Video Calls

How to Record a Zoom Meeting or Webinar: Consent First

Before you record a Zoom session: what participants see, what the law generally expects, and how to record meetings and webinars responsibly.

A person gesturing during a meeting with a laptop

Zoom makes recording easy. The part people skip is consent. Here's how to record any kind of Zoom session properly.

What participants see when you record with Zoom

When Zoom's recording starts, participants see a recording indicator, and Zoom shows a notice that the meeting is being recorded. Participants joining later see it too. That transparency is built in.

Recording different Zoom sessions

Meetings: the host clicks Record (desktop) or More > Record (mobile, cloud). Full guide.

Webinars: hosts and panelists record the same way. Recordings usually capture the presenters and shared content, not attendees' cameras.

One-to-one calls: recording works the same, and in one-to-one calls consent matters even more, because the other person is clearly identifiable.

  • All-party consent: in some places, everyone in a conversation must agree to a recording.
  • One-party consent: in others, one participant's consent is enough.
  • Work and healthcare: often have stricter rules or company policies.
  • Across borders: participants in different countries may be covered by different laws.
  1. Mention recording in the meeting invite.
  2. Say it out loud at the start: "I'm recording this for notes. Any objection?"
  3. Let people turn off their camera if they prefer.
  4. Share the recording only with people who need it.

Recording with a separate screen recorder

A device screen recorder doesn't trigger Zoom's notice, so people won't know unless you tell them. Use Zoom's recorder when possible.

Where MobileStudio fits

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Quick FAQ

Does Zoom tell people they're being recorded?

Yes, when you use Zoom's recording.

Is it legal to record a Zoom meeting?

It depends on where participants are. Getting everyone's consent is the safe approach.

Sources and further reading

zoomconsentwebinarrecording laws
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