If you're hosting, recording a Zoom meeting is one click. Getting a recording that's actually useful takes a little preparation.
Before the meeting
- Choose cloud or local. Cloud (paid plans) for easy sharing; local for free accounts or private files. Comparison.
- Check recording settings. In the Zoom web portal or desktop app settings, choose the layout (active speaker, gallery, or shared screen) and whether to add timestamps.
- Consider auto-recording. Zoom can start recording automatically when the meeting begins. It's useful if you tend to forget.
- Tell attendees in the invite that the meeting will be recorded.
During the meeting
- Click Record (desktop) or More > Record (mobile, cloud only).
- Say out loud that you're recording.
- Use Pause for breaks and off-the-record moments, rather than stopping. Pausing keeps one file.
- If you share your screen, close notifications and unrelated tabs first.
After the meeting
- Local: wait for Zoom to finish converting before closing your laptop. The MP4 is in your Zoom folder.
- Cloud: Zoom processes it and emails you when it's ready. Find it under Recordings on the web.
- Share carefully: set link permissions or passcodes for cloud recordings.
- Trim the dead time at the start (waiting for people to join) before sharing.
Letting someone else record
Open Participants, find the person, and choose the option to allow recording. Or make them a co-host.
Where MobileStudio fits
If the meeting includes a demo of your mobile app, consider recording a clean demo on your phone separately. MobileStudio turns it into a polished clip you can send after the call. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
How do I make Zoom record automatically?
Turn on automatic recording in your meeting or account settings.
How do I give someone permission to record?
From the Participants list, allow them to record, or make them co-host.
