How to Record a Stream with VLC and Its Alternatives?

Can a VLC player record streaming videos?

The answer is positive because VLC does enable users to record streams from social media sites like YouTube. However, VLC adopts a unique method for screen recording. The next part shows you how to use VLC to record streaming videos. You can follow the instructions and have a try.

Download VLC from the Official Website: https://www.videolan.org/

Step 1. Run the VLC media player on your desktop.

Step 2. Move to the top menu bar and click Media > Open Network Stream.

Step 3. Copy the URL of the streaming show from the site and paste it into the network box. For example, record the YouTube live stream from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=This article shares how to record a stream with VLC and the best alternative ways to record streaming videos on PC/Mac.xxxxxxx.

Step 4. Click the Play button to open the stream in VLC.

Step 5. Tap the red Record button or right-click on the screen to select Record.

Step 6. To finish the recording, press the Stop button.

Hot Search: How to Download YouTube Videos with VLC

VLC is a handy and versatile media player that can play, record, and download network streams. Yet, it is not 100% working. It may not display the streaming video or capture an empty file from the URL. Given this, the following article provides you with the top 6 alternatives to the VLC screen recorder. Read on if you are interested.

The most recommended alternative stream recorder is WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro. This powerful recording software lets you capture anything from your screen, such as live streams, TV shows, video calls, meetings, games, etc. It's simple, effective, and exports high-quality files.

Please free downloadfree download it on your PC and see how to record a streaming video below.

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Step 1. Launch HD Video Converter Factory Pro and open Recorder.

Step 2. Choose the custom or full-screen mode and click OK to confirm your recording region.

Step 3. Select a video format, quality, frame rate, and audio capture device based on your needs.
Recommend: MP4, High Quality, 30 FPS, and Desktop audio (or Microphone simultaneously). You can also turn on the GPU acceleration if available.

Step 4. Tap ▼ to specify an output path for the recorded file.

Step 5. Go to the site and be prepared to play the video after you click the REC button. Recording will start after the five-second countdown.

Step 6. To end it, press the Stop button or hotkeys Ctrl + F1.

OBS, short for Open Broadcaster Software, is a free and open-source app for video recording and live streaming. It provides many capture sources to help you screen record from a Windows or Mac computer. It lets you record a browser tab, network media, application audio, etc., and adjust properties at will. It’s full-featured and sophisticated, thus may not be suitable for novices.

OBS Official Website: https://obsproject.com/

Screencastify is a Chrome extension designed to record, edit, and share videos in seconds. It offers a simple way to record desktop and browser videos with audio included. It also lets you embed your webcam into the recording and annotate in real time to highlight key points. Yet, it’s worth noting that Screencastify allows recording and storing only up to 10 videos and 30 minutes per video for free. Unlimited video creation requires an upgrade.

Screencastify Official Website: https://www.screencastify.com/

CamStudio is an offline free recorder for Windows that can record all on-screen video and audio activities, including streaming videos, browser audio, desktop display, etc. It renders videos in AVI format, but you can also use it to convert AVI to Flash Video format, embedded in SWF files. The software is simple and easy to use for everyone.

CamStudio Official Website: https://camstudio.org/

ScreenPal, formerly Screencast-O-Matic, is a screencasting and video editing tool for multiple platforms. It’s an all-in-one app for convenient and engaging visual communication on a Windows, Mac, iOS/Android device, or Chromebook featuring screen & webcam capture, screenshots, video & image editing, file organizer & sharing, and more. Multifunctional yet still intuitive.

ScreenPal Official Website: https://screenpal.com/

Screen Recorder Studio is a free screen capture program for Windows that can help you record streaming videos with simple clicks. The feed from your webcam can also be captured. What’s more, the software allows you to select an area, draw arrows, lines, shapes, as well as enter text while recording. After that, it can upload your recorded file directly to YouTube.

Screen Recorder Studio Official Website: https://screen.center/

Step 1. Open VLC on the Mac and select “Open Network…” from the “File” menu.
Step 2. Paste the stream address into the URL field and check “Streaming/Saving”.
Step 3. Choose “Raw” as the Encapsulation Method. If you select “Display the stream locally”, you will hear the live stream while recording it to the disk.
Step 4. Pick your destination file and click “OK” > “Open” to begin recording a raw stream with VLC.

Step 1. Open VLC and click Media > Open Network Stream.
Step 2. Enter the video stream address for RTSP.
Step 3. Click ▼ beside “Play” and select “Convert”.
Step 4. Type a filename and select a location. Then, click “Start”.