Interested in sharing your knowledge, creativity, or passion on YouTube without breaking the bank? You’re in luck! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to record YouTube videos on your PC for free. While there are plenty of paid software options available, you don’t need to invest a fortune to kickstart your YouTube journey.
One popular way to record YouTube videos is to use a screen recorder. Screen recorders allow you to capture your screen and audio, and then save it as a video file. There are many different screen recorders available, both free and paid. Some popular free screen recorders include OBS Studio, ShareX, and Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder.
Once you have selected your recording area and audio sources, simply press the record button and start playing the YouTube video. When you are finished recording, press the stop button and save your video file.
Another way to record YouTube videos on PC is to use a web-based screen recorder. Web-based screen recorders do not require any installation and can be used from any device with a web browser. Some popular web-based screen recorders include Loom and Clipchamp. To use a web-based screen recorder, simply go to the website and create an account.
What free software can I use to record YouTube videos on PC?
Here are some free software programs you can use to record YouTube videos on PC:
- OBS Studio: A powerful open-source screen recorder that can be used for a variety of purposes, including recording YouTube videos. OBS Studio offers a wide range of features and customization options, making it a good choice for both beginners and experienced users.
- ShareX: A versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, including screen recording, screenshot capture, and file sharing. ShareX’s screen recording feature is simple to use and offers a variety of options, such as the ability to record audio, webcam footage, and specific regions of the screen.
- Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder: A web-based screen recorder that does not require installation. Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder is easy to use and offers a variety of features, such as the ability to record audio, webcam footage, and specific regions of the screen.
- Loom: A cloud-based screen recorder that offers a simple and easy-to-use interface. Loom is a good choice for users who want to record quick and easy screencasts.
- Screencast-O-Matic: A freemium screen recorder that offers a variety of features, including the ability to record audio, webcam footage, and specific regions of the screen. Screencast-O-Matic also offers a number of editing features, such as the ability to trim, crop, and add annotations to your recordings.
Which software program is best for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a powerful and customizable screen recorder, OBS Studio is a good choice. If you are looking for a simple and easy-to-use screen recorder, ShareX or Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder may be a better option.
If you need to record quick and easy screencasts, Loom is a good choice. And if you are looking for a screen recorder with a number of editing features, Screencast-O-Matic may be a good option.
Are there any built-in PC tools for recording YouTube videos?
There are many free software options available to record YouTube videos on PC. Some of the most popular include:
- OBS Studio is a powerful and versatile open-source screen recorder that can be used to record both your screen and webcam. It is popular among gamers, but can also be used to record tutorials, presentations, and other types of videos.
- ShareX is another free and open-source screen recorder that is known for its ease of use. It also offers a variety of other features, such as screenshot capture, image editing, and file sharing.
- Screencast-O-Matic is a freemium screen recorder that offers a variety of features, including screen recording, webcam recording, video editing, and screen sharing. The free version has some limitations, such as a maximum recording time of 15 minutes per video, but it is still a good option for basic recording needs.
- EaseUS RecExperts is a free screen recorder that offers a variety of features, including screen recording, webcam recording, audio recording, and video editing. It is also very easy to use.
- VSDC Free Screen Recorder is a free screen recorder that offers a variety of features, including screen recording, webcam recording, video editing, and screen sharing. It is also very lightweight and does not require a lot of system resources.
Which screen recorder is best for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a powerful and versatile screen recorder, OBS Studio is a good option. If you are looking for an easy-to-use screen recorder, ShareX or Screencast-O-Matic are good options. If you are looking for a free screen recorder with a variety of features, EaseUS RecExperts or VSDC Free Screen Recorder are good options.
How do I capture my screen while recording YouTube videos?
There are no built-in PC tools specifically for recording YouTube videos. However, there are a few built-in tools that can be used for screen recording, which can then be uploaded to YouTube.
Windows 10 and 11 have a built-in screen recorder called the Game Bar. To access the Game Bar, press the Windows key + G on your keyboard. Once the Game Bar is open, click the Record button to start recording your screen. To stop recording, click the Record button again.
macOS has a built-in screen recorder called QuickTime Player. To start recording your screen, open QuickTime Player and then click File > New Screen Recording. To stop recording, click the Stop button in the menu bar.
Once you have finished recording your screen, you can save the video file to your computer and then upload it to YouTube.
It is important to note that the built-in screen recorders on Windows and macOS are relatively basic and do not offer as many features as some of the dedicated screen recording software that is available. However, they can be a good option for simple screen recording tasks.
If you need more advanced features, such as the ability to record multiple sources at the same time or to edit your videos, you may want to consider using a dedicated screen recording software. Some of the popular screen recording software options include OBS Studio, ShareX, and Screencast-O-Matic.
Can you recommend a free screen recorder for YouTube videos?
To capture your screen while recording YouTube videos, you can use a screen recording software. There are many different screen recording software available, both free and paid. Some popular options include:
- OBS Studio
- Camtasia
- Screencast-O-Matic
- Vmaker
Once you have chosen a screen recording software, you can follow these steps to capture your screen while recording YouTube videos:
- Open the screen recording software and configure it to record your desired settings, such as the screen region you want to record, the audio source, and the output format.
- Open the YouTube video that you want to record.
- Start the screen recording.
- Watch the YouTube video and perform any actions that you want to record.
- When you are finished recording, stop the screen recording.
The screen recording software will save the video file to your computer. You can then edit the video file as needed and upload it to YouTube.
Here are some specific instructions for capturing your screen while recording YouTube videos using OBS Studio:
- Open OBS Studio and click the “+” button in the Sources panel.
- Select “Display Capture” and click “OK”.
- In the Display Capture settings, select the screen region that you want to record.
- Click the “Start Recording” button to start the screen recording.
- Open the YouTube video that you want to record.
- Watch the YouTube video and perform any actions that you want to record.
- When you are finished recording, click the “Stop Recording” button.
I can recommend a free screen recorder for YouTube videos. My recommendation is OBS Studio.
OBS Studio is a powerful and versatile open-source screen recorder that can be used to record both your screen and webcam. It is popular among gamers, but can also be used to record tutorials, presentations, and other types of videos.
OBS Studio offers a variety of features, including:
- Screen recording
- Webcam recording
- Audio recording
- Video editing
- Live streaming
OBS Studio is also very easy to use. Once you have downloaded and installed OBS Studio, you can start recording your screen by following these steps:
- Open OBS Studio and click the “+” button in the “Sources” section.
- Select “Screen Capture” and click “OK”.
- Select the area of your screen that you want to record and click “OK”.
- Click the “Start Recording” button to start recording your screen.
- To stop recording, click the “Stop Recording” button.
Once you have finished recording your screen, you can save the recorded video file to your computer and then upload it to YouTube.
OBS Studio is a free and open-source software, so it is a great option for users who are on a budget. It is also a powerful and versatile screen recorder that offers a variety of features, making it a good option for both beginners and experienced users.
What settings are essential for high-quality YouTube video recording on a PC?
The essential settings for high-quality YouTube video recording on a PC will vary depending on your specific hardware and software setup. However, there are some general settings that you should pay attention to in order to ensure that your videos are of the best possible quality.
Video resolution: The video resolution is the number of pixels that make up the video frame. A higher video resolution will result in a sharper and more detailed image. However, it is important to note that higher video resolutions will also require more storage space and processing power. For YouTube videos, I recommend recording at a resolution of 1920×1080 (1080p) or higher.
Frame rate: The frame rate is the number of frames per second that are displayed in the video. A higher frame rate will result in a smoother and more fluid video. However, it is important to note that higher frame rates will also require more storage space and processing power. For YouTube videos, I recommend recording at a frame rate of 30 frames per second (fps) or higher.
Bitrate: The bitrate is the amount of data that is used to encode the video. A higher bitrate will result in a higher quality video, but it will also require more storage space and bandwidth. For YouTube videos, I recommend using a bitrate of 12 Mbps or higher.
Video codec: The video codec is the algorithm that is used to compress the video data. Different video codecs will offer different levels of compression and quality. For YouTube videos, I recommend using the H.264 video codec.
Audio codec: The audio codec is the algorithm that is used to compress the audio data. Different audio codecs will offer different levels of compression and quality. For YouTube videos, I recommend using the AAC audio codec.
In addition to the above settings, there are a few other things you can do to improve the quality of your YouTube videos:
- Use good lighting. Good lighting will make your videos look more professional and will help to reduce noise.
- Use a good quality microphone. A good quality microphone will help to ensure that your audio is clear and easy to understand.
- Edit your videos. Once you have recorded your videos, you can use a video editing software to edit them. This will give you the opportunity to remove any unwanted footage and to add effects and transitions.
Are there any free editing tools for enhancing recorded YouTube videos on a PC?
There are a number of free editing tools that you can use to enhance your recorded YouTube videos on a PC. Some of the most popular options include:
- Shotcut is an open-source, cross-platform video editor that offers a wide range of features, including trimming, cropping, splitting, merging, rotating, and resizing videos. It also includes a number of effects and transitions that you can use to enhance your videos.
- OpenShot is another free and open-source video editor that is easy to use and offers a variety of features, including trimming, cropping, splitting, merging, rotating, and resizing videos. It also includes a number of effects and transitions that you can use to enhance your videos.
- DaVinci Resolve is a free and open-source video editing software that is used by professional filmmakers and editors. It offers a wide range of features, including color correction, visual effects, and motion graphics.
- VideoProc Vlogger is a free video editing software that is easy to use and offers a variety of features, including trimming, cropping, splitting, merging, rotating, and resizing videos. It also includes a number of effects and transitions that you can use to enhance your videos.
I recommend that you try out a few different video editing tools to see which one you like best. Most video editing tools offer a free trial or free version, so you can try them out before you commit to buying one.
How can I record both my screen and webcam for YouTube videos?
There are a few different ways to record both your screen and webcam for YouTube videos. Here are two popular methods:
Method 1: Using OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free and open-source screen recording and live streaming software that can be used to record both your screen and webcam simultaneously.
To record your screen and webcam with OBS Studio:
- Download and install OBS Studio.
- Open OBS Studio and click the “+” button in the Sources panel.
- Select “Display Capture” and click OK.
- Select the area of your screen that you want to record and click OK.
- Click the “+” button again and select “Video Capture Device.”
- Select your webcam and click OK.
- Adjust the audio settings as desired.
- Click the Start Recording button to begin recording.
- When you are finished recording, click the Stop Recording button.
Method 2: Using Vmaker
Vmaker is a cloud-based screen recording and video editing platform that offers a free plan that allows you to record both your screen and webcam simultaneously.
To record your screen and webcam with Vmaker:
- Go to the Vmaker website and create an account.
- Click the “Record” button.
- Select the area of your screen that you want to record and click OK.
- Click the “Add Camera” button and select your webcam.
- Click the “Start Recording” button to begin recording.
- When you are finished recording, click the “Stop Recording” button.
Once you have recorded your screen and webcam, you can edit the video using a video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Filmora. You can then upload the edited video to YouTube.
Here are some additional tips for recording your screen and webcam for YouTube videos:
- Make sure that your webcam is placed in a well-lit area.
- Use a microphone to capture your voice clearly.
- Adjust the audio levels so that your voice is not too loud or too soft.
- If you are recording a tutorial, be sure to explain what you are doing in a clear and concise manner.
- If you are recording a reaction video, be sure to express yourself naturally and authentically.
What’s the process for recording YouTube live streams on a PC for free?
To record YouTube live streams on a PC for free, you can use a screen recording software. There are many different screen recording software available, both free and paid. Some of the popular options include:
- OBS Studio
- ShareX
- Screencast-O-Matic
- VSDC Free Screen Recorder
Once you have chosen a screen recording software, follow these steps to record YouTube live streams on a PC for free:
- Open the screen recording software and select the area of your screen that you want to record.
- Click the “Start Recording” button to start recording your screen.
- Open the YouTube live stream that you want to record.
- Play the YouTube live stream and start recording your screen.
- When you are finished recording, click the “Stop Recording” button.
- Save the recorded video file to your computer.
You can then edit the recorded video file in a video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. Once you are finished editing the video, you can upload it to YouTube or share it with others.
Here are some additional tips for recording YouTube live streams on a PC for free:
- Make sure that the screen recording software is set to record the correct audio source. For example, if you want to record the audio from the YouTube live stream, make sure that the screen recording software is set to record the system audio.
- If you are recording a long video, you may want to consider using a video editing software to split the video into multiple parts. This will make it easier to edit the video and to upload it to YouTube.
- Once you have uploaded the video to YouTube, you can add a title, description, and tags to the video. This will help people find your video when they search for keywords related to your video.
It is important to note that some YouTube live streams may be protected by copyright. If you are unsure whether or not you can record a particular YouTube live stream, it is best to err on the side of caution and not record it.
Is it possible to schedule and automate YouTube video recordings on a PC?
It is possible to schedule and automate YouTube video recordings on a PC. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common way is to use a screen recording software.
OBS Studio is a free and open-source screen recording software that can be used to schedule and automate YouTube video recordings. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open OBS Studio and click the “+” button in the “Sources” section.
- Select “Screen Capture” and click “OK”.
- Select the area of your screen that you want to record and click “OK”.
- Click the “Settings” button in the bottom right corner of the OBS Studio window.
- Click the “Schedule” tab.
- Click the “+” button and create a new schedule.
- Enter the start and end time for your recording.
- Select the “Repeat” option if you want the recording to repeat on a regular basis.
- Click the “OK” button to save your schedule.
Once you have created a schedule, OBS Studio will automatically start recording your screen at the scheduled time. You can then stop the recording manually or OBS Studio will automatically stop recording at the end of the scheduled time.
Another way to schedule and automate YouTube video recordings on a PC is to use a third-party software. There are a number of different third-party software options available, both free and paid. Some of the popular options include:
- Screencast-O-Matic
- VSDC Free Screen Recorder
- Apowersoft Screen Recorder
- Movavi Screen Recorder
To use a third-party software to schedule and automate YouTube video recordings, simply follow the instructions that are provided with the software.
How can I record YouTube gaming videos on a PC without spending money?
To record YouTube gaming videos on a PC without spending money, you can use a free screen recording software. There are many different free screen recording software options available, such as:
- OBS Studio
- ShareX
- Screencast-O-Matic
- VSDC Free Screen Recorder
To record a YouTube gaming video using a free screen recording software, simply follow these steps:
- Open the screen recording software and select the area of your screen that you want to record.
- Click the “Start Recording” button to start recording your screen.
- Open the game that you want to record.
- Play the game and start recording your screen.
- When you are finished recording, click the “Stop Recording” button.
- Save the recorded video file to your computer.
You can then edit the recorded video file in a video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. Once you are finished editing the video, you can upload it to YouTube.
Here are some additional tips for recording YouTube gaming videos on a PC without spending money:
- Make sure that your computer has the necessary hardware and software requirements. You can find the minimum requirements for YouTube gaming video recording on the YouTube support website.
- Update your graphics card drivers. Outdated graphics card drivers can cause problems with video recording.
- Disable any unnecessary background programs. This will free up system resources and improve the performance of your screen recording software.
- Record your videos in a quiet environment. Background noise can make your videos sound unprofessional.
- Test your video settings before you start recording. This will help you to ensure that your videos are being recorded at the correct resolution, frame rate, and bitrate.
Once you have uploaded your YouTube gaming video to YouTube, you can add a title, description, and tags to the video. This will help people find your video when they search for keywords related to your video.
Are there any free options for capturing audio while recording YouTube videos on a PC?
There are a few free options for capturing audio while recording YouTube videos on a PC. Here are two of the most popular options:
- Audacity: Audacity is a free and open-source audio recording and editing software. It can be used to record audio from a variety of sources, including YouTube videos. To record audio from YouTube using Audacity, you will need to enable the “Stereo Mix” recording device on your PC. Once you have enabled Stereo Mix, you can open Audacity and start recording.
- Free Sound Recorder: Free Sound Recorder is another free audio recording software that can be used to record audio from YouTube videos. To record audio from YouTube using Free Sound Recorder, simply open the software and select “Stereo Mix” as your recording device. Then, start playing the YouTube video you want to record and click the “Record” button.
Here are the steps on how to record audio from YouTube using Audacity:
- Download and install Audacity.
- Open Audacity and click on “Edit” > “Preferences”.
- Click on the “Devices” tab.
- Under the “Recording Device” section, select “Stereo Mix”.
- Click on “OK” to save your changes.
- Open the YouTube video you want to record and start playing it.
- Click on the “Record” button in Audacity.
- Once you are finished recording, click on the “Stop” button.
- Your recorded audio will be saved as a WAV file.
Here are the steps on how to record audio from YouTube using Free Sound Recorder:
- Download and install Free Sound Recorder.
- Open Free Sound Recorder and click on the “Record” button.
- Under the “Recording Device” section, select “Stereo Mix”.
- Start playing the YouTube video you want to record.
- Once you are finished recording, click on the “Stop” button.
- Your recorded audio will be saved as an MP3 file.
Both Audacity and Free Sound Recorder are capable of recording high-quality audio from YouTube videos. However, Audacity is more versatile and offers more features, such as the ability to edit and mix audio.
Can I add captions or subtitles to my YouTube videos using free PC software?
You can add captions or subtitles to your YouTube videos using free PC software. Here are a few options:
- Kdenlive: Kdenlive is a free and open-source video editing software that includes a built-in subtitle editor. To add subtitles to a video using Kdenlive, simply import the video into the software and then click on the “Subtitles” tab. You can then create new subtitles or import existing subtitles from a file.
- VSDC Video Editor: VSDC Video Editor is another free and open-source video editing software that includes a subtitle editor. To add subtitles to a video using VSDC Video Editor, simply import the video into the software and then click on the “Subtitles” tab. You can then create new subtitles or import existing subtitles from a file.
- DaVinci Resolve: DaVinci Resolve is a free video editing software that is used by professional filmmakers. It also includes a subtitle editor. To add subtitles to a video using DaVinci Resolve, simply import the video into the software and then click on the “Subtitle” tab. You can then create new subtitles or import existing subtitles from a file.
- FilmForth: FilmForth is a free video editing software that is specifically designed for beginners. It includes a simple subtitle editor that makes it easy to add subtitles to your videos.
Once you have added subtitles to your video using one of these free PC software programs, you can then export the video and upload it to YouTube.
In addition to these free PC software programs, there are also a number of online tools that can be used to add captions or subtitles to YouTube videos. Some of these online tools are free, while others require a subscription.
What’s the best free way to edit and trim recorded YouTube videos on a PC?
The best free way to edit and trim recorded YouTube videos on a PC is to use Shotcut. It is a free and open-source video editing software that is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Shotcut is a powerful video editing software that offers a wide range of features, including the ability to trim, cut, split, and merge videos, as well as add titles, effects, and transitions.
To edit and trim a recorded YouTube video using Shotcut, simply follow these steps:
- Download and install Shotcut.
- Open Shotcut and import your recorded YouTube video.
- Drag and drop the video clip onto the Shotcut timeline.
- To trim the video clip, simply click and drag the edges of the clip.
- Once you are satisfied with the trimmed video clip, you can export it to a new file.
Shotcut is a great free video editing software for beginners and experienced users alike. It is easy to use and offers a wide range of features.
Here are some other free video editing software options that you can use to edit and trim recorded YouTube videos on a PC:
- OpenShot: OpenShot is another free and open-source video editing software that is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is a good option for beginners because it is easy to use and offers a simple interface.
- VSDC Video Editor: VSDC Video Editor is a free video editing software that is available for Windows. It is a good option for users who need more advanced features than OpenShot offers.
- Kapwing: Kapwing is a free online video editing tool that can be used to edit and trim recorded YouTube videos. It is a good option for users who need a quick and easy way to edit their videos.
How can I optimize video settings for different YouTube content types when recording on a PC for free?
Here are some tips on how to optimize video settings for different YouTube content types when recording on a PC for free:
Gaming videos:
- Resolution: 1080p or 1440p
- Frame rate: 60fps or higher
- Video bitrate: 10Mbps or higher
Educational videos:
- Resolution: 1080p or 1440p
- Frame rate: 30fps or 60fps
- Video bitrate: 5Mbps or higher
Vlogs:
- Resolution: 1080p or 1440p
- Frame rate: 30fps or 60fps
- Video bitrate: 5Mbps or higher
Live streams:
- Resolution: 720p or 1080p
- Frame rate: 30fps or 60fps
- Video bitrate: 3Mbps or higher
Music videos:
- Resolution: 1080p or 1440p
- Frame rate: 30fps or 60fps
- Video bitrate: 10Mbps or higher
You can use these settings as a starting point, and then adjust them based on your specific needs and preferences.
Here are some additional tips for optimizing your video settings:
- Use a tripod to keep your camera steady.
- Use good lighting to improve the quality of your video.
- Edit your video to remove any unwanted footage.
- Export your video in a format that is compatible with YouTube.
By following these tips, you can create high-quality videos that will look great on YouTube.
Are there any legal considerations or copyright issues when recording YouTube videos on a PC for free?
There are some legal considerations and copyright issues when recording YouTube videos on a PC for free.
Most YouTube videos are protected by copyright, which means that the copyright holder has the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, and create derivative works of the video. If you record a YouTube video without permission from the copyright holder, you may be infringing on their copyright.
However, there are some exceptions to copyright law. One exception is fair use. Fair use allows you to use copyrighted material without permission for certain purposes, such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.
Whether or not your use of a YouTube video is considered fair use depends on a number of factors, including the purpose and character of your use, the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole, and the effect of your use on the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.
If you are unsure whether or not your use of a YouTube video is considered fair use, it is best to consult with an attorney.
Here are some tips for avoiding copyright infringement when recording YouTube videos:
- Only record videos that are in the public domain or that you have permission from the copyright holder to record.
- If you are unsure whether or not you have permission to record a video, it is best to err on the side of caution and not record it.
- If you do record a video that is copyrighted, be sure to use it in a way that is considered fair use.
If you are unsure whether or not your use of a YouTube video is considered fair use, you can submit your video to YouTube’s Content ID system. Content ID is a system that helps YouTube identify and manage copyrighted content on its platform. If Content ID identifies your video as infringing on someone else’s copyright, you will be given the option to remove the video or dispute the claim.
Conclusion
Learning how to record YouTube videos on PC for free is an accessible and valuable skill for aspiring content creators. By harnessing the power of screen recording software and free video editing tools, individuals can bring their creative visions to life without breaking the bank.
With the step-by-step guidance provided in this article, you can confidently embark on your YouTube journey, armed with the knowledge to capture, edit, and share your content with the world.
So, whether you’re sharing gaming adventures, educational tutorials, or entertaining vlogs, remember that the path to YouTube success begins with a passion for your niche and the dedication to learn the essential tools of the trade. How to record YouTube videos on PC for free opens doors to limitless creative possibilities, ensuring that your voice can be heard, and your content can shine in the ever-expanding online realm.
