How to Record a Streaming Video [8 Ways 2024]

Do you want to capture a live video to watch later? Or are you a streamer looking to record your real-time content and distribute it on online platforms? In both scenarios, learning how to record a streaming video is essential!

Once captured, you don’t have to worry about losing it once it ends. You can watch it whenever necessary and send it to family, friends, or colleagues. But how do you record a live stream? Well, don’t worry about it! This article will guide you through 8 easy ways to record a streaming video. We will introduce powerful tools and stepwise instructions to make the process hassle-free! Ready for it? Let’s go!

Is There a Way to Record Live Streaming Video?

The answer is yes! There are several ways to record a live stream from online platforms. These can be YouTube, Twitch, Discord, or Facebook Live.

You can use the integrated tools on your Windows or Mac computers. You can also opt for dedicated screen recording tools to capture screens with live videos.

But the options are wider than these! Let’s explore how to record a live stream on a computer in various ways, starting first with Xbox Game Bar.

How to Record a Streaming Video with Xbox Game Bar

If you’re using a Windows device, you can use the Xbox Game Bar to capture live streams. This small yet handy screen capture tool is integrated into your PC. Plus, it allows you to capture content from browsers, apps, and programs for free.

Let’s see how to record a streaming TV or video using this tool.

You cannot switch windows when recording with the Game Bar. So, open the streaming video you want to capture first. Then, use the following steps to start recording.

Step 1. Launch the Game Bar by pressing “Windows+G” on your keyboard.

Step 2. Click “Settings” from the top and go to “Widgets.” Select the “All” option to record audio from the live stream.

Step 3. Go to the “Audio” widget and select the “Mix” tab. Choose your “Speakers / Headphones” source from here.

Step 4. Go to the “Voice” tab and click the “Windows + Alt + M” keys to mute or unmute your mic during the recording.

Step 5. Click the “Start Recording” button from the top left to record the streaming video on your screen.

Step 6. A popup with the capture status will appear. Click the “Stop” button here once the recording is complete.

That’s how to record a streaming video using the Game Bar! Now, let’s move on to the second solution for capturing a live stream.

How to Record Live Stream on Computer with OBS Studio

Are you looking for a specialized tool to record live broadcasts? OBS Studio can be your go-to. It offers a powerful and open-source solution to record and stream on Windows, Mac, and Linux devices.

You can easily capture streaming content from multiple sources. These can include full displays, specific windows, and games.

Here is how to record a live stream on a computer using it! Download and install OBS Studio on your device. Then, use the steps below to record your streams!

Step 1. Open OBS on your computer. A popup for “Auto Configuration Wizard” will appear. Use the on-screen instructions to set up OBS with the configuration wizard.

Step 2. Once OBS is set up, go to “File” from the top left and click “Settings.”

Step 3. Select “Hotkeys” from the left panel. Assign hotkeys for “Start Recording” and “Stop Recording” and click “Apply.”

Step 4. Click “+” under the “Sources” section. Select “Display Capture” from various options. Rename the source and click “OK.”

Step 5. Customize the display resolution and recording method from the new window, or leave it as default. Click “OK” once done.

Step 6. Drag the edge of the frame to resize it. Then open the streaming video you want to capture and press the hotkey or “Start Recording” under the Controls section in OBS.

That’s all! Now you know how to record a streaming TV or video using OBS.

If you find it a bit complicated due to the technical steps involved, don’t worry! Keep reading for a more accessible solution to capture live videos from any platform!

How to Record a Streaming Video with Screenify

If you’re looking for a free and flexible solution to capture streams, Screenify is an excellent option. It allows you to easily record live videos from any online platform, whether YouTube, Twitch, or another.

It offers multiple recording modes, allowing you to capture a partial screen, an entire display, specific windows, and more. With the ability to record ultra HD videos with a high frame rate, you can record smoothly without lag!

The best part? It is entirely free! Plus, you don’t have to worry about watermarks on your videos. Once you’ve recorded a video, Screenify lets you tweak it for an enhanced output!

Here are the standout features Screenify has to offer.

• Free to Use: Screenify is a free software. You don’t need to pay for any feature!
• Record Without Limits: You can record streaming videos without worrying about record limits.
• Multiple Recording Modes: You can record your screen in various ways, including full or partial screen, window-specific, camera, and audio recording.
• Capture with High Resolution: Screenify lets you capture live content with up to 4K resolution and 60 FPS.
• Edit Recorded Streams: You can make basic edits to your captured videos, such as trimming, denoizing, replacing the original video, etc.
• Supported Platforms: You can use Screenify on both Windows and Mac devices.

Overall, Screenify offers a superior solution for capturing live videos. Want to explore more ways to record streaming content? Keep reading for more!

5 Other Top Tools to Record Live Stream

Still wondering how to record a streaming video? This section will review five additional tools for it! We will break down their essential features so you can see which one is suitable for your needs.

1. VLC Media Player

VLC is a free multimedia player that handles a variety of audio and video formats. Beyond just playing media, it lets you capture streaming videos with its screen recording capabilities.

You can select the recording resolution and frame rate to ensure a high-quality output. Moreover, you can stream your recorded videos to a local network or devices with VLC installed.

Key Features

• Stream and capture video from websites and online platforms.
• Record and play streams in multiple formats and streaming protocols.
• Adjust the video resolution and frame rate as required.
• Offers various skins and extensions for personalization.
• Available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS and more.

Let’s find out another tool that can record streaming videos!

2. Snagit

Snagit offers a dedicated screen recording solution for Windows and Mac. It provides an easy way to capture streaming videos from websites and applications.

You can record the full screen or part of it along with system audio. It also lets you add microphone audio and a webcam, which you can toggle on and off according to your needs.

Key Features

• It is an easy-to-use screen capture and recording tool.
• It offers advanced editing and annotation features for recorded videos.
• It supports recording microphones and system audio.
• You can share videos to cloud services via a link.

3. ShareX

ShareX is a powerful screen capture tool with editing and annotation features for Windows and Linux devices. In addition to screenshots, it lets you record your screen to capture live broadcasts with sound. It is also easy to use. To select a display or an opened window for recording, you just need to click on it!

Key Features

• It is a free and open-source screen recording tool.
• lets you record full or partial screen with system and microphone sound.
• You can directly record your screen as an animated GIF.
• It allows you to increase or decrease the video quality after recording.
• You can capture screenshots and add annotations to them.
• It offers extensive editing and automation features.

4. Loom

Loom is a powerful video messaging tool with screen and webcam recording capabilities. It lets you capture streaming content in a few clicks and share it with friends or colleagues using a link.

Moreover, your recordings are automatically uploaded to Loom with a title and link. Anyone with the URL can watch and react to it.

Key Features

• You can capture your display, webcam, or both at once.
• Allows recording a full or partial screen with customizable HD resolution.
• Provides real-time annotation features to highlight information.
• You can share the video using a link, limit access, and add passwords.
• Available as an extension and app for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

5. ScreenPal

ScreenPal offers a complete screen recording, editing, and sharing solution for Windows, Mac, and Chromebooks. Recording streaming videos with ScreenPal is fast and easy. You can capture any part of the screen with sound and edit it if required.

Key Features

• Record any part of the screen with adjustable frame size.
• You can capture your screen, webcam, or a combination of both.
• It supports free recording of up to 15 minutes long.
• Trim, cut, and add text, overlays, and effects with the built-in video editor.
• Quickly share videos with others using the video URL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is it illegal to record streaming video?

Recording live streams without permission can create copyright issues. Streamers have exclusive rights to their content. Recording and distributing their videos can violate these rights. Therefore, you should check the terms of service of streaming platforms and obtain permission to avoid legal concerns.

Q2. Can I record the video and audio on a live stream at the same time?

Yes! You can record audio and video of streams using tools like OBS Studio, Screenify, or Xbox Game Bar. These programs can capture the entire screen with a microphone and system sounds.

Final Thought

That’s a wrap-up on how to record a streaming video! We have shared eight easy solutions and step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process. You can use handy programs like OBS, Xbox Game Bar, Snagit, and Loom. Alternatively, try Screenify for a powerful, free solution without watermarks or recording limits!  So, go ahead. Start recording today and never miss a moment of your favorite streams again!