Can SVD record a YouTube Live stream?

Yes. Paste the YouTube Live watch URL (or use the SVD browser extension) and SVD records the live broadcast in real time. Press stop whenever you want and the recording is saved as a playable file.

Does recording start from the beginning of the broadcast?

No — recording starts from the live edge, i.e. the moment you press record. This keeps recordings small and predictable and matches the manual start/stop workflow. If you need the earlier portion, you would need a VOD after the broadcast ends.

What happens when I press stop?

Whatever you have captured so far is finalized and saved as a playable file. You never have to wait for the broadcaster to end the stream.

What if my internet drops while recording?

The portion recorded up to that point is preserved rather than discarded, because SVD writes the recording in a container that stays playable even when interrupted.

Can I schedule a live recording?

Yes. Click Schedule instead of Download, set a start time (and an optional end time), and SVD starts recording for you at that time and saves it. SVD must be open at the scheduled time — it is a desktop app and does not wake your computer from sleep.

Is this better than screen recording with OBS?

For most people, yes. OBS re-encodes whatever is on your screen, which is lossy and CPU-heavy and caps quality at your monitor. SVD pulls the original HLS stream, so the recording is source quality with low CPU use.

Can SVD record DRM-protected or paid live streams?

No. SVD does not break DRM. It only records non-DRM live streams that your browser can already play. Encrypted live sports and similar services are not supported.

Home › Features › Scheduled recording

Record a time window you choose

Set a start time — and a stop time if you want one — and SVD records that window on its own. Useful for a broadcast that starts at a fixed hour while you are away from the desk.

Note. SVD must be open when the time comes. If the Mac is asleep it starts once it wakes.

Pick a start time; the presets fill in a stop time 30 minutes, 1 or 2 hours later.

Setting one up

Paste the link

Put the stream or video address in the first field.

Press Schedule

Pick a start time; presets add 30 minutes, 1 hour or 2 hours for the stop time.

Leave SVD open

The schedule list shows waiting, recording, done, missed or failed.

It saves itself

At the stop time the recording is finalised and saved like any other file.

Good to know

Starts on the minute you set — SVD checks the moment a schedule is due.
If SVD was closed at the start time, the schedule is marked as missed rather than starting late.
A schedule that fails to start retries for a while before giving up, in case the broadcast is a few minutes late.

FAQ

Can I schedule a normal video, not a live stream?

Yes, but there is little reason to — a published video can be downloaded right away.

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