How to record video from your webcam
- Start the recorder. Click Start camera and choose Allow when your browser asks to use the camera and microphone.
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Choose your camera and microphone. Pick them from the menus above the preview. Talk for a moment: the microphone level bar should move with your voice.
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Set the quality. In Settings, choose the resolution, frame rate, file format and video quality. Add a countdown if you need a few seconds to get ready. Camera details shows the format your browser will record.
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Record. Press the red record button or R. A red timer appears on the picture. Use Pause to take a break without starting a new file — the timer only counts what is recorded.
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Preview and download. Press the button again to stop. The clip appears below with its length, resolution and size, so you can watch it before you download it.
Recording settings explained
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Resolution | The picture size to ask the camera for. If it can’t deliver that size, it sends the closest one, and Camera details shows what you really get. |
| Frame rate | 30 fps is standard for talking-head videos. Choose 60 fps for fast movement if your camera supports it. |
| File format | WebM is recorded by Chrome, Edge and Firefox; MP4 by Safari and by recent versions of Chrome and Edge. Automatic picks the best format your browser supports. |
| Video quality | The target bitrate. High (8 Mbps) uses up to about 60 MB per minute, Medium about 30 MB and Low about 11 MB. Automatic lets the browser decide. |
| Countdown | Waits 3, 5 or 10 seconds after you press record, so you can get into position. |
| Record sound | Turn it off to record video without audio. |
Keyboard shortcuts
- R Start or stop recording
- P Pause or resume
- M Mirror the preview
- G Grid
- F Fullscreen
Webcam recorder not working? Fix it step by step
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Read the message above the picture. Camera access blocked means your browser or computer is stopping websites from using the camera (steps 2 and 3). Camera is busy means another app is using it (step 5).
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Allow the camera and microphone in your browser. Click the icon to the left of the address bar, open Site settings (or Permissions) and set both Camera and Microphone to Allow. Then reload this page and press Start camera again.
Chrome and Edge site settings. In Firefox, click the crossed-out camera or microphone icon in the address bar; in Safari on a Mac, open Safari › Settings › Websites. - Allow apps to use the camera and microphone in your system. Windows 11: Settings › Privacy & security — open Camera and Microphone and turn on access for apps and for desktop apps (Windows 10: Settings › Privacy). Mac: System Settings › Privacy & Security — turn on your browser under both Camera and Microphone, then quit and reopen it.
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Picture works but no sound? If only the microphone is blocked, the recorder still starts, shows Microphone access blocked and the level bar says Sound off — videos would be silent. Allow the microphone (steps 2 and 3), then stop and start the camera again.
- Close apps that may be holding the camera or microphone, such as Zoom, Teams, Discord or OBS, then press Start camera again.
- Level bar not moving? Pick another microphone from the menu, check the mute switch on your headset, and make sure Record sound is on in Settings.
- Picture black? Open the privacy shutter or remove the lens cover, and check for a camera on/off key on the keyboard (often F8, F10 or Fn + a function key).
Can’t open the downloaded video?
WebM files play in Chrome, Edge, Firefox and VLC, but not in QuickTime or some video editors. If you need a file for an editor or a Mac, choose MP4 in Settings when your browser offers it, or convert the WebM file with a free tool such as VLC or HandBrake.
Other ways to record webcam video
- Windows 11 and 10: open the Camera app, switch to Video and press record. Videos are saved to Pictures › Camera Roll.
- Mac: open QuickTime Player and choose File › New Movie Recording, or use Photo Booth.
- Chromebook: open the Camera app from the Launcher and choose Video.
About this webcam recorder
This free webcam recorder runs entirely in your browser. Video and sound are recorded on your own device — nothing is uploaded or sent to a server. There is no sign-up, no watermark and no time limit; long recordings are held in your device’s memory until you download them, and the page asks before you leave while a recording is running.
It works with built-in laptop cameras, USB webcams, phone cameras, capture cards and virtual cameras, and with any microphone your computer recognizes. Use it in Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari on Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, Android and iOS.
Frequently asked questions
How do I record video with my webcam on a PC or Mac?
Open this page, click Start camera and allow access, then press the red record button. Stop the recording to preview the clip and download it. You can also use the Camera app on Windows or QuickTime Player on a Mac.
Does the webcam recorder record audio?
Yes. It records from the microphone you choose, and the level bar shows that it hears you. Turn off Record sound in Settings if you want a silent video.
Is there a time limit or watermark?
No. There is no watermark and no time limit. Very long recordings use more of your device’s memory, so download them when you’re done.
Where are my recordings saved?
Recordings stay in your open browser tab until you download them, then they go to your downloads folder. Nothing is uploaded.
Why is my recording a WebM file instead of MP4?
Each browser records in the formats it supports. Chrome, Edge and Firefox usually record WebM, while Safari records MP4. Choose MP4 in Settings if your browser offers it.
Can I pause a recording?
Yes. Press Pause or the P key to pause and resume. The paused part is left out of the clip, and the timer only counts recorded time.