How to Record Gaming Videos for YouTube [Complete Guide]

Want to record gaming videos for YouTube without making your setup more complicated than it needs to be? Nowadays, you can record PC gameplay with Xbox Game Bar or OBS Studio, while console players can use built-in recording or a capture card. The best method depends on your device and how much control you want over the final video.

Here, we will not only provide guide on how to record YouTube gaming videos but also other essentials, like the crucial equipment required to record game videos for YouTube.

Quick Answer on Recording Gaming Videos for YouTube

You can record gaming videos for YouTube with a built-in recorder, OBS Studio, or a capture card.

For most PC gamers, Xbox Game Bar is the easiest place to start. If you want more control over your video, audio, facecam, and scenes, OBS Studio is a better choice, there're also best OBS setting for recording. For console gameplay, a capture card is useful when you need longer recordings or more control.

Part 1: Essential Equipment to Record Game Videos for YouTube

So, let's start the blog by learning the essential equipment required to record game videos for YouTube. Let's gain knowledge about some of the crucial equipment:

1. Webcam

The first piece of equipment that you should have for recording game videos is a webcam. Faceless videos are less likely to grab viewers' attention than videos with faces. And here is where the webcam plays a crucial role. There are several advantages of using a webcam for Facecam. It enhances engagement and connection, builds a stronger community, enhances user and viewer experience, and increases click-through rates. Let's now get knowledge about the best webcam that could be used to record gaming videos.

2. Recording Software

Without recording footage, your game videos do not make any sense. So, the next crucial item to record gaming videos for YouTube is recording software. There are 3 options when it comes to recording software. Let's discuss them:

1. Built-in screen recorder (simplest option)

The simplest option is a built-in screen recorder if you play games on a Windows PC. Xbox Game Bar is the simplest option for quick gameplay recordings. You can simply use that and record your videos. However, this option contains certain limitations and quality issues.

Pros of using a built-in screen recorder for recording videos:

• Ease of use
• No additional cost
• Quick keyboard shortcut

Cons of using a built-in screen recorder for recording videos:

• Fewer recording controls than OBS Studio
• Lack of flexibility

2. Free software (OBS Studio)

The other option for this is that you can use free software to record your gaming footage. The best free software for recording purposes is OBS Studio, which is a popular choice for gaming creators. You can use the software for free to record videos or create multiple scenes. Also, there is no watermark or time limit to use the software.

Pros of using OBS Studio for recording videos:

• Can record videos in different sizes.
• Allows streaming to different platforms.
• Supports gameplay, webcam, microphone, and multiple sources.

Cons of using OBS Studio for recording videos:

• Beginners may find it hard to use.
• There is no stopping during the recording.
• Incorrect settings can affect recording performance, so it's cricial to learn the best OBS setting.

If you are new to OBS, start with its Auto-Configuration Wizard instead of changing every setting manually.

3. Capture cards

A capture card is useful when you want to record gameplay from a PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or another external video source on a computer. A typical setup sends the console's video signal through the capture card and then to your recording computer. Many modern capture cards also support high-resolution passthrough and high frame rates, depending on the model.

Pros of using capture card for recording videos:

• Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
• Allows longer recordings than many built-in console capture options.
• High-quality video and audio recording of gameplay footage.
• Offers built-in live streaming features.

Cons of using capture card for recording videos:

• Require a powerful computer system to run smoothly without affecting gameplay performance.
• Requires more cables and setup.

It's more suitable for console creators who want longer YouTube recordings, facecam, commentary, or more control over their production.

3. Microphone

The poor audio can leave a bad impression on the audience. A high-quality microphone could be helpful to get rid of this problem. It helps to deliver a clear message to the audience, even if your video is not so professional. You do not necessarily need an expensive microphone. A USB microphone or a good gaming headset can be enough when you are starting.

When choosing a microphone, look for:

• Clear voice reproduction
• Good background-noise control
• Easy USB or compatible connection
• A pickup pattern that suits your room

Till now, we have learned about the essential equipment required to record gaming videos. The next part is even more important, as we will understand the steps to record gaming videos for YouTube.

Part 2: How to Record Gaming Videos for YouTube

Recording gaming videos for YouTube is a simple yet technical process. We will learn how to record gaming videos for YouTube in 3 different methods.

Method 1: Use Xbox Game Bar on Windows

Here are the steps to use a built-in screen recorder to record gaming videos for YouTube:

Step 1: Hold "Win + G" together to open Xbox game bar. Click the "Capture" button.

Step 2: Press Windows + Alt + R to start recording. You can also start/stop a recording by clicking on the "Start/Stop Recording". If required, you can toggle the microphone by using the "Turn Microphone On/Off" button. 

Step 3: Press Windows + Alt + R again to stop.

Method 2: Use Free Software (OBS)

Here are the steps to use OBS to record gaming videos for YouTube. (For a complete OBS setup guide, you can check our record with OBS tutorial.)

Step 1: Download OBS Studio . After that, install your software by choosing a specific system location.

Step 2: Now, set up OBS for recording by adjusting some settings. Tap on the "Video" button on the left panel. Choose the standard resolution as 1920*1080. The common FPS value could be 30 or 60 FPS, as per your requirements.

You can change the saving path, quality, recording format, etc by clicking on the "Output" option given on the left.

Now, change the audio Sample Rate and channels, and set the audio device according to the below picture.

Step 3: After that, navigate through the homepage and click on the "Sources box". Select the game capture by clicking on the "+" icon. Then, add a new source.

Step 4: Now, three game capture modes will appear on the screen. You need to select one as per your requirements.

Step 5: Tap on the "Start Recording" button, and your gameplay recording will get started.

Method 3: Use Capture Cards for Console Gameplay

A capture card is a better option when you want to record longer or more controlled gameplay from a console.

The exact connection depends on your capture card, but a typical setup looks like this:

Console → Capture Card → Gaming Monitor/TV and Capture Card → USB → Recording Computer

Step 1: Connect the HDMI output from your console to the capture card's HDMI input.

Step 2: Connect the capture card's HDMI output to your monitor or TV and use the required USB connection to connect the capture card to your recording computer.

Step 3: Open OBS Studio or the capture card's compatible recording software, and add the capture card as a video capture source.

Step 4: Check audio and video, make sure your gameplay is visible and that both game audio and microphone audio are being captured correctly.

Part 3: How to Record Gaming Videos for YouTube Without Lag

Recording can use additional CPU, GPU, memory, and storage resources. If your game runs smoothly before recording but starts dropping frames afterward, adjust your recording setup.

Try these fixes:

1. Use a hardware encoder if your GPU supports one.
2. Start with 1080p60 instead of 4K recording.
3. Drop from 60 FPS to 30 FPS if your system struggles.
4. Close unnecessary GPU-heavy applications.
5. Reduce the number of complex OBS sources and filters.
6. Make a short test recording before recording a full session.

You do not need maximum settings to make a good YouTube video. Stable gameplay and clean audio are usually more important than recording at the highest possible resolution.

Part 4: FAQs about Recording Game Videos for YouTube

Now, let's look at some of the frequently asked questions by people about recording game videos for YouTube:

1. How to record Gameplay on PS5/PS4 for YouTube?

The steps below are the steps on how to record gameplay on PS4 for YouTube:

Step 1: On the DualSense Controller, hit the "Create" button. A menu will appear.

Step 2: From the lower right corner, tap the "Capture Options" and choose the "Manual Recording Resolution" option.

Step 3: Hit the "Start New Recording" button to begin.

Step 4: Press the "Create" and "Stop Recording" options when you wish to end the recording.

2. How to record YouTube videos on Xbox?

Below are the steps on how to record a YouTube video on Xbox:

Step 1: Open the game you wish to record and pause it. To record, tap the "Xbox" button.

Step 2: Hit the "View" buttons, then select the desired recording settings.

Step 3: Go back to the game and begin recording by clicking on the "X" button.

3. How to record switch gameplay for YouTube?

Below are the steps on how to record Switch gameplay for YouTube:

Step 1: Recording switch gameplay for YouTube carries simple and easy steps. With the help of a capture card, place a connection between the Switch and your PC.

Step 2: Now, record the switch gameplay on PC for YouTube (steps to use the Capture Card to record gameplay have been mentioned above).

Can I record gameplay and my face at the same time?

Yes. OBS Studio can combine gameplay, webcam footage, microphone input, and game audio in the same scene. A webcam such as the OBSBOT Meet 2 can be added as a video capture source.

Final words

This is all about how to record PC gameplay for YouTube. Recording gaming videos for YouTube can be both exciting and rewarding. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can produce high-quality content that engages your audience and showcases your gaming skills. Remember to choose the right recording software, optimize settings for quality and performance, and consider editing your videos to add polish and flair. For those looking for a hassle-free recording experience with advanced tracking capabilities, OBSBOT Meet SE stands out as a reliable choice. So, gear up, hit that record button, and start sharing your gaming adventures with the world.