Recording Zoom meetings can be essential for capturing important discussions.

However, not everyone needs or wants the video component—sometimes, an audio recording is all that's required.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about recording audio on Zoom.

Can you record audio only on Zoom ?

Yes, Zoom allows users to record audio-only, but the availability of this feature depends on your account type and recording settings. Zoom offers two primary recording options: local recording and cloud recording. While both options include audio capture, they differ in functionality and accessibility.

• ‍Local Recording: This feature is available to both free and paid users. When recording locally, Zoom automatically captures both audio and video. Unfortunately, Zoom does not offer an explicit "audio-only" option for local recordings. However, after the meeting ends, users can extract the audio file (M4A format) from the saved files.‍
• Cloud Recording: Available only to paid subscribers, cloud recording provides more customization options. In your Zoom account settings, you can enable the "Record an audio-only file" option. When activated, Zoom generates an M4A audio file without video, making it easier to focus on the conversation without unnecessary video elements.

If you're wondering whether you can record audio without the host’s permission, Zoom does not allow participants to start recordings without prior approval. The host must grant recording privileges to participants manually. If permission is not granted, alternative methods such as third-party applications or built-in screen recording tools may be required.

Some common workarounds to record audio-only on Zoom include:

• Built-in Screen Recorders: Operating systems like Windows and macOS offer screen recording tools that can capture audio from your system. These include Windows Xbox Game Bar and macOS QuickTime Player.
• Third-Party Software: Applications such as Audacity and OBS Studio allow users to capture audio from their computer system, including Zoom meetings.
• Browser Extensions: Some extensions for web browsers claim to offer audio recording capabilities for Zoom meetings; however, they may pose security risks.

How to Record Audio Only on Zoom Step by Step

If you want to record audio-only on Zoom, follow these step-by-step instructions based on your Zoom account type.

For Paid Zoom Users (Cloud Recording):

1. Log into Your Zoom Account:
   • Visit the Zoom web portal at zoom.us and sign in with your credentials.
2. Adjust Recording Settings:
   • Navigate to "Settings" in the left-hand panel.
   • Click on the "Recording" tab.
   • Enable the "Record an audio-only file" option under cloud recording settings.
3. Start Your Meeting:
   • Begin a Zoom meeting as a host or participant with recording permissions.
   • Click "Record to the Cloud." Zoom will automatically capture audio-only files.
4. Access Your Audio Recording:
   • Once the meeting ends, go to "Recordings" in your Zoom web portal.
   • Download the M4A audio file and use it as needed.

For Free Zoom Users (Local Recording & Workarounds):

1. Start a Zoom Meeting:
   • Launch Zoom and start or join a meeting.
   • Click "Record" to initiate a local recording (if permitted by the host).
2. Extract the Audio:
   • After the meeting ends, locate the recorded files on your computer.
   • Open the Zoom folder and find the M4A audio file.
3. Use Built-in or Third-Party Recorders:
   • If recording permission is not granted, use Windows Xbox Game Bar (Win + G) or macOS QuickTime Player to record system audio.
   • Alternatively, install third-party software such as Audacity or OBS Studio for better recording control.

How to Record All Your Participants' Voices Separately

Only Zoom local version provides a built-in feature that allows users to achieve this.

Step 1: Enable Separate Audio Files in Zoom Settings

• Open the Zoom desktop app and sign in.
• Click on the "Settings" gear icon, then navigate to the "Recording" tab.
• Under the "Local Recording" section, check the option "Record a separate audio file for each participant."

Step 2: Start Your Zoom Meeting

• Host or join a meeting as usual.
• Click on the "Record" button and select "Record on this Computer."

Step 3: Locate and Access the files

• After the meeting ends, Zoom will save separate audio files for each participant.
• Navigate to your Zoom recordings folder and open the folder for the specific meeting.
• You'll find individual M4A audio files labeled with participant names for easy identification.

Only Record, Transcribe, and Summarize Your Voice Conversations with Noota

Noota offers a comprehensive AI-driven solution to record, transcribe, and summarize your Zoom meetings, making it easier to stay organized and focused.

Step 1: Connect to Noota

• Visit noota.io and create an account.
• Download the Noota Web Extension and integrate it with Zoom.

Step 2: Capture and Transcribe in Real Time

• Start your Zoom meeting, and Noota will automatically capture and transcribe the conversation.
• It provides real-time transcription with speaker identification.

Step 3: Access & Download the Audio file

• After the meeting, Noota generates concise summaries highlighting key points, action items, and decisions.
• The summaries are customizable based on your preferences.
• Store transcripts securely on your Noota dashboard.
• Share reports with your team for easy collaboration and follow-up.

Want to download an audio file from your conversation ? Try Noota for free.