How to Record a Zoom Podcast: Step by Step Guide

Record a podcast on Zoom in 9 easy steps. Learn setup tips, audio settings, editing tools, and how Zoom compares to Riverside for better podcast quality.

Last Updated:

July 28, 2025

8 min read

Recording a podcast on Zoom has its pros and cons. While it's a popular choice due to its familiarity and ease of use, it also comes with limitations. Think lower audio and video quality, no editing capabilities, and a heavy dependence on a stable internet connection.

If you’re considering Zoom for your podcast, this guide will provide step-by-step instructions to help you get started - and use the platform like a pro.

How to record a podcast on Zoom (step-by-step)

Zoom is a video conferencing app that’s free to download and easy to use. It’s designed primarily for conference calls - not podcasting - but its built-in video and audio recording features make it a popular choice among podcasters.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it to record your podcast.

Step 1: Sign up for a Zoom account

Sign up for a Zoom account. Their free plan lets you host meetings of up to 40 minutes.

Opt to download the desktop app rather than using their browser-based web app. This will give you access to all of Zoom’s features, including gallery and speaker view toggles, screen sharing, video filters, and virtual backgrounds.

Step 2: Sign in and schedule your Zoom meeting

Sign in to your Zoom account using your email and password.

Hit “ New Meeting” to start recording now, or “ Schedule” to set up a recording for a later date. Give your meeting a name, set the date and time, choose whether or not it should repeat, and then hit “ Save.”

Step 3: Prepare your podcast guests

On the Zoom dashboard, click the three-dotted menu next to your meeting title and select “ Copy invitation.”

Send the invitation via email to your guests, along with other useful instructions and recording tips. This might include:

• Encouraging them to record in a quiet space.
• Requesting that they wear headphones and use a podcast microphone if possible.
• Sending them your script or plan for the podcast so that they know what to expect.

Step 4: Optimize your Zoom audio settings for best quality

When using Zoom for podcasting, we recommend you adjust a few audio settings for best quality. You’ll find these settings if you go to the gear icon and select “ Settings” and then “ Audio.”

• Record original audio: From the Audio settings, turn on "Original sound for musicians" to remove Zoom's automatic echo cancellation. If you’re using an external microphone and headphones, you may not need this setting.
• Uncheck “Echo Cancellation”: Under the same menu, deselect “ Echo Cancellation.” It isn’t needed if you’re using an external microphone and headphones.
• Record separate audio tracks: In the “Recording” settings select “Record a separate audio file for each participant.” This will make editing and post production much easier and more straightforward.
• Turn on “High-Fidelity Music Mode:” This feature is intended for music recording, but it will enhance your podcast recording sound if you switch it on.
• Adjust microphone and speaker volume: Adjust the volume of your microphone and headphones for you and your guests. Be sure to disable “Auto volume” as this can cause inconsistent audio levels when Zoom compensates for quieter voices.
• Enable HD audio: This improves the overall clarity and richness of your voice.
• Choose between stereo or mono audio: You can choose to record your podcast in mono (single channel, easier editing) or stereo (two channels, for a more immersive sound with voice separation).

Step 5: Test your setup with your guest(s)

Avoid nightmare scenarios by running a test recording with your guests before the real recording.

Make sure you and your guests have the correct microphone and speaker selected and ensure everyone is (ideally) wearing headphones.

Make sure you and your guests are recording in a quiet environment, and that any unwanted noises are removed.

This is also a good time to set up whether you want to record in Speaker View or Gallery View. Note that the video will record in whatever layout you see on your screen.

Step 6: Start recording your Zoom podcast

Now it’s time to start recording your podcast. Once everyone has arrived and you have carried out your necessary tests, hit “Record” in the "More" controls toolbar at the bottom of the window.

Be sure to monitor audio when using Zoom for podcast recording through its visual input level meter. You’ll find this under the audio settings. This will show if your microphone is picking up sound and how strong the signal is. This can help you catch and deal with audio issues during the session.

If you need to cough or sneeze, mute your mic - just don’t forget to unmute it when you’re ready to speak again!

Step 7: End the call and access your recording files

Once you’ve finished your recording, simply end the call and access your files so that you can download and edit the audio for your podcast episode. Where to find your files depends on whether you’ve chosen “Local Recording” (recordings are stored on your computer) or “Cloud Recording” (recordings are saved on the cloud).

• Local recording: After the session ends, Zoom automatically converts the files and saves them to your “ Zoom folder,” which is usually located in “ Documents” on your desktop.
• Cloud recording: Head to your “ Recordings” located in “ My Account,” select the correct meeting to view and download your files.

Step 8: Edit your podcast

Zoom does not offer editing capabilities, so you will need to use external software to clean up, trim, and polish your podcast recordings before you publish. Here are a couple of options for doing that:

• Audio only editing: Audacity is a free, cross-platform audio editor for Windows and Mac.
• Video and audio editing: Riverside is an all-in-one podcasting platform for editing (and recording) high-quality audio and video.

Step 9: Publish your podcast

Zoom does not offer podcast hosting, meaning you will have to use an external platform to distribute episodes to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

• Free option: Spotify for Creators is a free option that’s great for beginners on a tight budget.
• Paid option: Distribute and house your podcast on Captivate for $19 per month.

Is Zoom good for podcasting? Pros and cons

Zoom is easy to use, convenient, and has a free plan. But it also has some drawbacks for podcasters. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of using it to record your podcast.

Tips for improving your podcast on Zoom

Zoom offers limited features for podcasters, especially when compared to other options such as Riverside. However, if you’re contemplating using Zoom for your podcast, here are some simple tips to improve the recording quality.

Use wired internet

It may seem “old school” but a wired ethernet connection is substantially more stable than Wi-Fi.

Have a backup recording

Because Zoom is so dependent on internet connection, it's essential to always have a backup recording. The best way to do this is for all guests to record locally on their own device.

Mute background apps

Make sure to close or mute apps that use your microphone, camera or internet. This helps to prevent distractions and reduce CPU load for better performance.

Speak one at a time

Before hitting record, coach your guests about avoiding cross-talk, and giving everyone the time and space to finish their point before speaking.

Keep episodes under 40 mins (or upgrade)

If you're using Zoom's free plan, be sure to plan your episodes to stay within the 40-minute limit. Let your guests know about the time restriction in advance, and keep an eye on the clock to make the most of your session.

FAQs on recording a Podcast on Zoom

Can you record a podcast on Zoom?

Although Zoom isn’t specifically designed for podcasters, it’s a convenient way to record both video and audio content for your podcast episodes.

Can you podcast on Zoom for free?

Yes, using Zoom for podcasting is free, as long as your sessions stay within the 40-minute time limit, and you don’t need advanced features such as cloud recording or extended storage.

Does Zoom record separate tracks?

You can record separate audio tracks with Zoom.

What happens if my meeting hits 40 mins?

If you’re using the free plan to record a podcast on Zoom, you’ll get a warning 5 minutes before you hit the 40-minute limit that your call is about to end. When you reach the time limit, the meeting automatically ends, the window closes, and everyone is disconnected.