Quick Answer:
You can record video games for YouTube using tools like SurFlex Screen Recorder, OBS Studio, Camtasia, or the built-in Xbox Game Bar on Windows. These tools allow you to create MP4 videos in a YouTube-friendly aspect ratio of 16:9.
If you are a gaming YouTuber, it’s essential to regularly record video games for YouTube to share gameplay with your subscribers and attract more viewers. Therefore, you must know how to record gaming videos for YouTube so that you can upload your gameplay to the video-sharing platform. With that in mind, I would like to present five proven methods for recording gameplay on a PC for YouTube.
Table of contents
Optimal Video Resolution & Format for YouTube
Before you start, it’s advisable to check the optimal video resolutions and video format for YouTube so that you can make gaming YouTube videos more effectively.
Recommended resolution for YouTube:
For computer users, the standard aspect ratio for YouTube is 16:9, including resolutions such as:
- 4320p (8k): 7680×4320
- 2160p (4K): 3840×2160
- 1440p (2k): 2560×1440
- 1080p (FHD): 1920×1080
- 720p (HD): 1280×720
Among them, 1920 x 1080 pixels or 1080p is the optimal choice.
Recommended video format for YouTube: MP4.
Thus, when you record a game clip on PC for YouTube, it’s advisable to record an MP4 video in 1920×1080 resolution.
How to Record Gaming Videos for YouTube on PC Easily
Tool: SurFlex Screen Recorder
Whether you are going to record a game clip only or record yourself playing a game, you can use SurFlex Screen Recorder to achieve your goal. This easy game recorder allows you to record full-screen games or a specific game window and supports resolutions up to 4K. Thus, if you want to make gaming videos in high quality on your computer, it will be helpful.
Besides, when you use this tool to record gameplay on your PC, you have the freedom to customize the output format and video quality. Whether you want to record MP4, AVI, MOV, or other types of videos in original quality or HD, SurFlex Screen Recorder will fulfill your needs.
To record gameplay on PC for YouTube:
Step 1. Launch the screen recorder and click Settings.
Step 2. Set up the output settings and then click OK.
Step 3. Enable audio recording and select the audio recording option you need. Then choose to record the full screen or a selected region.
Step 4. Select the game window and then click REC. The recording will start after five seconds (you can change it in Settings).
Step 5. After you record gameplay on your PC, click Stop in the Controls bar and then check the game video in the recording list.
How to Record Gameplay on PC for YouTube for Free
Tool: OBS Studio
OBS Studio, being a renowned free screen recorder, is also capable of recording game videos on both PC and Mac platforms. With its screen recording features, you can effortlessly capture game footage with audio or even record yourself playing a game. Moreover, if you wish to record past gameplay on your PC, OBS Studio provides a viable solution. To learn how to use OBS Studio to record gameplay, refer to the detailed guide instead.
How to Record Video Game for YouTube
Tool: Camtasia
If you not only need to record video games but also want to enhance the gameplay through video editing, Camtasia is a suitable choice as it combines both a screen recorder and a video editor. This professional tool offers a wide range of features to record and edit videos on your computer. What sets Camtasia apart is its ability to directly share your gameplay on YouTube, making the process incredibly convenient.
In summary, if you’re seeking advanced features and more customizable options for recording gameplay on your computer, Camtasia comes highly recommended.
To record gaming videos on PC for YouTube:
Step 1. Download and install Camtasia on your computer.
Step 2. Launch the app and then sign in.
Step 3. Click New Recording and set the recording options according to your needs.
Step 4. When you are ready, click REC to start recording gameplay on your PC.
Step 5. Once the recording is done, click Stop and edit the video.
Step 6. Go to Export > YouTube to share your gameplay to YouTube.
How to Record Gameplay for YouTube Directly
Tool: Xbox Game Bar
To record gaming videos for YouTube on a PC or laptop running Windows 10 or later, you can utilize the built-in screen gameplay recorder called Xbox Game Bar. This game recorder is not only capable of capturing real-time gameplay but also allows you to record past gameplay on your computer, provided that you have enabled background recording.
However, despite its convenience, there is a drawback when using this app: it defaults to capturing the currently active window, without the option to customize the recording region. Therefore, it is advisable to maximize your game window to ensure that you capture gameplay in a resolution suitable for YouTube. Or you can use a video editor to edit the gameplay video for YouTube.
To record gameplay for YouTube on PC:
Step 1. Go to Start > Settings > Gaming > Captures to set up the recording settings, such as video quality.
Step 2. When you are in a game, press Windows-Alt-R to start recording immediately.
Step 3. To stop the gameplay recording, press Windows-Alt-R again.
Step 4. Go to Xbox Game Bar (Windows-G) > Widget Menu > Gallery to check the game clip.
More Tips on Gameplay Recording
When you record a game clip on your PC, you may also want to know:
How do you record gaming for YouTube?
You can use a gameplay recording tool like SurFlex Screen Recorder to record gaming videos for YouTube. It allows you to record full-screen games or a game window in high quality and save gameplay to your referred resolution or quality.
How do gaming YouTubers make their videos?
Gaming YouTubers generally need the following tools to make their videos:
- A screen recorder like OBS Studio, Bandicam, or SurFlex Screen Recorder
- A webcam or digital camera
- A high-quality microphone
What do gaming YouTubers use to record their screen?
Most gaming YouTubers use game recorders like OBS Studio and Bandicam to record gameplay for YouTube. There are also other recommended choices for game recording, such as SurFlex Screen Recorder, NVIDIA ShadowPlay, Camtasia, and Movavi Screen Recorder.
Wrapping Up
When recording game videos for YouTube, it is essential to determine the most suitable video resolution and format to ensure compatibility with viewers’ devices. Additionally, utilizing a professional game recorder can help capture gameplay smoothly without any lag. Take the time to assess your specific requirements and choose a preferred tool that enables easy gameplay capture on your computer.