How to Record a Zoom Meeting and Share the Video File

Whether you are delivering a critical quarterly presentation, hosting a training seminar, or conducting a remote job interview, capturing the video and audio of a Zoom meeting is essential. A recording ensures that absent colleagues can catch up on the discussion, and it provides a valuable reference point for future projects.

However, the process of saving and distributing these videos can be incredibly confusing, particularly when deciding where the file should be stored. By learning how to record a Zoom meeting and share the video file, you can streamline your remote workflow and ensure your recordings are always accessible to the right people.

Understanding Local vs Cloud Recording

Before you hit the record button, you must understand the two different ways Zoom handles video files. Your options will depend on your specific Zoom account type.

• Local Recording: This is available to all users, including those on the free “Basic” plan. The video file is saved directly to your computer’s physical hard drive. It costs nothing, but you are responsible for uploading and sharing the heavy file yourself.
• Cloud Recording: This is only available to paid subscribers (Pro, Business, or Enterprise). The video is saved directly to Zoom’s remote servers. It is incredibly convenient because Zoom automatically generates a sharing link, but you are limited by your cloud storage quota.

How to Start Recording a Meeting

To record a meeting, you must either be the designated Host, or the Host must grant you permission to record.

1. Join or start a Zoom meeting using the desktop client on Windows or macOS.
2. Locate the meeting control toolbar at the bottom of the window.
3. Click the Record button (it has a circle icon).
4. If you have a paid account, a menu will pop up asking if you want to Record on this Computer or Record to the Cloud. Select your preference. (If you have a free account, it will immediately begin recording locally).
5. A small red recording indicator will appear in the top-left corner of the screen, and an audible notification will alert all participants that recording has started.

You can pause or stop the recording at any time using the corresponding buttons on the bottom toolbar. When the meeting ends, Zoom will automatically begin processing the video file.

How to Find and Share a Local Recording

If you chose “Record on this Computer,” Zoom will display a “Converting meeting recording” progress bar as soon as the meeting closes. Do not interrupt this process.

Once the conversion finishes, Zoom will automatically open the folder containing your new files. By default, Zoom creates a dedicated folder in your computer’s Documents directory (e.g., Documents > Zoom > 2026-07-29 Meeting Name).

Inside this folder, you will find three files, but the one you need is the video file, usually named zoom_0.mp4.

Because MP4 video files are very large, you cannot simply attach them to an email. To share a local recording, you must:

1. Open a cloud storage service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive.
2. Drag and drop the zoom_0.mp4 file into your cloud drive to upload it.
3. Once uploaded, right-click the file in your cloud drive and select Share or Get Link.
4. Send this generated link to your colleagues.

How to Find and Share a Cloud Recording

If you are a paid user and chose “Record to the Cloud,” the process is significantly easier, as you do not have to upload anything yourself.

1. Open your web browser and sign in to the Zoom Web Portal (zoom.us).
2. In the left-hand navigation menu, click on Recordings.
3. You will see a list of all your recorded meetings. Click the Share button next to the meeting you want to distribute.
4. A pop-up window will appear. Here, you can configure security settings (such as requiring a passcode to view the video or allowing viewers to download the file).
5. Click Copy Sharing Information.
6. Paste this text (which includes the direct link and any necessary passcodes) into an email or Slack message.