Crunchyroll offers free ad-supported streaming media and premium subscription services, allowing users to access a vast library of anime and other content on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.

However, when we download Crunchyroll videos, there are a lof of limits. Therefore, many users are looking for a method to screen record Crunchyroll videos, but are blocked by black screen problems. 

screen record crunchyroll

Can You Screen Record on Crunchyroll?

Crunchyroll employs strong DRM (like Widevine L1) that actively blocks screen capture tools. Even when OBS’s Display Capture appears to show the browser, the video frame remains blank due to DRM protections—the system works as intended but is invisible to recording tools. 

So, when we come across the appropriate screen recorder to capture videos from Crunchyroll, we may encounter issues such as black screens, time restrictions, or video delays. 

When you choose to screen record Crunchyroll videos, it is impossible to bypass black screen problems due to DRM protection, which has been reported on Reddit frequently:

screen record crunchyroll errors

Tool Comparison: At-a-Glance

Don't worry! Other methods are available to replace screen recording Crunchyroll, offering better quality and easier use steps. You may refer to them and choose the most suitable option for yourself to watch Crunchyroll offline.

Downloaders
Key Advantages
Limitations
Best Suited For
StreamFab Crunchyroll Downloader

Perfect for Crunchyroll: DRM bypass, 1080p downloads, batch mode, subtitle/metadata support

Only works with Crunchyroll

Anime fans managing Crunchyroll content efficiently

RecordFab (Windows)

Fast recording (up to 2×), background capture, supports 500+ streaming platforms, DRM bypass, outputs 1080p

Windows only; full features require purchase

Frequent creators needing reliable, high-quality recording

OBS Studio (Cross-platform)

100% free, open-source, highly customizable

Steep learning curve; must tweak to avoid DRM black screen

Technically inclined users wanting full control

EaseUS RecExperts (Win/Mac)

User-friendly, “Black Screen Fix,” built-in editor

Free version limited to ~1-minute clips; 720p max

Occasional users wanting simplicity over resolution

Recommend: Use Crunchyroll Downloader to Replace Recorder

If you are weary of the issue of Crunchyroll screen recording blackouts, please contemplate a more efficient alternative:StreamFab Crunchyroll Downloader, which offers superior audio and video quality, allows for the preservation of all Crunchyroll videos and bypasses DRM restrictions.

how to screen record crunchyroll

Download Crunchyroll animes directly in original lossless 1080P resolution and save in MP4/MKV format, providing a more efficient and more better output result than screen recording. 

 
Step1
Install this Crunchyroll Downloader on your PC device, and open it. Choose Crunchyroll service. 

how to screen record crunchyroll 

Step2
Log into your Crunchyroll account, and find the anime you want to download. Customize the output quality, subtitles, format, etc. 

how to screen record crunchyroll 

Step3
After customization, click 'Download' now or add to the 'Queue' for later downloading. 

how to screen record crunchyroll

After following the steps mentioned above, I believe you can successfully save animations from Crunchyroll without any black screen. Furthermore, compared to traditional screen recording methods, the simplicity and quality of this approach are also much more impressive.

Use RecordFab

You can screen record Crunchyroll Video with RecordFab

Among the rope of recording tools tailored for Crunchyroll Video, RecordFab stands out with its swift performance and built-in browser support—all aimed at minimizing interruptions during recording. Users appreciate its speed—up to 2× faster recording—as well as its ability to run unobtrusively in the background. Although it's a paid product, its performance makes it a compelling pick for content creators who frequently produce clips for YouTube or TikTok.

How to use on Windows (trial mode available):

  1. Download and install RecordFab (trial version doesn't require payment or account).
  2. Launch it and find the "Crunchyroll" option under supported sites. Log into your Crunchyroll account and select the video you'd like to record.
  3. Set your preferred resolution and recording speed, then click "Start." Finished tasks will appear in “My Files.”

How to record Crunchyroll with RecordFab

According to DVDFab forums, RecordFab supports multiple recording modes (full screen, window, custom area), captures system and mic audio, and includes video annotation features—making it more than just a basic screen recorder

Use OBS Studio

OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is a well-known free, open-source option used extensively by streamers and creators. While it's highly customizable and powerful, it lacks out-of-the-box compatibility with DRM-protected content like Prime Video. However, with proper setup, it can still record without black-screen issues.

OBS can record Crunchyroll Video

Basic steps to use OBS with Crunchyroll Video:

  1. Disable your browser's hardware acceleration to mitigate capturing issues.
  2. Open OBS and add either a browser source to point to the Prime Video URL or set up a display capture window.
  3. Start your video in Crunchyroll, then begin recording in OBS. Keep other apps muted and avoid moving windows to prevent distractions.
  4. With the right tweaks (like disabling hardware acceleration), OBS can successfully record DRM-protected content—though results vary by system.

EaseUS RecExperts Screen Recorder

EaseUS RecExperts is explicitly designed to handle DRM-protected streams like Crunchyroll Video. Its "Black Screen Fix" mode is tailored to tackle the common glitch that plagues standard screen recorders. Despite claims of 4K support, users often report that actual exports are limited to around 720p.

EaseUS RecExperts can record Crunchyroll Video

How to record with RecExperts:

  1. Install and launch the app, positioning your video window (not full screen for fewer issues).
  2. Select the region of the Crunchyroll tab you want to capture.
  3. Enable "Black Screen Fix," hit record, and stop when done. You can review, trim, or edit the captured clip right away.

EaseUS positioning itself as the easiest way to record DRM content, even promising high-quality output without watermark—though real-world results are more modest

How to Screen Record Crunchyroll on iPhone/Android?

Regarding screen recording Crunchyroll on your mobile device, the built-in screen recording feature is a nice choice. IOS and Android devices have native capabilities that can be accessed to record Crunchyroll animes

how to screen record crunchyroll on iphone/Android

Operation Steps

Step1
Proceed to the "Settings" menu of your mobile device and then navigate to the "Control Center."
Step2
Choose "Screen Recording" option, go to the Crunchyroll app, play the anime you want to screen record, and await the commencement of the recording process.
Step3
Tap on the crimson record button found in the Control Center, or, tap on the status bar above and opt for "Stop" to end the Crunchyroll screen recording procedures on your phone.

Legal & Compliance Clarification

There is no specific U.S. law that prohibits individuals from saving streaming content for personal, offline viewing.

Programs such as StreamFab are designed as personal backup tools, allowing users to store content they have legally accessed.

Since users usually pay for access, keeping that content for personal use on their devices is generally considered acceptable.

Watching content at your own convenience—on your own time and device—typically falls under U.S. fair use guidelines, especially because it’s for personal, non-commercial purposes.

FAQ: Quick Answers to Common Questions

Why does OBS show a black screen even when the video is playing?

DRM is designed to prevent screen capture—it blocks the actual video layer. Disabling hardware acceleration and using display capture may help, but downloaders are more reliable.

Are there free alternatives?

OBS is free but may require technical setup. 

Conclusion

While the screen recording feature on Crunchyroll may serve as a viable method for saving videos, it is not without its flaws. The time-consuming nature and audio synchronization issues can be quite bothersome. We recommend that all Crunchyroll subscribers explore the use of a dedicated Crunchyroll downloader to truly appreciate the distinction between downloading videos and screen recording them on Crunchyroll.