To extract audio from a Zoom recording, first check the recording folder: Zoom usually saves an audio-only M4A file next to the video. If you need MP3 instead, open the recording's MP4 in the MobileStudio Video to MP3 tool and download an MP3, keeping just the part you need. Both options are free.
The short answer
| You have | Fastest route to audio |
|---|---|
| A local (computer) recording | Use the audio M4A in the recording folder |
| A cloud recording | Download the Audio Only file from the recording page |
| Only the MP4 | Extract MP3 with Video to MP3 |
| Need each speaker separately | Turn on separate audio files before recording |
Where does Zoom save the audio file?
For computer recordings, Zoom creates a folder per meeting. By default it's Documents > Zoom on both Windows and Mac. Inside, alongside the MP4 video, you'll usually find an audio-only M4A named like audio[number].m4a. Zoom lists every file type in Understanding recording file formats.
For cloud recordings, open the recording in the Zoom web portal. The audio-only file appears in the list of recording files to download.
How do I convert a Zoom recording to MP3?
The M4A Zoom saves is AAC audio, which plays almost everywhere. If you specifically need MP3:
- Open Video to MP3.
- Drop in the meeting's MP4 file. The tool reads video files, so use the MP4 rather than the M4A.
- Drag the handles to keep just the part you need, such as one presentation.
- Choose MP3 at 128 kbps, which suits speech.
- Extract and download.
The recording isn't uploaded, which matters for confidential meetings.
How do I convert Zoom's M4A to MP3?
On a Mac, the Music app can do it: set Music > Settings > Files > Import Settings to the MP3 Encoder, then select the file and choose File > Convert > Create MP3 Version, as Apple explains in Convert an M4A file to MP3. On Windows, VLC converts it with the Audio - MP3 profile.
How do I get a separate audio file for each speaker?
Before the meeting, open Zoom's desktop app, go to Settings > Recording, and turn on the option to record a separate audio file for each participant. After the meeting, the recording folder contains an Audio Record subfolder with one file per person. This is useful for editing a podcast or interview recorded over Zoom, because you can fix each voice on its own.
Why is my Zoom recording missing audio?
Common causes: the meeting was recorded with everyone muted, the host's computer audio wasn't connected, or the recording didn't finish converting when the meeting ended. Let Zoom finish converting before closing the app. For more on recording meetings, see how to record a Zoom meeting and how to record video calls on your phone.
How do I remove silence or crosstalk?
Open the MP3 or WAV in a free audio editor such as Audacity, select the parts you want to remove, and delete them. If you recorded separate tracks per speaker, you can lower one person's background noise without touching the others.
Should I save the audio as MP3 or WAV?
MP3 at 128 kbps for listening and sharing, because speech sounds clean at that bitrate. WAV if you'll edit it into a podcast. More in MP3 vs WAV.
Where MobileStudio fits
Video to MP3 is one of our free tools. MobileStudio itself turns phone screen recordings into polished app demos. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
Can Zoom record audio only?
Zoom records video and, for most recordings, also saves a separate audio-only M4A file.
How do I download only the audio from a Zoom cloud recording?
Open the recording in the Zoom web portal and download the audio-only file.
How do I turn a Zoom MP4 into MP3?
Open it in Video to MP3, choose MP3, and download.
What bitrate is best for a Zoom recording?
128 kbps. Speech sounds clean, and files stay small.
Can I get each person's audio separately?
Yes. Turn on separate audio files in Zoom's recording settings before the meeting.
