Easy Ways to Download YouTube Live Stream Videos

YouTube is the second-largest live-streaming platform in the world, and it currently has more than two billion active users every month. These statistics are enough to demonstrate the popularity of the YouTube livestream. As a result, the demand for downloading live-stream videos is increasing. 

Can you download YouTube live streams?

YouTube automatically saves an archive of your live stream to your channel once it ends and finishes processing. You can download this archived live stream from YouTube Studio > Content > Live. Find the live stream you want, and click the three-dot menu > Download. Generally, YouTube does not provide a native option to download someone else's live-stream videos. Downloading content without permission may violate YouTube's Terms of Service and copyright laws.

Method 1. Download YouTube Streams with Free Video Downloader

AuryLab YouTube Video Downloader is a versatile, browser-based tool designed for simple, high-quality downloads of YouTube videos, including long-format content and live streams once archived. It requires no installation or account registration, making it easy and secure to use across multiple platforms, including Windows and Mac. It can download live streams once they are available as archived videos on YouTube. Simply paste the live stream URL into the search box, and you can download it in formats like MP4.

Key Features:

• Download YouTube live-stream videos in HD, 4K, and even 8K quality
• Save the YouTube live stream video as MP4, MP3, or WAV
• A clean user experience without ads or registration
• Free to download unlimited full-length videos

Method 2. Download YouTube Live Stream Videos with Extensions

Another convenient way to download a YouTube live stream to MP4 is to use extensions like Video Downloader Professional, Video Downloader Plus, or CocoCut Video Downloader. They're easy to use. Once you've installed and enabled them on your browser, they'll auto-detect the live stream video as long as you open it. 

However, finding a helpful YouTube live stream downloader extension can be challenging because most Chrome extensions have discontinued support for YouTube videos due to copyright issues.

A flexible solution to this problem is to switch to a different web browser for downloading, such as Firefox. You can search for YouTube Video Downloaders for Firefox and then follow the steps below:

Step 1. Add the browser extension for YouTube video download to your browser first. 

Step 2. Open the online page of the video you'd like to download. Then, turn on the extension. 

Step 3. Right-click the page and you can choose to download videos. In the pop-up window, you can choose the video's quality and file format. After that, press the "Download" button, and the video will be saved on your computer. 

Method 3. Record YouTube Live Stream and Save It Locally

Downloading live streams directly can sometimes be challenging because not all live streams are available for download after the broadcast ends, or permissions may restrict direct downloads. An effective alternative method is to record the live stream as it plays on your screen in real-time. This method works for any live stream you have access to and lets you save a permanent copy on your device. Respect copyright laws and YouTube's terms of service by recording only content you have the right to or permission to use.

Screen Recording Tool:

• VLC Media Player (Windows/Mac/Linux) – Free, with built-in network stream recording capabilities.
• Xbox Game Bar (Windows) – Built-in screen recorder accessible via Win + G.
• QuickTime Player (macOS) – Built-in recorder for Mac users.

Step 1. Open your chosen recorder and configure it to capture either the entire screen or the specific window. Ensure system audio is enabled to capture the live stream sound.

Step 2. Navigate to the live stream on YouTube in your browser or app and prepare it to play.

Step 3. Begin recording with your screen recorder just before or as the YouTube live stream starts.

Step 4. Once the live stream ends or you have captured the desired portion, stop the recording using your software's controls.

Why Can't I Download YouTube Live Stream

Some of you may encounter problems that prevent you from downloading YouTube live-stream videos. The reasons could be these:

Processing Time

After a live stream ends, YouTube needs time to process the video before it's available for download. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to up to 72 hours, especially for long or high-resolution streams.

YouTube's Limitations

• Live streams cannot be downloaded while they are still live. Only completed and processed live streams are eligible for download.
• YouTube's native download feature (in YouTube Studio) only allows downloads up to 720p resolution, not the original quality.
• Some live streams, particularly those with copyright-protected content, are restricted from being downloaded due to copyright issues.

Technical or Policy Restrictions

• Sometimes, browser or account settings, or even regional restrictions, may interfere with your ability to download content.
• Downloading live streams, especially other people's, may be prohibited by YouTube's Terms of Service. Always ensure you have the right to download the content.

The Final Words

Those are all tips on how to download YouTube live stream free. Depending on your needs, you can choose the way that would work best for you.

• You can download your own completed YouTube live streams legally and easily via YouTube Studio.
• Downloading others' live streams is restricted, and third-party tools may work only for archived content or through recording methods.
• For live capture or recording during the stream, specialized software or capture tools are needed, but should be used within legal boundaries.

FAQs

1. Can I save someone else's YouTube video?

You generally cannot save or download someone else's YouTube video unless you have explicit permission from the copyright owner, the video is offered with a YouTube download option, or it is in the public domain or licensed for reuse. Downloading without authorization violates YouTube's Terms of Service and copyright law.

2. Can I clip someone else's YouTube video?

Clipping or creating short segments of someone else's video also requires permission or must fall under legal exceptions such as fair use. Unauthorized clipping may infringe copyright and YouTube policies.

3. How do I record someone else's YouTube live stream?

Recording someone else's live stream without permission typically violates copyright and YouTube's terms. If you have permission, you can use screen recording software like OBS to capture the stream in real time.