How to Record Streaming Video on PC/Mac/TV/Phone

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.

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Melissa Lee

Updated on Feb 24, 2025

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Live streaming videos are almost everywhere on social media platforms like YouTube, Netflix, Facebook Live, etc. Learn how to record streaming video with a free screen recorder in this post for reliable solutions on Windows, Mac, smart TVs, mobile devices, and online.

Record Streaming Videos on Windows 10/11 PC

For Windows users, there are various options. Here, the best free video recording software is introduced to you. It includes EaseUS RecExperts and VLC Media Player.

1. Capture Streaming Video with EaseUS RecExperts

Compatibility: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

Best for: Windows users who want to record even DRM-protected streaming video without a time limit.

TechRadar Rating: 4 out of 5

EaseUS RecExperts is one of the most popular streaming recorders that lets you screen record protected videos without black screen or DRM protection.

⭐Stunning features of this best streaming video recorder:

  • High-quality recording – capture 1080p/4K with higher than 60 FPS
  • No watermarks & time limits – unlimited recording duration without watermark
  • Scheduled recording – automatically start and stop recording for capturing live streams
  • Customizable region & window recording – full screen, a specific window, or a selected area
  • Audio capture options – record system audio without microphone interference
  • Background & minimized recording – continue recording even when switching tasks or minimizing the screen

🚩Steps for how to record streaming videos on Windows PCs:

Step 1. Launch the EaseUS RecExperts, and click the downward triangle to find the "Enhanced mode" button that looks like a small TV on the left panel.

Find and Click Enhanced Mode

Step 2. Select to record the webcam, system sound, or the microphone. You can see popular streaming sites in this interface, including YouTube, Netflix, Vimeo, Amazon Prime, Disney, Hulu, etc. Then, click a site, and you will be lead to its official website.

Choose a Site

Step 3. Go back to EaseUS RecExperts and click the "REC" to proceed. The recording will start after a 3-second countdown. You can see a task bar on your screen. Choose the corresponding button on it to pause or stop the recording.

Start Recording

Step 4. When the recording is over, you will be lead to the preview interface where you can view and edit the recorded videos. Here you can eidt, take screenshots from the recording, or, adjust the volume and playback speed as you like.

View and Edit the Recording

2. Record a Streaming Video via VLC Media Player

Compatibility: All WindowsOS versions

Best for: Users who want an open-source tool to record and play DVDs and normal videos.

G2 Rating: 4.5 out of 5

How can I record a streaming video on my computer (including the audio)?

___Post from Quora

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.

🚩Followed is a guide for capturing online streaming shows from YouTube with VLC Media Player:

capture live streaming video with vlc

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.

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How to Record Streaming Video on Mac

For Mac users, there are also two helpful streaming show recorders. One is the default tool on macOS, and the other is a third-party program. The second one is more beneficial as it can deal with system sound on Mac.

1. Capture Live Streaming Shows through QuickTime Player

Compatibility: macOS versions X and above

Best for: Mac users who want to record streaming videos without downloading third-party tools.

Spiceworks Community Rating: 3 out of 5

This tool is a versatile program, as you can play different media files and achieve basic format conversions effortlessly.

Also, a fantastic function in QuickTime Player lets you capture screen with audio on Mac. The only limitation is 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 perform QuickTime Player. Then click "File" > "New Screen Recording" and the screen recording controls will appear.

launch quicktime new screen recording

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.

choose quicktime recording audio source

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.

2. Record Streaming Show via EaseUS RecExperts for Mac (Support System Sound)

Compatibility: macOS 10.13 or later

Best for: Mac users who want to record streaming video with internal audio.

TechRadar Rating: 4 out of 5

One helpful Mac screen recorder is introduced to you to better capture the screen and audio on Mac. EaseUS RecExperts for Mac is a lightweight streaming video recorder designed for everyday users.

When you plan to save a streaming video, you only need to select a suitable recording area and an appropriate audio source, and then start the task by clicking "REC". Meanwhile, there are more features you can explore.

⭐Key features of this streaming video capturer on Mac:

  • Capture streaming videos along with audio
  • Record internal audio on Mac
  • Support a Task Scheduler for capturing videos automatically
  • Support multiple output file formats, like MP4, MOV, FLV, etc.
  • Record videos in 4K, 1080P, 720P, and so on

This rich-featured tool is appropriate for multiple occasions. Use it at work, for entertainment, or for your e-learning. In the free version, you don't need to register an account. Try it!

🚩How to capture streaming show from the Internet on Mac:

Step 1. Open the streaming video that you want to capture. Then launch EaseUS RecExperts to get used to its interface on your Mac. If you want to record the whole screen, you can click the "Full Screen" option. If you want to customize the recording area, hit "Region". Then, select the recording area with your mouse. 

At the same time, to capture the screen with audio, you just hit the Sound icon in the lower left corner.

main interface

Step 2. Click "Settings" to apply more options, including changing the output format of the video, the quality, etc. 

mac change output format

Step 3. Once you are satisfied with the settings, go back to the main screen and click the Sound icon. Then, enable the system or microphone sound if you want to record audio and screen at the same time. Click "OK" to ensure the audio options. After that, hit "REC" to start recording. 

record audio and screen at the same time

Step 4. Hit the Stop icon when you want to end the recording task. Then, watch the recorded video in "Recordings". The button can be found in the main interface. You can review the target saving from the lists.

screen record video on mac

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How to Record Streaming Video on Smart TV

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").

Notice: Look up your TV model online to check the manufacturer's website or contact the manufacturer directly if you don't know whether your Smart TV supports external DVR recording.

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.

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How to Record Streaming Videos on iPhone/iPad

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 saving live-streaming show will be saved on the Photos or Gallery app automatically.

🚩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.

screen record button on iphone

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.

stop recording on iphone

Step 4. View or edit the video recording by going to the Photos app.

🚩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).

screen recorder on android phone

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.

Tip: If you encounter a black or blank screen capturing streaming videos on your phone, try third-party tools like AZ Screen Recorder instead.

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How to Rip Streaming Video Online

Compatibility: web browsers on a Windows, Mac, or mobile device

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.

streaming video grabber

🚩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.

Share this post to help users save streaming videos with ease!

Conclusion

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.

FAQs About How to Record Streaming Video

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?

You can use a free screen and audio recorder for free.

2. Can I record streaming video on my computer?

Yes, you can record it on your computer with the screen recording software. You can deal with the screen, system sound, and an external voice like a microphone. Go to Part 1 for detailed information.

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.

EaseUS RecExperts

One-click to capture anything on screen!

No Time Limit, No watermark

Start Recording

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