YouTube live streams do not disappear once the broadcast ends; in most cases, they are converted into rewatchable videos, often called replays or Video on Demand (VOD). These replays can be downloaded and saved offline if they are still publicly available or unlisted.
In this guide, you will learn multiple methods to download YouTube live streams after the stream ends, the limitations that affect availability, and which tools still work effectively.
To download standard videos, you can also use TubeFetcher (YouTube Downloader) early in your workflow.
Can You Download a YouTube Live Stream After It Ends?
Yes. Once a YouTube livestream finishes and is processed into Video on Demand (VOD), it can be downloaded if the stream remains available to the public or to users with access.
You can download it using command-line tools like yt-dlp, desktop software such as TubeFetcher (YouTube Downloader), or certain mobile and browser-based solutions. Stream length, privacy settings, and platform limitations all affect your options.
Who Needs to Download YouTube Live Streams After They End?
The need to download ended livestreams often comes from users who missed the original broadcast, content repurposers gathering source footage, or creators backing up their own material. Common scenarios include:
- A viewer saving a public or unlisted replay
- A teacher downloading an educational stream for offline review
- A digital nomad capturing a livestream from a restricted location
- A content editor needing raw livestream footage to trim for TikTok or Instagram
- A researcher archiving commentary or interviews
In these cases, direct download functionality helps bypass access issues, prevent rebuffering, and ensure offline availability.
What Happens to a YouTube Livestream After It Ends?
When a livestream finishes, YouTube automatically converts the event into a replay. This replay becomes a standard YouTube video, referred to as a Video on Demand (VOD). However, not all livestreams become immediately visible or downloadable. Several factors affect their availability:
- Processing Delay: Large or long streams (especially over 12 hours) may take hours to appear.
- Privacy Settings: Private streams are accessible only to the creator. Unlisted streams require a direct URL.
- Copyright Claims: If copyrighted material is detected, YouTube may block, mute, or restrict the replay.
- YouTube’s Auto-Trim: If the creator enabled auto-trimming, the beginning or end may be removed.
- Stream Length Rule: Streams over 12 hours may not be archived at all, according to YouTube’s official policies.
If you want to learn more about how YouTube handles long video uploads and formats, check out Best YouTube Format (For Quality & Size).
Understanding these limitations helps determine whether a download attempt will succeed.
Method 1: Download YouTube Live Streams with TubeFetcher (No-Code Method)
For users who prefer simplicity, TubeFetcher (YouTube Downloader) offers a lightweight, privacy-first YouTube downloader for Windows and Android. It runs locally, without any tracking, ads, or data collection.
If you’re on Windows, you can download the installer directly via TubeFetcher for Windows (Setup).
Why TubeFetcher Works for Livestream Replays
- Downloads MP4 or MP3 formats with selectable resolution
- Offline native app, no browser or extension required
- Supports unlisted streams if you have the direct URL
- No login required, protects user privacy
- Local-only operation, no server-based activity or telemetry
- One-click download process
How to Use TubeFetcher:
- Open the TubeFetcher app
- Paste the URL of the replay
- Choose between MP4 or MP3
- Select your preferred video quality
- Click Download
For Android users, choose the correct APK:
- Modern devices: TubeFetcher APK arm64-v8a
- Older devices: TubeFetcher APK armeabi-v7a
Unlike browser-based tools, TubeFetcher avoids issues with scripts, captchas, or throttling.
Method 2: Use yt-dlp to download the Replay
yt-dlp is an open-source command-line utility that allows advanced users to download YouTube replays. It works across platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Steps to Use yt-dlp:
- Download yt-dlp from https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp
- Open a command prompt or terminal
- Run the following command:
yt-dlp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=[stream_id] - Add flags for specific formats or quality:
yt-dlp -f bestvideo+bestaudio –merge-output-format mp4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=[stream_id] - To download subtitles or split-track audio:
yt-dlp –write-subs –audio-multistreams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=[stream_id]
Method 3: Downloading Replays on Mobile Devices
Downloading a replay on mobile requires either an app like NewPipe (Android only) or installing Termux to run yt-dlp.
Option A: Using NewPipe (Android)
- Install the NewPipe APK from [newpipe.net]
- Search or paste the livestream URL
- Tap the download button
- Choose format (video/audio) and quality
If you prefer a native app instead of NewPipe, you can install TubeFetcher for Android (Universal APK) for a simple offline downloader.
Option B: Using yt-dlp in Termux (Android CLI)
- Install Termux from F-Droid
- Install Python and yt-dlp using CLI
- Run yt-dlp commands as described earlier
Mobile users on iOS are more restricted due to Apple’s file system limitations. Using a desktop option or a cloud-based downloader is often more reliable.
Reasons the Live Replay Might Not Be Downloadable
- The stream is still being processed (wait 30 to 60 minutes)
- The creator made it private or removed it
- The video exceeded YouTube’s 12-hour limit
- The video is age-restricted, and you’re not logged in
- The replay was deleted due to a copyright claim
- YouTube applied geo-restrictions or visibility limits
Always verify that the video is playable in your browser before attempting to download it.
Tools That No Longer Work Reliably
Many browser extensions, outdated downloaders, and YouTube-DL scripts are now broken due to updated site protections.
Avoid These
- Browser extensions that inject download buttons
- Abandoned GitHub projects without updates
- YouTube Premium downloads (cannot export or convert)
- Apps that claim to bypass private or deleted videos
If the replay is not public or accessible via a direct link, no legitimate tool will download it. Respecting ethical boundaries prevents takedown requests and legal issues.
Legal and Ethical Considerations When Downloading
Downloading YouTube videos, including livestreams, may conflict with the platform’s Terms of Service if done without permission. Use the following guidelines:
- Only download content you have right to or explicit permission to use
- For educational, archival, or personal offline use, check your local copyright laws
- Do not re-upload, monetize, or distribute content you do not own
- Review YouTube’s TOS section on content usage
These practices help protect both your own account and the rights of creators.
What to Do After You Download a YouTube Livestream
Once the stream is saved to your device, it can be repurposed for multiple uses:
- Trim segments using free tools like Shotcut or LosslessCut
- Convert to MP3 for podcast-like repurposing
- Add captions or subtitles using SubtitleEdit or CapCut
- Extract highlights for short-form video distribution
- Upload to another platform (with permission)
Tools like TubeFetcher (YouTube Downloader) streamline the process by offering both MP4 and MP3 downloads for offline editing or repurposing.
Tool Comparison: yt-dlp vs TubeFetcher
| Feature | yt-dlp | TubeFetcher |
| Format Support | MP4, WebM, MP3 | MP4, MP3 |
| Interface | Command-line | GUI |
| Privacy | Fully local, safe | Fully offline, local |
| Supports Unlisted | Yes | Yes |
| Supports Private | With cookies/session | No |
| Skill Required | High (technical) | Low (user-friendly) |
| Platform | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows, Android |
Best Practices for Downloading YouTube Live Streams After They End
Users can download YouTube livestreams after they end using either advanced tools like yt-dlp or simpler solutions like TubeFetcher (YouTube Downloader). While yt-dlp offers flexibility for power users, TubeFetcher provides a fast, clean, privacy-safe option for users who want downloadable replays in a few clicks. As livestream usage grows across education, entertainment, and events, having an offline backup tool is more important than ever.
Always ensure your downloads follow platform rules and local copyright guidelines. When used responsibly, YouTube replay downloads can serve as powerful resources for archiving, repurposing, and offline learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download someone else’s livestream replay?
You can download the replay if it is public or unlisted and still visible on YouTube. Private streams are locked to the channel owner and cannot be accessed through any downloader. If the link works for you, you can save it.
Why is the livestream not available to download?
The replay might be stuck in processing, set to private, removed by the creator, or restricted due to copyright. Replays also fail to appear if the stream exceeded time limits or triggered YouTube’s automated checks.
Can I download a livestream longer than 12 hours?
YouTube does not archive streams that pass the 12-hour mark. If a stream exceeded this limit, it never becomes a replay and cannot be downloaded. The only way to save those is to record while it is live.
Is it legal to download livestreams?
You can download content only if you have permission or rights to use it. YouTube’s Terms of Service restrict saving videos without authorization. Always confirm that your use is allowed before downloading.
Does TubeFetcher support livestream replays?
Yes, TubeFetcher (YouTube Downloader) supports public and unlisted replays and saves them in MP4 or MP3.
