Can You Record on Discovery Plus? 3 Methods to Fix Black Screen

Have you ever stared at your laptop, completely baffled, just wanting to record an episode from an older season before it disappeared from the Discovery+ library? If you're here, you've probably been in that exact spot and asked the big question: "Can I record shows on Discovery Plus?" You've likely discovered two frustrating facts like me:

1. There's no "record" button or DVR feature anywhere in the app.
2. Trying to screen record it yourself results in the dreaded "Discovery Plus black screen."

In this article, I'm going to explain why we can't screen record Discovery Plus and show 3 methods that actually work to avoid the annoying "Discovery Plus black screen" problem.

Why Can't I "Record" Discovery Plus Like Cable? 

We grew up with TiVo and cable boxes that had a DVR (Digital Video Recorder). Their job was to record a broadcast signal from a specific channel at a specific time. But Discovery+ isn't cable TV. It's an SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) service.

Although you can download videos on Discovery Plus via the app, it is more like borrowing a library book than owning it. It's a great feature for a quick flight, but it's not a permanent solution for saving a show you love.

Discovery Plus Black Screen Caused by DRM

If you’ve tried using screen recording software—whether it's OBS Studio, QuickTime, or even your phone's built-in recorder—you’ve hit the "Discovery Plus black screen" wall. It's a very intentional feature caused by a technology called DRM (Digital Rights Management).

Alyssa

 

Think of DRM as a digital bouncer. Its job is to enforce the rules of the club ( Discovery+).

When you press "play," the service checks if your device is authorized. The moment you run a screen recorder, the DRM identifies it as an unauthorized "recording device" and immediately tells the video player, "Nope, don't show this person the video feed."

[Bonus] The Special Case: Can You Record Discovery Plus on Sky Q?

Here comes another frequently asked question: "Can I record Discovery Plus with the record button on my Sky Q box?" Well, the answer depends on where the content is coming from.

You CAN record shows from the live, broadcast Discovery-owned channels (like Eurosport 1, TLC, etc.) using your Sky Q DVR. This is because you are recording a traditional TV broadcast signal.

You CANNOT record content from inside the Discovery+ App on your Sky Q box. When you open the app, you are no longer watching a broadcast. You are streaming DRM-protected, on-demand content. The Sky Q DVR's recording function simply won't work on it.

So, if you're trying to save an on-demand show from the Discovery Plus app, you're in the same boat as everyone else, facing the same DRM "black screen" wall.

How to Record Discovery Plus Shows? 3 Methods Reviewed

Since the traditional recorders don't work, you need an extra tool, like a dedicated video downloader or professional recorder, to save DRM-protected Discovery Plus shows. For this review, I tested 7 popular tools on a Windows 11 laptop and a MacBook 2025. Finally, 3 tools had outstanding performance:

1. KeepStreams Discovery Plus Downloader

If you want a "set it and forget it" solution, KeepStreams was the standout performer in my tests.

Unlike screen recorders that have to play the video while capturing it (which takes forever), KeepStreams acts as a specialized browser. It locates the source video file and downloads it directly to a Windows PC or Mac.

KeepStreams For Discovery Plus

Download videos from Discovery Plus at 10x faster speed, and save 1080p video files in MP4/MKV format easily.

• Save Discovery Plus videos in 1080p Full HD
• Use AAC 2.0 audio and H264 video codec
• Convert videos into MP4/MKV format
• Watch Discovery+ content without limits
• Remove ads from downloads
• Extract subtitles into SRT files
• Save subtitles and audio in different languages
• Download newly added episodes automatically
• Batch download
• Free trial supports 3 full-length downloads

 Free Trial  Free Trial

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I tested KeepStreams with a documentary series. I didn't use the search function of the built-in browser, but just pasted the URL of the show. It analyzed the video and offered me options for resolution (up to 1080p) and subtitles. An entire 45-minute episode was downloaded in about 5 minutes. The final file was a standard MP4 that I could play on the VLC player or transfer to my iPad without any expiration dates.

• Pros: No black screen; Batch download; Automatic download; Ad-removal.
• Cons: Paid software; Limited number of free trials.

KeepStreams has 2 download methods: URL pasting and normal browsing. Here's how to use it:

1. Open KeepStreams and select "Discovery+" from the VIP Services. (Or copy the video URL and open KS)

2. Log in to your account.
3. Play the video you want and wait for a pop-up window.

4. Select download options and click "Download Now".

2. CleverGet Discovery Plus Downloader

Similar to KeepStreams, CleverGet is also an extensive video download suite. It covers nearly all major streaming and video-sharing platforms (of course, you can use the Discovery+ service only). CleverGet's strength lies in its simple & clear UI.

In my testing, CleverGet successfully downloaded videos in 1080p with AAC audio. However, I noticed that the analysis speed (the time it takes to parse the video) was slightly slower than KeepStreams during peak hours. Also, some content defaults to 720p unless manually adjusted.

• Pros: No black screen; Simple UI; Batch download; Ad-Removal;
• Cons: Slower analysis; No auto-download; Less frequent updates; No URL-pasting download method.

Here are simple steps to use CleverGet:

1. Launch CleverGet and find Discovery+.
2. Log in to your Discovery+ account and play the video.

3. Click the blue Download icon on the screen. Finish the download settings and click on "Download".

3. Audials One

Audials One takes a different approach. It is technically a "screen recorder," but a very advanced one. Instead of capturing your desktop, it captures the video stream in the background at high speed (sometimes up to 4x or 5x speed).

Because it is technically "recording," it is more prone to system glitches or high CPU usage than the direct downloaders above. However, it is a great "Swiss Army Knife" tool for music and radio as well. If you want one tool for Spotify and Discovery+, this might be worth a look, but for pure video quality and ease, direct downloaders are superior.

Also, different from the 2 tools above, Audials doesn't provide a module for Discovery Plus. You can only get access to the Discovery content available on Hulu.

• Pros: No black screen; Support music and other video sites.
• Cons: Require more CPU resources; Slower than direct download; Need to pay yearly to renew the service.

Here's how to use it to record Discover Plus titles:

1. Open Audials and click "Hulu" from the "Video Streaming" section.

2. Log in to your Hulu account (make sure that you can access Discovery shows)

3. Play the video, and Audials will automatically detect the stream and record it in the background.

Want to learn more about Discovery Plus Downloader or tools to save videos from the service? Read another post of mine: Best Discovery Plus Downloader Review, where you can find what you're looking for.

My Final Takeaway

If you came here wondering, "Can you record on Discovery Plus?" I hope I've saved you the frustration of staring at a blank screen. Although there is no official DVR option and all traditional recorders fail, a specialized third-party tool can help.

Whether it's KeepStreams, CleverGet, or Audials One, you can transform temporary access into permanent ownership (for personal use, of course). It's the closest you can get to having a "DVR" for the modern streaming world, allowing you to escape the black screen and build a truly reliable library for travel, slow Wi-Fi days, or the inevitable content purge.