Zoom Local Recording¶
Stage: Produce → Record
Score: 3
Evidence: Practitioner observation
What It Is¶
Recording a Zoom call using the local recording option, which saves files to the host's computer. Local recording can produce separate audio tracks per participant but only captures a compressed video of the gallery or speaker view.
Why It Gets a 3¶
Zoom local recording gives you usable audio (separate tracks per participant) but limited video (compressed, no isolated video per person). It is a viable fallback for audio-first shows but not suitable for video production that requires per-person framing, layout switching, or vertical reformatting.
What You Get¶
| Output | Quality | Isolated? |
|---|---|---|
| Video (gallery/speaker) | 720p-1080p compressed | ❌ One mixed file |
| Audio (per participant) | Acceptable for podcast | ✅ Separate tracks available |
Setup¶
- Zoom → Settings → Recording → enable "Record a separate audio file for each participant"
- Choose "Record on this computer" (not cloud)
- Start the meeting and hit Record
- After the meeting, Zoom processes and saves: video MP4 + individual audio M4A files per participant
Quality Bar¶
- Audio: Usable for podcast distribution after mastering
- Video: Not suitable for multi-camera rough cut production
- Requires post-processing to sync and level audio tracks
When To Use¶
- Audio-only podcasts where video is not a deliverable
- Backup recording alongside a primary platform (Riverside/SquadCast)
- Situations where participants cannot install or access a dedicated recording platform
When Not To Use¶
- Any show that requires per-person video framing
- Shows that need vertical (9:16) video output
- Shows with branded lower thirds, transitions, or multi-camera layouts
- When you have access to Riverside, SquadCast, or any isolated recording platform