How to Convert a Zoom File to MP4

Zoom is a popular video conferencing platform used for webinars, meetings, and online classes. Many users rely on its recording feature to capture important sessions for future reference. Converting Zoom files to MP4 is important because MP4 is compatible with most devices and platforms, making it easier to view and share your recordings.

Zoom Recording Formats: What You Need to Know

Zoom offers two main recording options: local and cloud recordings. Here’s how they differ:

• Local recordings: Saved directly on your computer. Available for all Zoom users.
• Cloud recordings: Saved on Zoom’s online cloud. Available with paid Zoom plans.

When you record a session, Zoom can save your files in several formats:

• MP4: Video and audio combined.
• M4A: Audio only.
• VTT, CC.VTT: Closed caption text files.
• M3U: Playlist file.
• TXT: Audio transcription text files.

Most users want the MP4 file for easy playback and sharing.

Step-by-Step Guide: Converting Your Zoom Recording to MP4

Zoom can automatically convert recorded files to MP4, but sometimes you’ll need to do it yourself. Here are the main methods, depending on your system.

Using the Zoom Desktop Client

• Open the Zoom desktop app.
• Click on the Meetings tab.
• Select Recorded to see your recorded meetings.
• Click on the recording you want to convert.
• Click Convert, usually near the file details. Zoom will process and save the new MP4 file in your Documents/Zoom folder.

Manual Conversion on Windows with zTscoder

• Open your Documents folder and navigate to the Zoom folder.
• Find the folder for your meeting, then right-click the recording file with a .zoom extension.
• Select Open With → More Apps → Look for another app on this PC.
• Go to C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\Zoom\bin.
• Select zTscoder.exe and hit Open. This should start converting the file to MP4.

Manual Conversion on macOS with Transcoder

• Find the Zoom recording file in /Users/[Username]/Documents/Zoom.
• Double-click the file. If it doesn't convert, right-click and choose Open With → Other.
• Navigate to Applications/zoom.us.app/Contents/Frameworks/ and select Transcoder.app.
• Check Always Open With if you want to use this method in the future.
• Open the file to trigger the conversion.

When in doubt, check your Documents/Zoom folder for the MP4 file after conversion.

Tips to Get High-Quality MP4s from Zoom

To ensure your converted files look and sound their best, follow these guidelines:

• Set your video resolution to HD (720p or 1080p) before starting the meeting.
• Choose the 16:9 aspect ratio for a widescreen picture.
• Use an external camera for clearer video.
• Ensure your room has good lighting to avoid grainy video.
• Record locally on your computer to avoid internet-related issues.

These steps help you get a clear, smooth final MP4 file (Statista, 2023).

Troubleshooting Zoom to MP4 Conversion Issues

If your recording doesn't convert properly:

• Sign out of Zoom on both the app and the website.
• Restart your computer to clear temporary glitches.
• Sign back into Zoom and try to convert the recording again manually using the methods above.

If these steps do not work, confirm there’s enough free disk space and you have the latest version of Zoom (Zoom Support, 2024).

Managing and Sharing Your MP4 Zoom Recordings

Once you have your MP4 file, sharing it is simple. Here’s how:

• To share via the cloud, go to your Zoom recording page, click Share next to your file, and adjust sharing settings.
• To download, select the Download button on the recording page.

You can also share your MP4 during live Zoom calls:

• Sign in and join your Zoom meeting.
• Click Share Screen → Advanced tab → Video.
• Select your MP4 file and click Share. The video will play for the meeting participants.

Enhance Your Recordings with Transcription, Captions, and More

Once you have your MP4 file, you may want more accessibility or searchability.

• Use transcription services to create text records of your meetings.
• Try closed captioning or subtitling services to make videos accessible for all viewers.
• Check out automated transcription or AI transcription subscription options for fast results.
• Get your files proofread with transcription proofreading services.
• If you need to reach a global audience, use text translation services or audio translation services.

For cost estimates, see transcription pricing and captioning services pricing.

Conclusion

Converting Zoom files to MP4 makes your meetings easy to watch and share. With the steps in this guide, you can quickly save your recordings in a widely supported format.

For extra value, consider enhancing your MP4s with transcripts, captions, or translations from GoTranscript. Their transcription services and other solutions help you make the most of your Zoom content. You can order transcription or order captions in just a few clicks.