# How to Record a Webinar: PC, Mac, and Mobile Guide Looking to record a webinar for the first time? We’ll show you how to do it (the easy way!) step by step. Last Updated: May 14, 2026 12 min read **Key takeaways:** - Recording a webinar is easier if you’re the host, but even attendees can do that with a screen recorder (and the legal permissions). - Using a dedicated webinar platform is the best solution, especially if it’s an all-in-one tool that also lets you polish the recording, like Riverside. - You can record a webinar on your phone, but if the screen recording doesn’t capture the audio, it means the platform is blocking it. A live webinar lasts an hour. A recorded webinar can work for you for months. And you don’t need to be a tech expert to record one. This guide shows you exactly how to record a webinar on any device, whether you’re hosting the session or attending as a viewer. ## Key options for recording a webinar Here are the key options: - Using a [webinar platform](/content/use-cases/webinars/index.html) like Riverside, Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams. - Using a screen recorder (if you aren’t the host) - Using your smartphone ## How to record a webinar using your webinar platform Major video-conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet) typically have a built-in recording function, but it’s mostly for archival purposes. This means your recording is heavily compressed, and its quality depends on your connection. 46.5% of marketers describe their quality as “pixelated” and “unprofessional.” If you want to [record your webinar](/content/use-cases/webinars/index.html) in studio quality right from the start, then edit your recording under the same roof, you need a platform like Riverside. With Riverside, you can: - **Record webinars locally** in up to 4K video and 48kHz audio, unaffected by internet connection hiccups. - **Invite up to 10 speakers and 10,000 attendees** with a link, no downloads needed. - **Create custom registration forms** that sync with HubSpot and Salesforce to capture leads. - **Webinar analytics** to track audience engagement, watch time and leads. - [**Multistream**](/content/use-cases/webinars/index.html) **to platforms** like YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook or custom RTMPs. - Host a **pre-recorded webinar** like it’s happening live. ### Recording a webinar on Riverside: Step-by-step #### Set up your studio **Step 1**: Head to your session and click the “ **Record**” button to open the lobby. Set up your audio and video input and click **“Join studio”** when you’re ready. **Step 2:** From your studio, click the “ **Brand**” tab to adjust branding in your studio and (optionally) your studio lobby. You can add your logo and overlays, change the background and colors, style your fonts, and more. **Step 3:** You can also **create and customize** [**lower thirds**](/content/blog/lower-thirds/index.html) for you and your guests. **Step 4**: **Add any media** you plan to share during your webinar, including music, sound, or video, by clicking the “ **Media**” button. #### Connect your streaming platforms This one’s optional, but if you’re broadcasting live, you can multistream your webinar to top social media platforms right from your Riverside studio. #### Go live and record **Step 1:** Hit the “ **Record**” or “ **Go Live**” button to start recording. You’ll get a 5-second countdown before your recording (and live session) begins. **Step 2**: Once your webinar is up and running, you can **use Riverside’s interactive features** to engage with your live audience. **Step 3**: When your webinar is over, **stop the recording** by clicking the “ **Leave**” button at the bottom of the screen, and then “ **End session for all**.” ### Recording a webinar on Zoom: Step-by-step Recording in Zoom is available only if you are the session’s host or a participant with the correct permissions. Here’s how to record: **Step 1:** Join the meeting, then click the **“Record”** button on the bottom control bar. **Step 2:** When you’re done, click **“Stop Recording”** or end the meeting. ### Recording a webinar on Google Meet: Step-by-step **Step 1:** Join the meeting, then click the **“Activities”** icon, then select **“Recording.”** **Step 2:** Click **“Start recording.”** A prompt reminding you to obtain consent will appear. Accept it to proceed. **Step 3:** Click the red recording button again to stop the recording. ### Recording a webinar on Teams: Step-by-step **Step 1:** Join the meeting, then click the **“More actions”** icon in the top menu bar. **Step 2:** Select **“Start recording.”** **Step 3:** When you’re done, click the **“More options”** icon again and select **“Stop recording.”** ## How to record a webinar if you aren’t the host If you’re a webinar attendee, the "Record" button is simply not an option. The simplest way to record a webinar when you aren’t the host is using a screen recorder while you watch the webinar. The simplest solution is **Riverside**. Just follow these steps. **Step 1:** [Log into Riverside](/content/dashboard/index.html), and start a new recording. **Step 2:** From your studio, select **“Share”** to start recording your screen. **Step 3:** Select **“Chrome tab”** or **“Window”** and pick the tab or app you’re watching the webinar in. Make sure to toggle the **“Also share tab audio”** setting on to record audio as well. ## How to record a webinar on your phone (iPhone and Android) ### On iPhone **Step 1:** Go to **Settings > Control Center** and find **“Screen Recording.”** **Step 2:** Open the app or Chrome tab and set the player to full screen. **Step 3:** Swipe down to open the Control Center and press the **recording** button. **Step 4:** When the webinar is over, tap the red indicator at the top and confirm **Stop**. ### On Android **Step 1:** Drag down to open the **Quick Settings** panel and look for a **“Screen Record”** icon. Tap it to open the overlay and enable device audio. **Step 2:** Open the app or Chrome tab and set the player to full screen. From the **Screen Record** overlay, tap the **red dot button** to start recording. ## Webinar recording troubleshooting tips ### The platform won’t let me record the webinar Most platforms restrict recording features to hosts. On some platforms like Zoom, you can ask the host to manually grant you permission. ### My webinar recording is low-quality or glitchy With cloud-based platforms, the quality of the recording depends heavily on your and the host’s connection. Use a tool with local recording like Riverside. ### My recording didn’t save, or I can’t find it Zoom saves videos usually in your Documents folder. Google Meets and Teams save files in the host’s or recorder’s OneDrive or Google Drive. ### I’m trying to record a webinar on my phone, but the audio won’t record Certain apps block audio recording at the OS level. The only solution might be to use desktop software like Riverside. ### My computer slows down, freezes, or drops frames while recording If you’re using demanding software, your CPU may get overwhelmed. Use a lightweight browser-based tool like Riverside. ## How to edit and repurpose your webinar recording with Riverside Once you’ve recorded your webinar, you can turn that single session of content into assets that keep working for your brand long after the live event ends. Here’s how: **Step 1:** From your Projects page, choose the webinar you just recorded. In the **“Made for you”** tab, just click on **“Personalize.”** **Step 2:** Riverside’s Magic Clips uses AI to identify the best moments and create shorts. **Step 3:** For more hands-on post-production, select the **“Recordings”** tab and click on **“Edit.”** **Step 4:** You can cut out parts of your recording by deleting text in your recording transcript. ### FAQs about webinar recording ### Can webinars be pre-recorded? Yes, webinars don’t always have to be live. You can record the presentation in a controlled environment and then broadcast it at a scheduled time. ### What’s the easiest way to record a webinar on PC for free? If you’re on a desktop PC, use Riverside’s online screen recorder. You can also use built-in screen recorders but beware of compression that reduces quality. ### Is there a way to screen record and have audio? Yes, you can record with audio using Riverside. Turn the **“Also share tab audio”** toggle on while setting up your screen share. ### How do I record both the webinar audio and my microphone? Join the webinar on your computer, and start a Riverside recording session. Select your microphone and share your screen with system audio. ### Is it legal to record a webinar? Generally, you should have the consent of all relevant parties before recording. If you’re an attendee, it’s best to ask the host for permission.