Download clips from active YouTube live streams
Paste the link of a YouTube stream that is live right now and download a clip as MP4, MP3 or a JPG image. Clips are limited to 30 seconds on trial, 5 minutes on Lite and 10 minutes on Pro or Studio. With DVR, the clip can start up to 4 hours back while the broadcast keeps going.
How to download part of a YouTube live stream
- 1
Copy the stream link
Any of the usual formats works: youtube.com/watch?v=…, youtube.com/live/… or youtu.be/…. The stream has to be live when you paste it.
- 2
Choose where the clip starts
Start at live to record what comes next, or pick a point in the past on the timeline. Then set the length, the format and the aspect ratio.
- 3
Download the file
The clip is cut on our servers and appears in your clip history. You don't have to wait for the stream to end or for the VOD to be processed.
Illustrative example
From live stream to file: an example
Switch formats to see the file you would get and the cost of these settings on a paid plan.
Example link format
youtube.com/live/LIVE_STREAM_IDThis link is fictional. The example does not connect to a stream, generate files or spend credits.
Illustrative selection
Example output
youtube-example.mp4A quote during a live interview
- Duration
- 60 seconds
- Video quality
- 720p
Cost of this example
2 credits
Quality depends on the stream and your plan. 1080p60 requires Pro or Studio. A 60-second clip may need that recording time, plus processing.
Rewind with YouTube's DVR
YouTube live streams usually keep a DVR window, the same one that lets viewers drag the player back. Live Clippers reads that window, so you can clip something that happened an hour ago without waiting for the replay.
Shortcuts go 30 seconds, 1, 2, 5 or 10 minutes back, and the timeline lets you pick any point up to 4 hours. If a stream keeps a shorter window, or the creator turned DVR off, the app tells you the exact limit before you clip.
Live streams only
The stream has to be live when you create the clip. Finished streams, premieres that already ended and regular videos aren't supported.
What you can download
MP4 video in 9:16, 16:9 or 1:1, the audio alone as a 192 kbps MP3, or a single frame as a JPG for thumbnails. Quality can't go above what the stream itself broadcasts.
Keep working with your saved clip
Once the capture is ready, play it in your library and choose the next step. Editing does not require the channel to remain live and does not renew the original's deadline.
Automatic subtitles
Free
Transcribe, edit words and timing, then export a captioned video or an SRT file.
Enhance audio
Free; optional AI uses credits
Clean up noise and adjust volume for free, or isolate speech with a quoted AI cost.
AI video highlights
Uses credits
Analyze picture and sound, review suggested moments and save the ones you choose.
If you already have your own file, you can also upload a video for free. For help, open support chat and tickets.
Clip length and quality by plan
The free trial offers 3 capture attempts, up to 30 seconds and 480p; it is not an AI credit balance. Paid plans add longer captures, 1080p and monthly credits. A positive balance without a subscription uses Lite capture limits. Uploading and editing your own videos are free, with separate limits.
| Plan | Price | Max clip length | Max quality | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free test | $0 | 30 seconds | 480p | 3 tests |
| Lite | $9.99/mo | 5 minutes | 1080p30 | 60 a month |
| Pro | $29.99/mo | 10 minutes | 1080p60 | 240 a month |
| Studio | $99.99/mo | 10 minutes | 1080p60 | 900 a month |
Questions
Can I download a YouTube live stream after it ends?
No. Live Clippers works while the stream is on air. Once it ends, the clip can't be created here.
How far back can I go?
Up to 4 hours, if the stream has DVR on. When the window is shorter, the app shows the real limit before you create the clip.
Can I download only the audio?
Yes. Choose audio and you get an MP3 at 192 kbps, which works well for a quote, a song moment or a podcast segment.
Is this YouTube live stream downloader free?
New accounts get 3 free test clips of up to 30 seconds at 480p, with no card. Longer clips and 1080p need a plan, starting at $9.99 a month.
Other live platforms
Download your first YouTube live clip
Create a free account and use your 3 test clips. No card required.
Live Clippers is a technical tool. Clip your own streams or streams you have permission to use; you are responsible for the rights to what you download and publish.