Not every streamer saves their VODs, and the ones who do may only keep them for a couple of weeks. If you want a permanent copy, recording the stream live is the surest way. VidLoader captures a live Twitch stream and saves it as an ordinary video. Live-stream recording is a VidLoader Plus feature. Here's how.

When VODs aren't enough

Downloading a VOD only works if the streamer saves one — and many don't, or keep them for just a short time. If you want a guaranteed copy of a stream, recording it live is the reliable route. VidLoader captures the broadcast as it happens and saves it as an ordinary video once the stream ends, so you're not depending on the streamer's VOD settings at all. It's the best option for streams you know you'll want to rewatch, from a big tournament final to a chill IRL walk you'd like to keep.

What you'll need

The VidLoader desktop app (free to download) — get it at vidloader.com
A VidLoader Plus subscription (live-stream recording is a Plus feature)
A channel that's currently live
Your computer awake for the length of the stream

Step 1 — Paste the channel link

Open Add and paste the live channel URL. VidLoader detects that the channel is streaming and prepares to record. The preview confirms the channel you're capturing.

The VidLoader Add screen with a live Twitch channel link pasted in

Twitch doesn't keep the earlier part of a broadcast available the way YouTube does, so a Twitch stream records from the current moment — start recording as soon as you can to catch the opening. (VidLoader's Where recording starts setting offers a from the very beginning option, but it only recovers earlier footage on sites that keep it, like YouTube.)

Step 2 — Recording shows in the Queue

Press Download and open the Queue. The stream carries a LIVE badge while it records. Keep VidLoader running; when the streamer ends the broadcast, the recording finalises.

A Twitch stream recording with a LIVE badge in the VidLoader queue

Step 3 — Keep the recording in Clips

Once the stream ends, your recording moves to the Clips library like any other video — a permanent copy even if the channel never posts a VOD.

A saved Twitch stream recording in the VidLoader Clips library

Getting a reliable capture

Live recording depends on your setup staying steady for the length of the stream, so treat it a bit like recording a broadcast. Make sure the computer won't sleep, keep it on a stable connection, and avoid saturating that connection with other big downloads at the same time. Start the capture a little early so you don't miss the opening minutes, and give VidLoader a moment at the end to finalise the file before closing the app. If the stream itself hiccups on the source's side, that gap will show up in your recording — capturing live means you record exactly what's broadcast. For streams you simply can't miss, this reliability is worth the small amount of preparation. If you record streams regularly, a quick pre-flight routine pays off: check power settings, confirm your connection is solid, and do a brief test capture. With that squared away, you can start the real recording early and let it run untouched, confident that you'll end up with a complete file when the streamer signs off.

Tips for better downloads

Start early — a Twitch stream records from the current moment, so begin as close to the top of the stream as you can.
Keep the machine awake for the whole broadcast; sleep pauses the capture.
Prefer a VOD? If the streamer posts one, download it with our Twitch VOD guide.
Just a highlight? Grab a Twitch clip instead.

Frequently asked questions

Does it record from the start of the stream? On Twitch, recording captures from the current moment, so start as early as you can to catch more. VidLoader's Start from the very beginning option can pull a stream back to its start, but only on sites that keep the earlier footage available (YouTube does; Twitch doesn't).

What if the streamer never posts a VOD? That's exactly when live recording helps — your captured file is yours regardless of whether a VOD appears.

Can I use the computer while it records? Yes. Just keep it awake and connected until the stream ends.

Is live recording free? Live-stream recording is a VidLoader Plus feature. Plus is $9.99/month or $79.99/year and starts with a 3-day free trial. Downloading a posted VOD works on the free plan.

Download VidLoader

Get a permanent copy, VOD or not. Download VidLoader — a free download on desktop, with live recording on a Plus trial.