How to Record Screen on Mac Using QuickTime with Internal Audio

For privacy reasons, the screen recording feature of the Mac’s built-in media player QuickTime doesn’t record internal/system audio. However, this can be easily fixed using third-party software and tools for free, without having to record audio separately.

On this page, you’ll learn how to record your Mac screen using QuickTime with internal audio simultaneously.

Steps to QuickTime Screen Recording with Internal Audio

To screen record with internal audio on a Mac using QuickTime Player, you need third-party tools since QuickTime does not natively support internal audio recording.

For this, we’ll be using BlackHole. BlackHole is a free and open-source virtual audio driver for macOS that enables users to route audio between applications, like YouTube in web browsers.

It captures the system’s audio output and redirects it to an input source that QuickTime can record.

Step 1. Download and install BlackHole from GitHub.

Step 2. Press the Command-Space bar to open Spotlight, and search for and open Audio MIDI Setup on your Mac.

Step 3. Click the + button at the bottom left and select Create Aggregate Device. Name it something like “Quick Time Input”.

Step 4. Check BlackHole and, if you want to record your voice simultaneously, also check the built-in microphone or another mic.

Step 5. In Audio MIDI Setup, create another device by clicking the + button and selecting Create Multi-Output Device. Name it “Screen Recording with Audio”.

Step 6. Check both Built-in Output and BlackHole 16ch. Ensure Built-in Output is on top so you can hear yourself.

Step 7. Go to System Preferences > Sound. For Output, select “Screen Recorder with Audio”.

Step 8. Open QuickTime Player and go to File > New Screen Recording.

Step 9. Click the drop-down arrow next to the record button and select “QuickTime Player Audio” as the microphone option.

Step 10. Now click the record button to start recording your screen with internal audio!

Record Screen with Audio Using Free QuickTime Alternative

Record Go is a versatile screen recording tool designed for Mac users, enabling seamless capture of screen activities along with system audio.

Record Go offers intuitive controls and customizable settings to ensure a smooth recording experience. And since it’s free to use, it serves as the best free alternative to QuickTime.

Step 1. Download and install Record Go from the Apple App Store.

Step 2. Launch Record Go, from the control options, select the recording area, resolution, frame rate, etc.

Step 3. While you’re at it, make sure to set the audio input as System Sound.

Step 4. Click the red REC to start the screen recording. Whenever you need to, use the keyboard shortcut Control + Command + S to stop the recording.

Step 5. Go check the recorded video when the recording is done.

Why QuickTime Screen Recording Doesn’t Have Audio?

QuickTime Player’s screen recording feature on Mac captures video but not system audio by default. This is due to macOS’s privacy and security design, which separates system audio from app access to prevent eavesdropping.

To record system audio, users need to install third-party software that can route the audio output as an input source for QuickTime to capture.

FAQs

How do I include my voice in a QuickTime screen recording?

To include your voice, select the internal or external microphone from the microphone options in the screen recording settings before starting the recording.

How do I stop a QuickTime screen recording?

To stop a recording, click the stop icon in the menu bar or press Command-Control-Esc (Escape). The recording will then open automatically for review.

Can I edit the audio of my QuickTime screen recording?

QuickTime offers basic editing features, but for advanced editing, use professional software like GarageBand or Adobe Audition.

How can I save and share my QuickTime screen recording with audio?

After recording, save the file to your Mac. Share directly via email, AirDrop, or upload to cloud services or video platforms.