Recording your cam shows is one of the smartest things you can do as a cam model. Every live show you broadcast is content that disappears once it ends — unless you record it. Recorded shows can be sold as VOD (video on demand), clipped into shorter videos for sale, or used to build a content library that generates passive income while you sleep.

Many top earners on Jerkmate record every single show. The content from a single 3-hour stream can be edited into multiple clips worth $5-$20 each, potentially adding hundreds of dollars per month in passive revenue. This guide covers everything you need to know to start recording and selling your cam show content.

OBS Recording Settings for Cam Models

OBS Studio (free) is the best tool for recording your cam shows. If you're already using OBS for streaming, adding recording is just a few settings away. Here are the optimal settings:

Recording Format

Go to Settings > Output > Recording. Set the recording format to MKV (not MP4). Why MKV? If OBS crashes or your computer loses power during recording, an MKV file will still be recoverable. An MP4 file would be completely corrupted and lost. You can easily convert MKV to MP4 later using the "Remux Recordings" option under OBS's File menu.

Encoder and Quality Settings

• Encoder: Use "Hardware (NVENC)" if you have an Nvidia GPU, or "Hardware (AMF)" for AMD. These use your graphics card for encoding, leaving your CPU free for streaming. If you only have integrated graphics, use "x264" but expect higher CPU usage.
• Rate Control: CQP (Constant Quality) at a value of 18-20 gives excellent quality without huge file sizes. Lower numbers = better quality but larger files.
• Resolution: Record at 1920x1080 (1080p) minimum. If your camera supports it and your hardware can handle it, record at a higher resolution than you stream — you can always downscale later.
• Framerate: 30fps is standard and sufficient. 60fps is smoother but doubles your file size and most viewers won't notice the difference for this type of content.

Separate Recording from Streaming

In OBS, you can record at higher quality than your stream. Under Settings > Output, switch to "Advanced" output mode. This gives you independent controls for streaming and recording. Stream at your normal settings, but record at higher bitrate/quality. Your viewers get a smooth stream while your recordings are pristine for selling.

Storage Solutions for Cam Recordings

Regular recording eats through storage fast. A typical 3-hour show at good quality produces 6-9 GB of video. If you stream 5 days a week, that's 30-45 GB per week. You need a solid storage strategy.

Internal Storage

Record to a separate drive from your operating system if possible. A 1TB internal SSD ($60-$80) is ideal as your dedicated recording drive. SSDs handle the constant writing better than mechanical hard drives and won't cause frame drops.

External Backup

Always back up your best recordings. A 4TB external hard drive ($80-$100) gives you plenty of space for your content library. Keep this backup separate from your recording drive — if one fails, you still have your content.

Cloud Storage

For your most valuable recordings, consider cloud backup. Google Drive, Dropbox, or Backblaze ($7/month for unlimited backup) protect your content from hardware failure, theft, or accidents. Cloud storage also makes it easy to access your content from anywhere if you travel while camming.

Editing Your Recordings

Raw recordings need editing before you sell them. At minimum, you'll want to trim the beginning and end, cut out any slow or awkward moments, and remove any parts where you show personal information.

Free Editing Software

• DaVinci Resolve (Free) — Professional-grade editor that's completely free. Steep learning curve but incredibly powerful. Best free option for serious content creators.
• Shotcut (Free) — Simpler than DaVinci Resolve but handles basic editing (cutting, trimming, transitions) well. Great for beginners.
• Kdenlive (Free) — Open-source editor with a good balance of features and usability.

Basic Editing Workflow

1. Import your recording — Open the MKV file (or remuxed MP4) in your editor
2. Trim the beginning and end — Cut the parts where you're setting up or saying goodbye
3. Remove dead air — Cut sections where nothing interesting is happening (waiting for tips, reading chat silently, technical issues)
4. Check for personal info — Scrub through and make sure no personal information is visible (notifications, real name, address)
5. Add a watermark — Place your cam name as a semi-transparent watermark to prevent unauthorized redistribution
6. Export at high quality — Export as MP4, H.264, at the same resolution you recorded (1080p), bitrate of 10-15 Mbps

Where to Sell Your Recorded Cam Shows

There are multiple platforms where you can sell your recorded content, and you should use several simultaneously to maximize revenue:

On-Platform Sales

• Jerkmate — Lets you sell recorded shows directly to viewers. Viewers already on the platform are your warmest audience.
• ManyVids — One of the largest clip sites. Excellent discovery features and a large buyer base.
• Clips4Sale — Long-established clip site with a loyal customer base, especially strong for niche content.

Independent Sales

• OnlyFans — Great for selling content to your existing fanbase through subscriptions and PPV messages
• Fansly — Similar to OnlyFans but with better content organization and discovery
• LoyalFans — Growing platform with good payout rates and promotional tools

Pricing Your Recorded Content

Pricing depends on the type and length of content. Here are typical market rates:

Privacy Considerations When Recording

Recording introduces privacy risks that you need to manage carefully. Your safety should always come first.

• Disable desktop notifications before recording — Email, messaging app, and system notifications can reveal your real name, location, or personal contacts. Turn on Do Not Disturb mode.
• Remove identifying items from your background — This applies to live streaming too, but it's even more important for recordings since viewers can pause and scrutinize frames. Remove mail, diplomas, photos, and anything with your address.
• Use OBS to crop out unwanted areas — If there's something in your room you can't move, use OBS to crop or zoom your camera source so it's not visible.
• Be careful with audio — Background sounds like police sirens (reveals your city), family members talking (reveals relationships), or doorbell sounds (reveals you're home alone) can give away personal information.
• Watermark everything — Add your cam name as a watermark to discourage piracy and ensure credit if content is shared
• Don't play copyrighted music — If you plan to sell recordings, copyrighted music on the audio track makes your content legally risky and can get it removed from platforms