3 Ways to Download Zoom Recordings in 2024

Zoom is more than just meeting over ive video—it’s also about capturing and storing these meetings for when you need them later.

But for many Zoom users, it’s not clear how to download Zoom recordings after you’ve recorded a call. This often leads them to think that they haven’t recorded the meeting properly, or an error has prevented the call from being saved.

Fear not – it’s more likely that you just need to download the recording from the right place.

How to Download Your Zoom Cloud Recordings

Cloud recordings are recordings saved into your Zoom Cloud storage. ​​They are probably full of valuable discussions, so how do you access, download, and share them?

It's simpler than you might think.

Steps to Download Zoom Cloud Recordings

1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal.
2. In the navigation panel on the left, click Recordings. Here, you will see a list of your cloud recordings.

3. Change the date range and status with Advanced Search. ​​Note: There is no limit on the date you specify.

4. Search recordings by entering one of the following:

• Host
• Topic
• Meeting ID
• Keywords from the audio transcripts

5. Find the cloud recording you want to download.
6. Click the Download button on the recording’s page.

How to Download a Shared Zoom Recording

Your ability to download shared Zoom recordings varies based on your role in the meeting:

If you’re a participant or co-host (Local Recording)

• If the host gives you recording permissions as a participant or co-host, your recording will be saved on your device.
• Look for a file created around the time the recorded meeting ended.

If you’re the host (Local Recording)

• If you don’t turn off your PC before the recording is completed, your local recording will be saved on your device.

If you’re the host (Cloud Recording)

• When the cloud recording is complete, you'll receive an email with a shareable link to the cloud storage location.

• Additionally, you get a host-only link that grants you access to up to 4 files:

1. A composite mp4
2. Raw video file
3. Raw audio file
4. A chat log (if enabled)

• Hover over the desired recording files and click the download button below to save them to your device.

How you proceed depends on how and where the host shared the recording. Some hosts prefer sharing via platforms like YouTube after uploading the file.

Note: If you are a co-host or take over hosting duties during a meeting and attempt a cloud recording, the system will send the email and link to the original host's account.

How to Download an Audio-Only Recording

Sometimes, you only need the audio from a Zoom meeting. Here's how to download the audio file only:

1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal.
2. In the navigation panel on the left, click Recordings. Here, you will see a list of cloud recordings that were started and have finished processing.

3. Change the date range and status by clicking Advanced Search. ​​Note: There is no limit on the date you specify.

4. Search recordings by entering one of the following:

• Host
• Topic
• Meeting ID
• Keywords from the audio transcripts

5. Find the cloud recording you want to download.
6. On the recording’s page, hover over Audio Only and click the symbol below to download the file in M4A format.

How to Download a Zoom Recording from a Shared Link

If you receive a shared link to a Zoom recording, downloading it is easy. Here’s how to do it:

1. Click on the shared link to access the Zoom cloud recording. Some recordings require a passcode, so get yours from the sharer if you need it.
2. Once you're on the recording page, click the Download button. Zoom offers download options for both video and audio versions.

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Record and Download Zoom Transcripts with Tactiq

Meetings often involve important discussions and decisions. Tactiq is a tool for preserving conversations through transcripts and notes. Tactiq's features include real-time transcription, note-taking, and easy sharing. 

To download a transcript of your Zoom recording, install the Tactiq extension first. Here’s how to do that:

1. Visit the Chrome Web Store.
2. If you already use Tactiq, turn on Tactiq for Zoom on the Integrations page by clicking on Zoom. Click + connect to allow Tactiq to run during your Zoom meeting.

3. You or the meeting host must enable closed captioning in Zoom.

4. When you start a recorded Zoom meeting as a host, Tactiq will turn on closed captions. It will transcribe the meeting from the right side of the screen.

5. To do this, sign in to the Zoom web portal.
6. Go to Settings, search for "Automated captions," and enable the toggle shown below:

7. By default, joining a Zoom meeting will launch Zoom’s web version. Tactiq only supports the web client at this time.
8. You'll see the Tactiq widget in the Zoom meeting. To see the transcript, expand it.

9. Transcripts are automatically saved in your Google Drive.
10. You can find past meetings in the list of transcripts here.

You can avoid the need to set up a call recording with Zoom by using Tactiq’s live transcription tool to capture and summarize your meetings quickly. It is a hassle-free way to capture your Zoom meetings. Here’s why you should download it:

• Anyone can access the transcription–it doesn’t matter whether you’re the host or a participant.
• It doesn’t record audio or video. It only transcribes, so there’s no need to worry about privacy.
• You can easily share automated meeting summaries.

You can download the Tactiq extension here for free.

Zoom Recording FAQs and Common Issues

​​As you try to find your recordings, you’re likely to have some questions. Here are a few common FAQs about Zoom recordings:

What do I do when the recording isn't saved?

​​First, make sure that the meeting was indeed recorded. If you can't find the recording, check both the cloud and your local computer. You can also check your permissions to see that you have the necessary rights to record.

Using Tactiq’s transcription tool will help you prevent this problem. Most meetings don’t need to be recorded; you just need a transcript. No need to complicate things!

Can I download a Zoom Recording as an MP4?

Yes! Zoom offers download options in various formats, including MP4.

Can you create a copy of recorded Zoom meetings?

You can't create a duplicate within Zoom. However, you can download the video file and make copies on your local storage or cloud drives.

Can you save Zoom recordings to Google Drive?

Yes! Zoom can integrate with Google Drive to make it convenient to save your recordings there.

How can I adjust my Zoom recording settings?

Before starting a meeting, you can customize your recording settings. 

To do this, sign in to your Zoom account and go to the Settings menu on the left. Under the Recording tab, you'll find options to choose between local and cloud recordings, select which parts of the meeting to record (such as audio, video, and chat logs), and set the quality of the recording.

Remember, these settings might differ depending on whether you have a free or paid Zoom account.

What is a Zoom Video Downloader?

A Zoom Video Downloader is a tool designed to download videos from Zoom meetings. It facilitates the process of downloading these recorded meetings, especially for users who might not have direct access to the Zoom cloud or the host's local files.

How does a Zoom Video Downloader Work?

The functionality of a Zoom Video Downloader can vary depending on its design, but generally, here's how it works:

• Link input - the user provides the URL of the Zoom recording. This URL is usually shared by the meeting host or can be found in the Zoom cloud storage for those with appropriate access rights.
• Processing - the downloader analyzes the URL and locates the video file associated with the Zoom recording.
• Downloading - once the file is located, the downloader facilitates its download onto the user's device. This process may involve converting the file into a compatible format for local storage.
• Security and privacy - legitimate downloaders ensure that the process adheres to privacy and security standards, requiring appropriate access permissions for private or restricted Zoom recordings.

How to Share Zoom Recordings

You can upload your recordings to cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. For video content, you can use platforms like YouTube or Vimeo, especially if you want a wider reach.

What other Zoom video downloader options are available for easy recording retrieval?

You can use third-party software and online services to download Zoom recordings. These tools might offer additional features like batch downloads or the ability to download recordings from shared links. Choosing reputable and secure tools is important to avoid privacy and security risks.

Wrapping Up: Downloading Zoom Recordings

Zoom recordings are digital archives of the discussions, ideas, and decisions you make within your company. With your recorded Zoom meetings, you can be sure you have everything you need to access and review your past team meeting recordings. 

More Resources

If you want to learn more about how to save a transcript of a Zoom local recording,  see our guide here: Save a transcript of Zoom local recording.

If you want to learn more about how to find a Zoom recording location, you can check this out: How to Find Zoom Recording Location

You can also check out ​​a short video on how to integrate Tactiq with Zoom here: Mastering Tactiq: Seamless Transcription Integration with Zoom

If you want to learn how to take notes in Zoom, check out this guide: How to Take Notes in Zoom

If you want to learn how to get a Zoom transcript for free, you can do that here: How to Get A Zoom Transcript