How to Record Periscope on PC: Full Guide

This guide shows you how to record Periscope broadcasts directly on your PC, whether you want to save your own live streams or capture someone else’s (with permission). You’ll learn the built-in Windows method, a free open-source option, and how to avoid common pitfalls. No special hardware is needed—just your computer and an internet connection.

What You’ll Need

A PC running Windows 10 or 11 (the steps below focus on these versions)
The Periscope app installed on your phone, or access to Periscope via a web browser (note: Periscope’s web version is limited; the mobile app is the primary way to broadcast)
Optional: OBS Studio (free) for more advanced recording controls
Enough free hard drive space for the video files (a 30-minute stream at 720p is roughly 1–2 GB)

Step-by-Step

Choose your recording method. The simplest way is to use the Xbox Game Bar built into Windows 10/11. It records your screen and microphone without extra software. For more control (e.g., recording a specific window, adding overlays), install OBS Studio from the official website.
Open the Periscope broadcast you want to record. On your PC, open a web browser and go to periscope.tv. Find the broadcast you want to capture. If it’s your own stream, you’ll need to start it from the mobile app and then open the same account on the web to see it. Note: Periscope’s web player may not show all broadcasts, and some are geolocked.
If using Xbox Game Bar: Press Win + G to open the Game Bar. Click the record button (or press Win + Alt + R) to start recording the entire screen. A small timer appears. When the broadcast ends, press the same shortcut to stop. The video is saved as an MP4 in the Videos folder under Captures.
If using OBS Studio: After installing, open OBS. In the “Sources” box, click the + icon and choose “Display Capture” (to record the whole screen) or “Window Capture” (to record just the browser window). Select the correct monitor or window. Adjust the resolution and frame rate in Settings > Video if needed. Click “Start Recording” before the broadcast begins, then “Stop Recording” when it’s done. The file is saved in the location set under Settings > Output.
Test your setup first. Record a 30-second test of any video to ensure the audio and video are synced and the file plays correctly. This avoids losing a long stream to a settings mistake.
Respect copyright and privacy. Only record broadcasts you have permission to record. Periscope’s terms require you to have the broadcaster’s consent. For your own streams, you own the content, but be aware that Periscope’s terms may give them a license to use it.

Common Mistakes

Recording the wrong screen. If you have multiple monitors, Game Bar records the primary display by default. OBS lets you pick which one, but make sure the Periscope window is on that screen.
No audio. Game Bar sometimes records only system audio or only microphone, depending on settings. In OBS, check that the audio sources are enabled and the correct device is selected.
Low video quality. Periscope streams at up to 720p. If you record at a higher resolution, you’ll get a larger file but no better quality. Match your recording resolution to the stream’s native resolution.
Starting too late. The broadcast may start a few seconds after you click record. Start recording 10–15 seconds early to be safe.
Running out of disk space. Long streams can eat up gigabytes. Check your free space before recording.

Tips

Use OBS’s “Replay Buffer” feature to save only the last 30–60 seconds of a stream if you want to capture a highlight without recording the whole thing.
Set OBS to record in MKV format (Settings > Output > Recording Format) to avoid file corruption if the stream drops or your PC crashes. You can remux to MP4 later via File > Remux Recordings.
If you’re recording your own stream, consider using a wired internet connection for the phone to avoid drops, and test the recording setup before going live.
Keep the Periscope tab in the foreground. If you switch to another window, the stream may pause or lower quality, which will affect the recording.
Use a free tool like Audacity to record just the audio if you only need the sound, saving disk space.

Troubleshooting

The recording is black or blank. This usually happens with Game Bar when the screen is protected by DRM (digital rights management). Periscope doesn’t use DRM, but if the browser window is hardware-accelerated, try disabling hardware acceleration in the browser settings. In OBS, try using “Display Capture” instead of “Window Capture.”
No sound in the recording. In Game Bar, go to Settings (Win + G) > Capturing and check the audio settings. In OBS, click the mixer gear icon and ensure the correct audio device is set. Also, check the browser’s volume—if the tab is muted, nothing will record.
The stream lags or drops frames. Recording uses CPU/GPU resources. Close other programs, lower the recording resolution, or use a hardware encoder (NVENC, AMF, QSV) in OBS if available.
Can’t find the Periscope broadcast on PC. Some broadcasts are only available on mobile. Try opening the link on your PC browser; if it doesn’t load, you may need to use an Android emulator (like BlueStacks) to run the Periscope app and then record the emulator window.
The file is too large. Compress it with a free tool like HandBrake, or record at a lower bitrate in OBS (Settings > Output > Bitrate).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record Periscope without any software?

Yes, the Xbox Game Bar is built into Windows 10/11 and can record your screen without extra software. It’s the easiest method for quick recordings.

Is it legal to record someone else’s Periscope?

It depends on your jurisdiction and the broadcaster’s consent. Periscope’s terms require you to have permission from the broadcaster. Always ask first, and never redistribute without explicit permission.

Why is my recording in 4K but the stream is only 720p?

You’re recording your screen at its native resolution, but the stream’s source is only 720p. The video will look upscaled and may appear blurry. Set your recording resolution to 1280×720 for the best balance.

Can I record a Periscope live stream after it ends?

If the broadcaster has enabled replays, you can watch the replay on the web and record it the same way. If not, the stream is gone—you can’t recover it.

Does recording affect the stream quality for viewers?

No, recording on your PC doesn’t affect the stream for others. It only uses your local resources. However, if your PC is slow, it might cause your own viewing to stutter.

Can I schedule a recording for a future Periscope?

Not directly. You’d need to be at your PC when the stream starts. Some third-party tools claim to schedule screen recordings, but they’re unreliable and often require paid versions.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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