Screen recording on a Mac is an incredibly useful feature for creating tutorials, capturing gameplay, recording meetings, or saving streaming content. But while macOS includes built-in screen recording tools, capturing internal audio (system audio) isn’t straightforward. By default, macOS restricts apps from recording system sound for privacy and security reasons. Still, there are easy workarounds to record both your screen and internal audio—whether you’re using free tools, paid apps, or trusted third-party extensions.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to screen record on a Mac with internal audio using several methods, including QuickTime, third-party software, loopback audio tools, and browser-based solutions.

Why Recording Internal Audio Is Difficult on Mac

macOS blocks direct access to system audio for recording. This means:

• QuickTime can record screen + microphone, but not internal audio
• Built-in Screenshot Tool cannot capture internal audio
• Apps must use virtual audio drivers to route system sound into recording software

Thankfully, modern tools have made this process much easier.

Method 1: Record Screen with Internal Audio Using OBS Studio (Free)

OBS Studio is one of the most powerful and free screen recording tools. To capture internal audio, you’ll need a virtual audio driver like BlackHole or Soundflower.

Step 1: Install BlackHole (Free, Recommended)

1. Visit existential.audio/blackhole
2. Download BlackHole 2-channel
3. Follow the installation steps (requires macOS security approval)

Step 2: Create a Multi-Output Device

1. Open Audio MIDI Setup (Finder → Applications → Utilities).
2. Click the + icon → choose Multi-Output Device.
3. Check:
   • MacBook Speakers (or preferred output)
   • BlackHole 2ch

This sends audio to both speakers AND OBS.

Step 3: Configure OBS Studio

1. Open OBS Studio
2. Click Settings → Audio
3. Add BlackHole 2ch under Desktop Audio
4. Click Scene → + → Display Capture (or Window Capture)
5. Make sure Desktop Audio meter is moving

Step 4: Start Recording

Tap Start Recording and OBS will now record your screen and internal audio together.

Pros of Using OBS

• 100% free
• High-quality recording
• Works for games, browsers, apps, Zoom, etc.
• Customizable

Cons

• Slight learning curve

Method 2: Screen Record with Internal Audio Using QuickTime + BlackHole

QuickTime Player is built into macOS, but it doesn’t support system audio by default. However, BlackHole can fix this.

Step 1: Install BlackHole

Same as described above.

Step 2: Route Audio Through BlackHole

1. Open System Settings → Sound
2. Set Output to Multi-Output Device created earlier
3. This will let QuickTime “hear” your system audio.

Step 3: Record with QuickTime

1. Open QuickTime Player
2. Click File → New Screen Recording
3. Click the arrow next to the record button
4. Choose BlackHole 2ch as microphone input
5. Start recording

Now QuickTime captures your screen + internal audio routed through BlackHole.

Pros

• Uses built-in QuickTime
• Free method

Cons

• Can’t adjust volume easily
• You must switch audio output during recording

Method 3: Use Paid Apps That Simplify Everything (Easiest)

If you want a plug-and-play solution without drivers, several paid apps can record internal audio effortlessly.

1. ScreenFlow (Best Overall)

• Captures screen + internal audio + mic
• Excellent editor included
• Clean interface
• Ideal for tutorials & professional content

2. Camtasia

• Best for video editing after recording
• Internal audio recording built in
• Feature-rich interface

3. CleanShot X (Mac Exclusive)

• Lightweight
• Beautiful UI
• Internal audio recording with add-on

Paid apps greatly simplify the process by automatically installing virtual audio drivers and offering clear audio controls.

Method 4: Use Online Screen Recorders with Internal Audio (Chrome Only)

Some browser extensions allow recording internal audio inside Chrome.

Recommended:

• Screenity
• Loom (Pro version for internal audio)
• Screencastify

These work best when recording:

• Online tutorials
• Browser-based content
• Web meetings

But they cannot record system-wide audio (outside the browser).

Method 5: Use Loopback (Best for Complex Audio Routing)

Loopback by Rogue Amoeba is a paid tool that gives advanced control over audio routing.

With Loopback, you can:

• Combine multiple apps (Safari + Zoom + Music)
• Control volume levels
• Route audio to any recorder (OBS, QuickTime, ScreenFlow)

Loopback is ideal for users who need flexibility and multi-app recording.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

❌ Internal audio isn’t being recorded

✔ Ensure the virtual audio device is selected
✔ Restart OBS or QuickTime
✔ Check that meters are moving

❌ Can’t hear any sound while recording

✔ Use Multi-Output Device
✔ Enable both speakers + BlackHole

❌ Audio is distorted or too loud

✔ Lower app volume in macOS Control Center
✔ Lower Desktop Audio volume in OBS

❌ QuickTime doesn’t show BlackHole

✔ Reboot your Mac
✔ Reinstall BlackHole if necessary

Tips for Higher-Quality Screen Recording

• Use external mic for voiceovers
• Record at 1080p or 4K
• Enable “High Performance” mode in apps
• Keep background noise minimal
• Close unused apps to avoid lag

Final Thoughts

While macOS doesn’t allow direct screen recording with internal audio by default, using tools like OBS, BlackHole, ScreenFlow, or Loopback makes it possible—and even easy. Whether you want a completely free solution or prefer a one-click paid app, there’s a method suited to every skill level.

Now that you know how to screen record on a Mac with internal audio, you can create cleaner, more professional recordings for tutorials, gaming, meetings, or content creation—without sacrificing audio quality.

Happy recording!