How to Screen Record on Mac with Audio (2025)

The Mac Screen Recording Audio Problem

You need to record your screen. Simple task, right? You open QuickTime, click "New Screen Recording," press record, and speak through your tutorial. Then you watch it back—total silence.

This frustrating experience happens to nearly every Mac user who tries to record their screen with audio for the first time. macOS makes capturing your screen easy, but recording system audio (sounds from videos, applications, or websites) requires workarounds that Apple doesn't make obvious.

This guide covers every method for recording your Mac screen with both system audio and microphone input, from built-in tools to professional solutions that simplify the process.

Quick Comparison: Mac Screen Recording with Audio Methods

Method 1: Mac's Built-in Screenshot App

macOS Mojave (10.14) and later includes a built-in Screenshot app that handles basic screen recording. Access it by pressing Shift + Command + 5.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Press to open the Screenshot toolbar
2. Select either "Record Entire Screen" or "Record Selected Portion"
3. Click Options to configure settings:
   • Choose a microphone for voice recording
   • Enable "Show Mouse Clicks" for tutorials
   • Set a timer delay if needed
   • Select save location
4. Click Record to begin
5. Click the stop button in the menu bar when finished

What the Built-in Tool Can Do

• Record full screen or selected area
• Capture microphone audio
• Show mouse click indicators
• Save directly to desktop or chosen location
• Record selected windows (macOS Tahoe 26+)

The Limitation: No System Audio

Apple's Screenshot app captures microphone input but cannot record system audio—sounds playing from YouTube, Spotify, video calls, or any application on your Mac.

If you need to record a tutorial showing a video, demonstrate application sounds, or capture any audio coming from your computer, you'll need one of the alternative methods below.

Method 2: QuickTime Player with BlackHole (Free but Technical)

For users comfortable with system configuration, combining QuickTime Player with BlackHole (a free virtual audio driver) enables system audio recording.

Installing BlackHole

1. Download BlackHole from the official repository (blackhole-audio.com or GitHub)
2. Run the installer package
3. Grant necessary permissions when prompted
4. Restart your Mac if required

Configuring Audio MIDI Setup

1. Open Audio MIDI Setup (search in Spotlight or find in Applications > Utilities)
2. Click the + button in the bottom left
3. Select Create Multi-Output Device
4. Check both your regular output (speakers/headphones) and BlackHole
5. Click the + again and select Create Aggregate Device
6. Check both your microphone and BlackHole

Recording with the Configuration

1. Open System Settings > Sound
2. Set your output to the Multi-Output Device
3. Open QuickTime Player
4. Select File > New Screen Recording
5. Click the dropdown arrow next to the record button
6. Select BlackHole as the microphone input
7. Begin recording

Why This Method Is Challenging

• Requires technical configuration
• Audio routing can break with macOS updates
• No visual feedback that system audio is being captured
• Must remember to reset audio settings after recording
• Troubleshooting issues requires understanding audio routing

Method 3: VibrantSnap (Simple Professional Solution)

VibrantSnap eliminates the complexity of Mac audio recording by handling system audio capture automatically, without kernel extensions or complex audio routing.

Recording with VibrantSnap

1. Download and install VibrantSnap
2. Click the VibrantSnap icon in your menu bar
3. Select your recording area (full screen, window, or region)
4. Enable system audio capture with one toggle
5. Choose microphone input if needed
6. Click record

Why VibrantSnap Simplifies Mac Recording

• No audio configuration: System audio capture works out of the box
• M-series chip compatible: Works on all Apple Silicon Macs without issues
• macOS Sonoma/Sequoia support: Tested with latest macOS versions
• Combined audio streams: Records system audio and microphone simultaneously
• AI-powered enhancement: Automatically optimizes audio quality

Professional Features

Beyond basic recording, VibrantSnap transforms captures into polished presentations:

• Automatic background noise reduction
• Audio level normalization
• Professional transition effects
• Multi-format export optimization
• Cloud sharing integration

Method 4: OBS Studio with Audio Plugin

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) can record Mac screens with system audio using additional plugins, though setup requires some technical steps.

Setting Up OBS for Mac Audio

1. Download and install OBS Studio
2. Install an audio routing plugin (like iShowU Audio Capture or BlackHole)
3. Configure the plugin in Audio MIDI Setup
4. In OBS, add an Audio Input Capture source
5. Select your virtual audio device
6. Configure scene and recording settings

OBS Considerations for Mac

• Free and open-source
• Powerful but complex interface
• Requires additional plugins for system audio
• Resource-intensive on older Macs
• Learning curve for new users

Method 5: ScreenFlow (Mac-Native Option)

ScreenFlow is a Mac-specific application that includes built-in system audio capture along with editing capabilities.

ScreenFlow Features

• Native macOS integration
• Built-in video editor
• System audio capture without plugins
• iOS device recording support
• Stock media library

ScreenFlow Pricing

One-time purchase of $169, which includes system audio recording without additional configuration.

Comparing Audio Quality Across Methods

Audio quality varies significantly between recording methods:

Recording System Audio: Common Scenarios

Tutorial with Application Sounds

When demonstrating software that produces sounds (notifications, feedback tones, media playback), you need system audio capture. VibrantSnap or the BlackHole method handles this.

Video Call Recording

Recording Zoom, Google Meet, or FaceTime calls requires capturing the other participants' audio (system audio) plus your microphone. Ensure you have consent from all participants before recording.

Music or Media Demonstration

Showing how Spotify, Apple Music, or video content plays requires system audio. Be mindful of copyright when recording copyrighted media.

Gaming on Mac

Game audio capture needs system audio routing. OBS or VibrantSnap provide the necessary capture capabilities for game recordings.

Troubleshooting Mac Screen Recording Audio Issues

No Audio in Recording

Check these common causes:

1. Microphone permissions not granted (System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone)
2. Wrong audio input selected in recording app
3. System audio not configured (for QuickTime/BlackHole method)
4. Muted audio source

Audio Out of Sync

Potential fixes:

1. Reduce recording resolution to decrease processing load
2. Close resource-intensive applications
3. Use a dedicated recording tool rather than browser-based options
4. Check for thermal throttling on older Macs

Crackling or Distorted Audio

Solutions to try:

1. Lower system volume before recording
2. Check sample rate matches between devices (in Audio MIDI Setup)
3. Ensure sufficient disk space for recording
4. Test with a different audio input device

BlackHole Not Appearing

Troubleshooting steps:

1. Restart your Mac after installation
2. Check System Extensions in System Settings
3. Reinstall BlackHole with proper permissions
4. Verify Audio MIDI Setup configuration

macOS Version Considerations

macOS Sonoma (14) and Later

• Enhanced Screenshot app features
• Stricter privacy controls may require additional permissions
• Some older audio routing tools may not work
• VibrantSnap fully compatible

macOS Sequoia (15)

• New recording features in Screenshot app
• Improved system audio routing options
• Better M-series chip optimization
• VibrantSnap optimized for new features

Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) Macs

• Some older tools require Rosetta 2
• Native ARM applications perform better
• VibrantSnap runs natively on Apple Silicon
• BlackHole offers Apple Silicon support

Best Practices for Mac Screen Recording with Audio

Before Recording

1. Test your setup: Make a short test recording to verify audio capture
2. Close unnecessary apps: Reduce system load and notification interruptions
3. Enable Do Not Disturb: Prevent notifications during recording
4. Check disk space: Recordings consume significant storage

Audio Settings

1. Set appropriate levels: System audio around 70-80% prevents clipping
2. Position microphone properly: Consistent distance reduces volume fluctuation
3. Use headphones: Prevents echo from speakers being captured
4. Monitor audio: Watch levels during recording if possible

During Recording

1. Speak clearly: Consistent pace and volume improves quality
2. Minimize background noise: Close windows, turn off fans if possible
3. Use deliberate pauses: Creates natural edit points
4. Keep recordings focused: Shorter segments are easier to manage

Conclusion: Choose Simplicity for Professional Results

Recording your Mac screen with audio doesn't have to involve complex audio routing, terminal commands, or technical configuration. While free solutions like the BlackHole method work, they require significant setup and ongoing maintenance.

For professionals who need reliable screen recording with system audio, VibrantSnap provides the simplest path to high-quality results. One-click system audio capture, automatic quality optimization, and professional export options eliminate the technical barriers that make Mac screen recording frustrating.

Ready to record your Mac screen with audio the easy way? Try VibrantSnap free and experience screen recording that just works—system audio included.

Stop wrestling with audio routing and start creating content that sounds as professional as it looks.