lacks advanced editing options, meaning users might need to turn to additional apps for post-recording modifications. Additionally, some users may encounter occasional glitches or crashes, particularly with older iOS versions.
🚩Steps for how to record streaming video on iOS:
Step 1. Swipe down for iPhone X or above versions to access the Control Center. Tap the Screen Recording button (dot in a circle) to start recording.
Step 2. After a 3-second countdown, the recording will begin. Go to the streaming video you want to record quickly. The red dot on the upper float bar indicates the recording is initiated.
Step 3. Once done, tap the red status bar and select Stop.
Step 4. View or edit the video recording by going to the Photos app.
Android devices often have built-in screen recording tools, like on Samsung and Google Pixel, that are easy to use and free.
🚩Steps for how to record live streaming video on Android:
Step 1. Swipe down from the phone screen top to access Quick Settings.
Step 2. Locate the screen recorder or similar functions (which can vary depending on your device).
Step 3. Tap the recording icon, set up audio and video if prompted, and tap Start to begin recording.
Step 4. Go to the streaming video you want to record and let it play. When done, swipe to access the notification panel again and tap Stop.
Step 5. View the video recording by going to the Gallery or Photos app.
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Compatibility: smart TVs supporting DVR; Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 Best for: Recording streaming videos from TVs for later offline watching |
Many users want to screen record Netflix, Peacock, and other streaming services to save shows, dramas, movies, and more videos to watch later.
Here are two options: a Smart TV with DVR and a PC screen recorder with HDMI capture card. Let's have a quick look.
🚩Steps for recording streaming videos from TV using a DVR:
Step 1. Ensure your Smart TV supports external DVR recording. Some TVs have built-in recording features (e.g., Samsung's "Timeshift" or LG's "PVR").
Step 2. Plug a USB flash drive or an external hard drive (HDD) into your TV's USB port.
Step 3. Navigate to the recording or PVR settings in your TV's menu.
Step 4. Play the streaming video and press the Record button (often on the remote). Some DVRs allow scheduled recordings.
Step 5. Access the recorded file through the TV's storage menu. (Some recordings may be encrypted and playable only on the same TV.)
🚩Steps for saving streaming content from TV using a PC screen recorder:
Step 1. Plug an HDMI cable from your Smart TV's HDMI Out port into the capture card, then connect the capture card to your PC via USB.
Step 2. Open a screen recording tool like EaseUS RecExperts. Set the input source as the HDMI capture card.
Step 3. Adjust recording settings and start recording.
Compatibility: web browsers on Windows, Mac, or mobile devices Best for: Users who want to record online and have a steady internet connection. |
Video Grabber is an outstanding video streaming ripper. With its help, you can download streaming shows from nearly all the popular video hosting platforms, like YouTube, Vimeo, etc.
The steps are easy, and you only need to copy the video's URL. This tool can analyze the link and download the related video. Even if it failed to download, a built-in tool would capture streaming video online. However, there is no guarantee of 100% success, and sometimes it will prompt "No media found".
🚩Using the streaming video downloader to capture videos:
Step 1. Copy the URL of the live streaming show that you want to save.
Step 2. Open Video Grabber, and paste the URL into the input box.
Step 3. Click "Download". Select the desired quality option and hit "Download" on the pop-up window.
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Before recording streaming videos, be aware of the legal and copyright implications:
💡Tip: When unsure, seek permission from the content owner or consult local copyright laws.
We have discussed several live streaming recorders to help record streaming videos on this page. For capturing videos on Windows and Mac, EaseUS RecExperts is your best choice.
You can capture any video and audio with it. Besides, it supports many formats, so you can play the recorded videos on most players and devices.
There are some related questions. If you want to learn more about it, go on reading!
1. How can I record streaming videos for free?
To capture live streaming or other streaming content for free, you can use a free online tool like EaseUS Online Screen Recorder. This web-based streaming recorder is 100% free and safe.
2. Can I record streaming video on my computer?
Yes, you can record it on your computer with the screen recording software like EaseUS RecExperts. This tool works on Windows and Mac. You can deal with the screen, system sound, and an external voice like a microphone.
3. Can you record a streaming show?
Yes, you can do it on Windows PC, Mac, iPhone, or iPad with the streaming video capturing software.
4. Which tool is best for multi-device support?
EaseUS RecExperts is available for both Windows and Mac, and it excels at capturing internal audio, delivering high-quality video, and effectively handling DRM content.
5. How to screen record Netflix without black screen on phone?
The quick way to screen record Netflix on iPhone and Android without black screen is to use an external device. Netflix app's technology to prevent screen recording and screenshots is more stringent than the web version. Thus, using another device to capture Netflix footage is the most direct way.
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