Best YouTube Recording Software (PC, Mac, iOS, Android): Free & Paid

Imagine tuning into a YouTube video with grainy visuals, inconsistent audio, or jumpy transitions. It's off-putting, right? The right YouTube recording software plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall video quality. In this article we go over the best recording software that can be used make high-quality YouTube videos.


Why Choose the Right YouTube Recording Software?

High-quality recordings are crucial for retaining viewer engagement and ensuring your content is consumed the way you intended. A video that's clear, crisp, and professionally edited can make all the difference in capturing and keeping a viewer's attention.

From capturing high-definition footage to offering advanced editing capabilities, the right software can elevate your content to professional standards. Whether you're looking to add special effects, overlay audio, or stitch together multiple clips, a robust recording software can make these tasks seamless.

Moreover, viewers have countless videos at their fingertips, ensuring your content is of the highest quality is not just a luxury—it's a necessity. By investing in the right YouTube recording software, you're not only enhancing your video quality but also ensuring your content resonates with your audience, leaving a lasting impression

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Top YouTube Recording Software for Windows and Mac

When it comes to creating standout YouTube content, the software you choose plays a pivotal role. Whether you're a Windows or Mac user, there are many options available. Let's dive into some of the best YouTube recording software options tailored for these platforms.

OBS Studio

OBS Studio stands out as a free and open-source software, making it a favorite among many content creators. It offers powerful recording and streaming capabilities.

Best for: Multi-camera Screen Recording & Livestreaming

Features and benefits:

  • High-performance recording: Capture high-quality video and audio.

  • Streaming capabilities: Stream live to platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and more.

  • Customizable layouts: Design your workspace based on your preferences.

  • Plugin support: Enhance functionality with a wide range of plugins.

Pros and cons:

  • Pros: No watermarks, supports multiple platforms, highly customizable.

  • Cons: Steeper learning curve for beginners, requires manual settings for optimal performance.

Prices: Free

Camtasia

Camtasia is renowned for its intuitive interface and robust editing tools, making it ideal for creating professional-grade videos for YouTube.

Best for: Screen Recording & Editing

Features and benefits:

  • Screen recording: Capture crisp video and audio with ease.

  • Drag-and-drop editor: Simplify the editing process with pre-built assets.

  • Interactive elements: Add quizzes, annotations, and call-to-actions in videos.

  • Animations: Bring your content to life with motion effects.

Pros and cons:

  • Pros: Comprehensive editing tools, library of royalty-free assets, interactive features.

  • Cons: Pricier compared to other options, might be overwhelming for new users.

Price: License is $299.99, Individual Subscription is $179.88 annually.

Bandicam

Bandicam is a lightweight software known for its high compression ratio, ensuring quality recordings without large file sizes.

Best for: Educational Courses, Tutorials and Gaming.

Features and benefits:

  • Game recording: Capture gameplay with high frame rates.

  • Device recording: Record from external devices like webcams and gaming consoles.

  • Real-time drawing: Draw and outline on your video while recording.

  • Scheduled recording: Set a specific time to start and stop recording.

Pros and cons:

  • Pros: Efficient compression, versatile recording modes, user-friendly.

  • Cons: Watermark in the free version, limited editing tools.

Price: $39.95

EaseUS RecExperts

EaseUS RecExperts is a versatile recording software designed for both beginners and professionals. It's tailored to cater to a wide range of recording needs, from simple screen captures to intricate video editing.

Best for: Screen Recording and Livestreaming

Features and benefits:

  • Multi-mode recording: Capture full screen, selected area, or a specific window.

  • Webcam recording: Perfect for vloggers and educators to add a personal touch.

  • Audio recording: Capture sound from multiple sources simultaneously.

  • Built-in editor: Trim, cut, and add annotations to your recordings.

Pros and cons:

  • Pros: User-friendly interface, high-quality recordings, extensive editing tools.

  • Cons: Might be resource-intensive on older systems, limited free version capabilities.

Price: $19.95 per month, $39.95 per year.

Snagit

Snagit is more than just a screen recorder. It's a comprehensive tool for capturing screenshots, recording videos, and editing them to perfection.

Best for: Screenshots & Sharing

Features and benefits:

  • All-in-one capture: Grab the entire screen, a region, or a scrolling window.

  • Animated GIFs: Turn any short recording into a GIF.

  • Annotations: Add text, arrows, and shapes to highlight key points.

  • Panoramic capture: Capture wide, horizontal scrolls, and infinitely scrolling webpages.

Pros and cons:

  • Pros: Versatile capture options, built-in image editor, easy sharing options.

  • Cons: Not ideal for long video recordings, pricier than some alternatives.

Price: $62.99

ScreenFlow

If you download ScreenFlow, you'll not only be able to record videos but also edit them. The interface is quite simple, so you won’t spend much time mastering the program. If you want to access stock videos, images, and music, you can buy an additional subscription to Stock Media Library integrated with ScreenFlow.

Best For: Presentation videos

Features:

  • Device recording

  • Animations and motion graphics

  • Closed caption support

  • Video-editing tools

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros: Easy to use and Editing features available

  • Cons: Only available for Mac users

Price: $129 per year

Best Online YouTube Recording Software

For content creators who prefer browser-based solutions over downloadable software, online YouTube recording software offers convenience without compromising on quality. Let's explore some of the top online recording tools that can elevate your YouTube content.

ScreePal

If you have no prior experience with screen recording tools, ScreenPal is one of the best YouTube recording software for you. It can be used with a wide range of videos, including gameplay.

Best For: Students and educators

Features:

  • Editing tools

  • Host and share contents

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros: The intuitive design enhances the user experience

  • Cons: Building a content library takes time

Price: Free basic plan, $3/month for Deluxe, $8/month for Business

EaseUS Online Screen Recorder

EaseUS Online Screen Recorder is a web-based tool that allows users to record high-quality videos directly from their browsers. Without the need for any downloads or installations, it offers a hassle-free recording experience.

Best for: Online Screen Recording

Features:

  • No downloads: Record directly from your browser.

  • Multiple recording modes: Capture the full screen, a specific window, or a selected area.

  • Webcam recording: Add a personal touch by including webcam footage.

  • Audio capture: Record system sound, microphone, or both.

Pros and cons:

  • Pros: User-friendly interface, no software installation required, versatile recording options.

  • Cons: Limited editing capabilities, requires a stable internet connection.

Price: $19.95 per month, $39.95 per year.

Loom

Loom is a modern online recording tool that seamlessly integrates video recording with instant sharing. It's designed for quick captures, making it ideal for tutorials, feedback videos, and more.

Best for: Online Recording, Video Messaging and Instant Sharing

Features:

  • Instant sharing: Share your videos with a link immediately after recording.

  • Video reactions: Add a personal touch with face-cam reactions.

  • Customizable settings: Adjust video quality, camera settings, and more.

  • Annotations: Highlight important sections with on-screen drawing tools.

Pros and cons:

  • Pros: Quick and easy to use, integrated video hosting, interactive features.

  • Cons: Limited advanced editing options, free version has a watermark.

Price: Free with limited features and $8/month.

Screencastify

Screencastify is a popular Chrome extension that turns your browser into a powerful screen recorder. With millions of users, it's a trusted tool for educators, marketers, and content creators.

Best for: Webcam Presentations

Features:

  • Browser-based: Works as a Chrome extension.

  • Interactive videos: Add annotations, focus mouse clicks, and more.

  • Integrated editing: Trim, crop, and add text to your recordings.

  • Direct uploads: Save videos to Google Drive or publish directly to YouTube.

Pros and cons:

  • Pros: Easy to install and use, integrated with Google services, versatile recording options.

  • Cons: Limited to Chrome browser, free version has a time limit.

Price: Free, Starter ($7month) and Pro ($10/month).

Online YouTube recording software provides the flexibility to record and edit videos without the need for hefty downloads. They combine ease of use with powerful features, ensuring your YouTube content stands out.

Top YouTube Recording Apps for Mobile Devices

The rise of mobile content creation has been nothing short of phenomenal. With smartphones becoming more powerful, many YouTubers are now producing content directly from their mobile devices. Whether you're capturing on-the-go vlogs, tutorials, or reviews, having a reliable YouTube recording app on your smartphone or tablet is essential. Let's delve into some of the best apps tailored for Android and iOS platforms.

AZ Screen Recorder (Android)

AZ Screen Recorder is a top-rated app for Android users, known for its simplicity and robust features. It's designed to capture high-quality screen recordings without any time limits or watermarks.

Best for: Screen Recording, Screenshots and Image Editing

Features:

  • No root access required: Record without rooting your device.

  • Magic button: Control recordings without displaying anything on the screen.

  • Overlay front camera: Record your facial reactions alongside the screen capture.

  • Built-in editor: Trim, merge, and add background music to your recordings.

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros: User-friendly, no recording time limits, high-quality output.

  • Cons: Advanced features may require in-app purchases, available only for Android.

Screen Recorder for iPhone

Screen Recorder for iPhone is a dedicated app for iOS users, offering a seamless recording experience. It integrates effortlessly with the iOS ecosystem, ensuring smooth and clear recordings.

Best for: Screen Recording Games, Apps, Tutorials and Walkthroughs

Features:

  • Easy-to-use: Start recording with just a few taps.

  • Microphone audio recording: Capture voiceovers or external sounds.

  • High-definition recording: Ensure your content is crisp and clear.

  • Direct sharing: Share your recordings on YouTube, social media, or save to your device.

Pros and cons:

  • Pros: Optimized for iOS, intuitive interface, direct sharing options.

  • Cons: Limited editing capabilities, may require in-app purchases for advanced features.

DU Recorder – Screen Recorder (Android/iOS)

DU Recorder is a versatile app available for both Android and iOS users. It's packed with features that cater to a wide range of recording needs, from basic screen captures to intricate video editing.

Best for: Screen Recording, Screenshots, Editor and Streaming

Features:

  • High-quality recording: Capture videos in 1080p, 12Mbps, 60FPS.

  • Live streaming: Stream your screen to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch.

  • Video editing: Trim, merge, add music, and apply filters to your recordings.

  • GIF maker: Convert any video segment into a GIF.

Pros and cons:

  • Pros: Multi-platform support, extensive editing tools, live streaming capabilities.

  • Cons: Some features may require in-app purchases, occasional ads in the free version.

With these top YouTube recording apps, you can capture, edit, and share your content directly from your smartphone or tablet.

Free vs. Paid YouTube Recording Software

One of the most common dilemmas faced by content creators is whether to opt for free or paid solutions. Both come with their own set of advantages, and the choice often boils down to individual needs and preferences. Let's explore the benefits and potential limitations of each.

Benefits of Investing in Paid Software

  • Advanced Features: Paid software often comes packed with a broader range of features, from intricate editing tools to advanced screen capture modes.

  • Customer Support: Investing in a premium tool usually means better customer support, ensuring you get assistance whenever you face issues.

  • No Watermarks: Your recordings remain professional without any branding or watermarks that free versions might impose.

  • Regular Updates: Paid versions are frequently updated, ensuring compatibility with the latest devices and operating systems.

Advantages of Free Software and Potential Limitations

  • No Initial Investment: Ideal for beginners or those on a tight budget, free software allows you to start recording without any upfront costs.

  • Ease of Use: Many free tools prioritize simplicity, making them perfect for those who want a straightforward recording solution.

  • Limitations: Free versions might come with restrictions, such as recording time limits, watermarks, or fewer features.

  • Ads and Promotions: Some free software might display ads or prompt you to upgrade to their premium versions.

Features to Look for in a YouTube Recording Software

Choosing the right YouTube recording software can be a game-changer for your content creation journey. But what features should you prioritize? Here's a breakdown of essential aspects to consider:

  • User-friendly Interface: The software should be intuitive, ensuring you spend less time figuring out the controls and more time creating content.

  • High-quality Video and Audio Recording Capabilities: Ensure the software can capture videos in HD or even 4K, with clear audio quality.

  • Editing Tools and Features: Look for tools that offer built-in editing capabilities, allowing you to trim, cut, add effects, and more without needing a separate editing software.

  • Compatibility with Various Devices and Platforms: Whether you're on Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS, the software should be compatible with your device. Additionally, consider its compatibility with other software and platforms you use.

By weighing the pros and cons of free vs. paid software and prioritizing essential features, you can find a tool that aligns perfectly with your content creation goals.

Tips for Enhancing Your YouTube Video Quality

While having the right YouTube recording software is essential, there are other factors and equipment that play a crucial role in determining the quality of your videos. Here are some expert tips to ensure your YouTube content stands out in terms of quality.

Related Article: Best YouTube Equipment For Starting A YouTube Channel

Importance of Good Lighting and Sound

  • Lighting: Proper lighting can make a significant difference. Natural light is ideal, but if that's not possible, invest in softbox lights or ring lights to illuminate your videos evenly.

  • Sound: Clear audio is just as important as video quality. Consider investing in a good microphone and minimize background noise during recording.

Related Article: How to Add Music to a YouTube Video

Choosing the Right Recording Settings

  • Resolution: Aim for at least 1080p for clear and crisp videos. If your device supports it, 4K offers even better clarity.

  • Frame Rate: A higher frame rate like 60fps ensures smoother video playback, especially for action sequences or tutorials.

Related Article: How to Record a YouTube Video

Post-production Editing Tips

  • Trimming: Cut out unnecessary parts or mistakes to keep the video engaging.

  • Effects and Transitions: Use them sparingly to enhance the video without making it look overly edited.

  • Color Correction: Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation to make your videos pop.

Tutorial: Best Screen Recording Software for YouTube

In this tutorial video, Nick Nimmin shares his thoughts on what is the best screen recorders for Mac, PC, iOS and Android.


Conclusion

Navigating the world of YouTube recording software can be daunting, but with the right information, the journey becomes more straightforward. Whether you're recording on a computer, online, or using a mobile device, there's a tool tailored for your needs. 

Remember, the best software is the one that aligns with your content creation goals and preferences. So, take the plunge, choose the right tool, and let your creativity shine on YouTube!

FAQs

What is the best free YouTube recording software?
OBS Studio is a popular free option known for its powerful recording and streaming capabilities. However, the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences.

How to ensure high-quality recordings for YouTube?
Invest in good lighting and sound equipment, choose the right recording settings, and focus on post-production editing to enhance video quality.

Are online recording tools as effective as downloadable software?
Online tools offer the convenience of browser-based recording without downloads. They are effective for quick captures, but for more advanced features and higher quality, downloadable software might be a better choice.

Additional Resources

Helpful YouTube Articles

YouTube Video Assets

Referrences

Thanks for Reading

At Motion Arts Media, we help video editors and creators with ready-to-use motion graphics assets and templates. With over 1,000 customers and 17,000+ downloads, we’re all about empowering your creative flow. Check out our freebies and premium video templates or connect with us on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or LinkedIn.

About The Author

Jeremy Sampson is a motion designer and founder of Motion Arts Media with over a decade of experience working in Premiere Pro and After Effects. He’s worked with brands like Apple, Amazon, and Nike, but also has passion towards creating motion designs and assets for other creators through Motion Arts Media—where he shares his styles and work with the community.

Jeremy | Motion Designer & Founder | Motion Arts MediaComment