How to Transcribe Zoom Meetings (Cloud Recording vs Local Recording)

Why Transcribing Zoom Meetings Matters

Zoom meetings move fast, and it is easy to miss key points. A transcript helps you keep track of tasks, decisions, and action items. This makes your team more organized and saves time.

Many teams now use transcription tools to work faster. In fact, over 75% of remote workers say recordings help them improve accuracy in their work (2023). You can use a service like transcription services to get high-quality results. You can also use Zoom’s built-in tools or upload your files to a separate service.

Zoom gives you two ways to record your meetings. You can store your files in the cloud or save them on your computer. Each option affects how you transcribe your meeting later. This guide explains how both work and which one is best for your workflow. For more background on Zoom recording options, visit Zoom’s support page (2024): https://support.zoom.us.

Understanding Cloud vs Local Zoom Recordings

You can record Zoom calls in two ways. Each option creates different file types and gives you different access tools. These differences change how you transcribe your meetings.

Cloud recording works only for paid Zoom accounts. Local recording works on both free and paid versions. Cloud recordings give you more tools, but local recordings give you more control. A 2023 study found that 61% of users save Zoom files locally due to storage limits, while 39% choose cloud for easier sharing (2023).

• Cloud recordings store your files online.
• Local recordings store the files on your device.
• Cloud recordings often process faster for AI tools.
• Local recordings give you higher control over file size and format.

You can also use systems like automated transcription or human-based services. Both support cloud and local file uploads.

How to Transcribe Zoom Cloud Recordings

Cloud recordings are simple to access. You only need your Zoom login and an internet connection. Once your meeting ends, Zoom processes your recording automatically. Many users pick cloud recordings for easy sharing. Zoom also offers its own machine-based transcript for some account types. For details, read Zoom’s cloud recording overview (2024): https://support.zoom.us.

To transcribe a cloud recording, follow these steps.

Step 1: Sign In and Find Your Recording

Log in to your Zoom account and open the "Recordings" tab. You will see a list of your cloud recordings. Zoom stores the audio, video, and chat text. Some files include separate audio tracks for each speaker.

• Open the meeting folder.
• Download the audio-only file for best accuracy.
• Check for multiple audio tracks if you want clearer speaker separation.

Step 2: Download the Audio File

You can download the M4A or MP4 file. The M4A audio file is best for transcription because it has smaller size and clear sound. Studies show that clean audio improves transcription accuracy by up to 25% (2022).

• Click "Download" next to the M4A file.
• Save it in a folder you can find later.
• Rename the file to avoid confusion.

Step 3: Upload to a Transcription Service

You can use human or AI tools to turn your audio into text. Cloud recordings work well with automated tools because the audio is usually clean. For faster results, use an AI transcription subscription or upload the file to a service.

• Go to the site of your chosen service.
• Upload the audio file.
• Choose whether you want AI or human transcription.
• Review the text once it is done.

Human transcription is more accurate. Many teams use human review for legal or research work. Cloud recordings make the upload process easy because you do not need to hunt for files on your device.

How to Transcribe Zoom Local Recordings

Local recordings work on all Zoom accounts. Your computer stores the files in a Zoom folder. Many people choose local recordings because they want the highest-quality audio. Local recordings also give you offline access. For more details on local file storage, see Zoom’s local recording guide (2024): https://support.zoom.us.

Follow these steps to transcribe a local Zoom recording.

Step 1: Find the Local File

Zoom creates a folder on your device after each meeting. The location depends on your operating system. Windows, Mac, and Linux all store Zoom files in different places. The folder includes audio, video, and chat files.

• Open Zoom.
• Go to "Settings" and choose "Recording".
• Click "Open" next to the folder path.

Step 2: Choose the Best File for Transcription

Zoom stores your meeting as an MP4 video and an M4A audio file. Many users prefer the audio file because it is smaller. This makes uploading faster. Accuracy also improves with clear audio.

• Look for the M4A file in your recording folder.
• Play the file to check the audio level.
• Rename it if needed.

Step 3: Upload the File

Local recordings work with any transcription platform. Some teams use AI tools for fast results. Others use human editors when accuracy matters more. You can upload your file to a service like order transcription to get polished text.

• Visit your preferred transcription tool.
• Upload the M4A file.
• Select your audio quality level.
• Download the transcript once complete.

Local recordings can produce better accuracy because the audio does not depend on Zoom’s cloud compression. This makes it ideal for detailed notes or long meetings.

Cloud vs Local Recording: Which Is Better for Transcription?

Both cloud and local recordings work well for transcription. The best option depends on your needs. Some teams need fast access. Others want the highest-quality audio. A 2024 survey found that 54% of organizations use both methods depending on the meeting type (2024).

• Choose cloud if you want easy sharing.
• Choose local if you want the best audio quality.
• Use cloud for short meetings.
• Use local for long events with many speakers.
• Use human transcription when accuracy matters most.

Many users combine both methods. They record in the cloud for backup and also save a local version. This gives you the best results when you need to transcribe or review your meeting. You can also use transcription proofreading services to clean up your text.

Final Tips for Better Transcription Results

Good audio makes the biggest difference in transcription. You can improve your sound even before the meeting begins. You can also prepare your files to make transcription faster later. Many professional teams follow simple steps to keep their recordings clear. For extra tips, see this guide from the National Institute on Deafness (2023): https://www.nidcd.nih.gov.

• Use a headset microphone for better clarity.
• Ask participants to mute when not speaking.
• Close noisy apps on your device.
• Record in a quiet room.
• Download the audio-only file before uploading.
• Use captions or subtitles for video edits with subtitling services.

These small steps help your transcript become more accurate. They also save you time when reviewing or editing.

Conclusion

Transcribing Zoom meetings is easy once you know where your files are stored. Cloud recordings help you share files right away. Local recordings give you higher audio quality. Both options work well with human or AI transcription tools. Your choice depends on your workflow and the level of accuracy you need.

If you want fast, clear, and accurate transcripts, GoTranscript provides the right solutions.