How-to · 6 min read
How to record a Zoom meeting
Zoom offers both local and cloud recording, but which one you can use depends on your plan, your role, and the host's settings. This guide walks through every option.
How to record a Zoom meeting (step by step)
1. Join or start a Zoom meeting. 2. Click the Record button in the toolbar. 3. Choose "Record on this Computer" (local) or "Record to the Cloud" (cloud, paid plans only). 4. A recording indicator appears for all participants. 5. Click Stop Recording when done. 6. Local recordings are saved to your computer as .mp4 when the meeting ends.
Local vs cloud recording
Local recording saves the video file to your hard drive. Available on free and paid plans, but only for the host. Cloud recording saves to Zoom's servers, generates a shareable link, and can include transcripts. Available on Pro plans and above.
Who can record a Zoom meeting?
By default, only the host can record. The host can grant recording permission to individual participants during the meeting. Free plan users can only record locally (no cloud). Admin settings can restrict recording further.
AI summaries as an alternative to recording
Watching a full meeting recording is time-consuming. The CallScrib desktop app for macOS and Windows can summarize any Zoom call automatically. It runs locally on your machine, detects when you're in a Zoom meeting, and delivers a structured AI summary when the call ends. No bot, no recording permission needed.
The AI notetaker built for Microsoft Teams. No bot in your meetings. 7 meetings per month free, no credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record a Zoom meeting for free?
Yes, but only local recording and only as the host. Cloud recording requires a paid plan.
How do I record a Zoom meeting as a participant?
Ask the host to grant you recording permission during the meeting. Otherwise, you cannot record within Zoom.
Where are Zoom recordings saved?
Local recordings save to your computer (Documents/Zoom folder). Cloud recordings are in your Zoom web portal under Recordings.
Can I get Zoom meeting notes without recording?
Yes. The CallScrib desktop app summarizes Zoom calls automatically without recording or joining as a bot.
