YouTube is the largest video-sharing platform on the planet. Millions of videos are uploaded every minute, and you may wish to rewatch your favorite ones while offline.
If you're searching for the best ways to record a YouTube video on a Mac, we recommend checking out the guide below. We'll present all the working methods that can deliver high-quality results so you can enjoy your journey and save your favorite content.
| Methods | Features | Pros and cons |
| Wondershare DemoCreator | Customizable recording screen; record screen with system audio, microphone, and webcam; multiple monitor recording, etc. | Pros:
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| QuickTime Player | Capture screen and audio from the microphone. | Pros:
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| OBS Studio | Record screen with system audio, microphone, and webcam; personalization options, etc. | Pros:
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| Screenshot Toolbar | Command line options, cropping, sharing, etc. | Pros:
|
Is Recording YouTube Videos on a Mac Legal?
Recording YouTube videos, in general, is legal. However, consider several factors to avoid legal issues and make your journey safe. Not all YouTube videos are legal to record, so you should first check out the factors below:
- Copyright - You must not, by any means, record and distribute copyrighted content, as you may face severe legal consequences.
- Permissions - Before hitting the Record button, ask the creator for permission to record the content. That will help you avoid potential issues and lawsuits.
- Terms of service - YouTube has strict terms of service, so familiarize yourself with them before recording.
Check these factors before downloading and using any tools we'll present below.
The following guides outline the steps for recording YouTube videos with sound on Mac devices using each method mentioned above.
Method 1. Record a YouTube Video With Sound Using Wondershare DemoCreator
Wondershare DemoCreator is an excellent choice for recording videos from YouTube on your Mac. It's a powerful screen recording and video editing software that can capture your computer screen while playing YouTube videos or live streaming in HD resolution.
It's compatible with macOS 10.15 or later and records high-quality videos up to 8K while offering customizable settings for frame rate, resolution, and quality. Moreover, it supports audio capture from both the system and microphone and offers the option to include camera footage, making it ideal for creating reaction videos or explainer videos from YouTube.
If you like what you see, head to the official Wondershare DemoCreator website, download the software to your desktop, and follow the steps below:
- Open Wondershare DemoCreator and click the All-in-One Recorder.
- Customize the recording settings to fit your preferences and requirements.
- Once you open YouTube and play the desired video, start recording in DemoCreator by clicking the red REC button.
- You can stop or pause the recording by pressing the corresponding shortcuts or button.
As you can see, Wondershare DemoCreator is easy to navigate, and you can use keyboard shortcuts to navigate your journey more efficiently. In addition to recording videos from YouTube, you can also use this tool to record only sound from YouTube on a Mac by selecting "Don't record screen" from the Custom area dropdown menu.
Method 2. Capture Video From YouTube on Mac With QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is an integrated Mac application that allows you to record your screen. The resolution can reach 1080p, which should be enough for most YouTube videos. Aside from that, QuickTime Player doesn't offer too many features, and you can only perform a few basic editing tasks to make your videos pop.
Therefore, QuickTime Player is a solid option if you need a simple tool to record YouTube videos on a Mac. Here's how to record video with audio using QuickTime Player:
- Open QuickTime Player from your app library.
- Click File > New Screen Recording.
- Click Record to choose your preferences, such as the audio source.
- Next, select the part of the screen you want to record. In this case, open your desired YouTube video.
- Click the Start Recording button.
- Click the Stop button to finish recording a YouTube video with audio.
Method 3. Record a YouTube video on Mac With Sound Using OBS Studio
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Studio is a free, open-source program you can download to start the recording journey. Although the user interface may seem outdated, and the tool isn't feature-packed, it should still deliver high-quality results. Moreover, YouTube is one of its sponsors, meaning you can expect premium YouTube video recordings from OBS Studio.
Therefore, download the program from the official source and follow the guide below:
- Open OBS Studio on your Mac.
- Click the + button under Sources.
- Then, select Display Capture and click OK.
- Go to Settings > Output and select the Recording Path.
- Click the Start Recording button when you're ready.
Method 4. Record a YouTube Video Using the Screenshot Toolbar
The Screenshot Toolbar is another integrated tool for all Mac users. It can help you capture your favorite moments, images, and other elements in just a few clicks.
The Screenshot Toolbar may provide the most straightforward method, but you can't expect too many features and advanced tools from this option. Instead, it's suitable for simple recording and screenshot tasks on Mac. If the description fits your needs, here's what you should do:
- Press the Shift+Command+5 keys simultaneously to start the Screenshot Toolbar.
- Next, select your YouTube recording preferences and click Record.
As you can see, the setup will only take a few minutes, and you can start recording your favorite clips.
Conclusion
YouTube provides billions of videos you can access and enjoy daily for free. Once you find your favorite video, you may want to preserve it forever or access it offline. Thus, you may be searching for ways to record your favorite YouTube gems, so choose from the best recording methods in this guide to help you select your ideal solution.
We recommend considering the most universal and advanced option since it'll be your best friend in your recording adventure. Wondershare DemoCreator has fantastic recording capabilities and will undoubtedly exceed your expectations.
FAQs
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Is there a free option for recording YouTube videos on a Mac?
Yes, you can use some integrated applications, such as the QuickTime Player or the Screenshot Toolbar, to record your favorite YouTube videos for free. Moreover, you can download open-source programs, like OBS Studio, to get even more out of your journey. Lastly, you can try free versions of premium tools like Wondershare DemoCreator to maximize efficiency and dive into the professional recording world. -
How do I record a YouTube video on my Mac?
Recording a YouTube video from your Mac is straightforward. All you have to do is follow the steps below:- Open Wondershare DemoCreator and click the All-in-One Recorder.
- Set your recording preferences.
- Click the REC button to start recording.
- Play the YouTube video you want to record.
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How can I record a YouTube video on a Mac with sound?
All the methods above allow you to record your favorite YouTube videos with sound. You can set the audio source and watch the magic happen. However, some methods may be less reliable than others regarding audio quality. For instance, you may experience bugs with QuickTime Player and get less desirable results. Thus, we recommend trying Wondershare DemoCreator to catch all audio instances and make your YouTube recordings as authentic as possible.
