5 Ways to Record a Livestream on a Mac for Free

Want to know how to record a livestream on a Mac? In this article, you’ll learn how to record a live stream on a Mac in 5 different ways.

Best for: recording and editing livestreams

Let’s start with installable software. It has more features than built-in tools and can be customized to meet your needs. The main disadvantage is that you have to install it, which may be impossible if you don’t have administrative rights for it, for example, on a Mac you use for work. However, if you find installable software more convenient, you can figure this out with your company’s IT team.

Movavi Screen Recorder is a powerful video ripper that will easily capture streaming videos on a Mac. Just download the program and follow the simple instructions below to learn how to record streaming videos on Mac.

Now you know how to record a live stream on a Mac with Movavi.

Let’s list the essential information on this software:

Best for: macOS Mojave owners

If you need to capture a streaming video on a Mac, you do not need additional software. For video recordings and capturing images, you can use the inbuilt Screenshot tool with keyboard shortcuts. However, this option is only available on macOS Mojave or later versions. Though the idea of using keyboard shortcuts seems a little intimidating, it's quite simple.

Here’s how to record a streaming video on your Mac with audio:

1. Press Shift + Cmd + 5 – an onscreen menu will pop up, giving you access to different recording options. These include capturing a still image, a section of the screen, an entire screen, or a window.
2. Press the fourth button from the right – doing so sends the instructions to record the entire screen. You'll recognize this button by its window-like outline with a circle near the bottom right corner. If you are using multiple monitors, select the one to record. In the menu bar, you will notice an icon indicating the progress of the recording. To stop recording and automatically save the video, you can click on it. Alternatively, press Ctrl + Cmd + Esc.
3. Press the third button – instead of pressing the fourth button, use the third one if you want to record a portion of the screen. A box indicating what will be recorded will appear on the screen. Drag it to the desired section of the screen. You can also expand or shrink it by dragging the edges. On the options menu at the bottom, press the Record button to initiate recording.
4. Move and share files – in the bottom-right corner of your screen, a thumbnail of the file will appear after you've finished recording. A file of the recording will also appear on your desktop if you do not click on the thumbnail. Move the file to the desired storage location from where you will access or share it.

With your recordings saved, you can edit them and merge them with other files to create videos as you please.

Now you know how to capture a streaming video on a Mac with hotkeys.

Best for: simple recordings without editing

If hotkeys are not your cup of soup or you do not have Mojave, you may wonder how to record a streaming video on a Mac for free. Well, it's still relatively easy, and you do not need to download any tools. QuickTime Player, which is a freeware that comes with your Mac, will do.

Here's how to record a live stream on your Mac:

1. Open QuickTime Player.
2. Select New Screen Recording – on the QuickTime Player icon in your dock, right-click and select New Screen Recording.
3. A screen recording box will appear on the screen.
4. To access more features, such as using an external microphone or built-in microphone for audio, click the white arrow pointing down.
5. It is important to note that using external audio devices disables the audio in the video.
6. Depending on the intended use of the video, select whether mouse clicks should appear.
7. Click the Record button once you are ready.
8. Drag the marquee to the area you wish to target if you're recording part of the screen.
9. Click on Record again to capture the screen.
10. To finish recording, click on the QuickTime player icon and select Stop Recording.
11. Save the recording to the desired folder.

Best for: recording screen without installing additional software

If you prefer capturing live streams on a Mac from the internet without the need to download an installer or software, Screencapture.com is the ideal solution. This is a purely online tool that you can use to copy anything displayed on your screen. Once you've accessed the website, everything is readily displayed, making It easy to begin recording.

You can either choose the free version or the paid one. With the free version, your recordings will have a watermark. For the premium plan, you will only need to pay $4.95 monthly. Along with capturing your screen, it also enables you to grab webcam feed and sound.

To use Free Online Screen Recorder, you should take the following steps:

1. Visit the Screencapture.com website
2. If you want to record webcam and microphone sound, select the Webcam and Microphone options
3. Click the Screen Recording button and choose between Entire Screen, Window, and Browser Tab.
4. When you are finished, click Stop Recording and then Download.

Best for: recording and sharing directly from your browser

When you need to rip your livestream from the internet on a Mac, there are many options to choose from. However, most tools can be a little bit complicated. If you want something simple to use, a browser extension, Loom, in particular, may be your best option. Another excellent feature with Loom is that you can instantly share your files using links. As such, you do not need to worry about sending or storing large files on your computer.

One of the best aspects of Loom is that it supports collaboration as multiple people can use the platform simultaneously. Although it has a trial version, you will have to pay a monthly fee of $5 for each user. Loom has a wide range of features and is highly functional. Out of ten, a fair rating for this tool is 9.

To learn more about Loom's features, follow the link below.

Loom for Chrome

Take the following steps to use Loom:

1. Install the Loom app on your desktop.
2. Click on the Loom icon to run the recorder.
3. Create a Loom account and sign in.
4. Select your recording settings and choose what to capture.
5. Select Screen to record the screen only.
6. To record your screen and camera, select Screen + Cam.
7. Select Cam Only only to record your camera.
8. Select your audio and camera should you opt to include your camera and audio in the recording.
9. Click Start Recording.

After you finish recording, the files will be easily shareable via links.

To recap, here are a few essential things to consider when you are choosing a screen recording program.

• User-friendliness: some programs can be very complicated to operate. Look for one that matches your experience level. Extra features can be useful, but they can also make a program more complex and create a steeper learning curve.
• Supported formats: make certain the program you choose creates videos in the format you want to use.
• Features: look for a screen recorder that offers all the features and functions you need, like video editing, cloud storage, or export options.
• Price: find a screen recorder within your budget. If possible, choose one with a free trial, so you can make sure it works for your needs before you commit.
• Support: check to see what kind of help is available if you run into issues with your chosen program.
• Reviews: check out some user reviews and professional product reviews to see what other people who have used this program have to say about it.