Where Do Zoom Recordings Go? A Complete Guide

Zoom recordings are a valuable tool for capturing meetings, webinars, and collaborations. Knowing where they are stored ensures easy access and organization. This guide covers how to locate both cloud-based and local Zoom recordings.

1. Zoom Cloud Recordings

If you record meetings to the cloud, Zoom automatically saves them to your Zoom account. These recordings are accessible from any device with an internet connection.

How to Find Cloud Recordings

1. Sign in to Zoom: Go to zoom.us and log in.

2. Access "My Account": Click on My Account in the top-right corner.

3. Navigate to Recordings: Select Recordings in the left sidebar.

4. Select Cloud Recordings: View recordings under the Cloud Recordings tab.

5. Choose Your Recording: Click on a meeting title to view or download it.

Key Points About Cloud Recordings

✅ Available to paid Zoom users (Pro, Business, or Education plans).
✅ Stored for up to 30 days (or longer, depending on plan settings).
✅ Can be shared via link or downloaded to a local device.

2. Local Zoom Recordings

Local recordings are stored directly on your computer, making them ideal for offline access and permanent storage.

How to Find Local Recordings

1. Open Zoom Desktop Client: Launch the Zoom application.

2. Go to Settings: Click your profile icon and select Settings.

3. Select the "Recording" Tab: Zoom will display the default folder where recordings are stored.

4. Find the Folder: Navigate to the file path shown to locate your recordings.

Key Points About Local Recordings

✅ Available to all Zoom users (including free accounts).
✅ Stored in a default location (or a custom folder if set).
✅ Files are saved in .mp4 (video) and .m4a (audio) formats.

3. Hybrid Recordings (Cloud & Local)

If both cloud and local recording are enabled, you can choose where recordings are stored. This allows for easy sharing via the cloud while keeping a local backup.

How to Set Up Hybrid Recording

1. Open Zoom Settings: Sign in to the Zoom desktop app.

2. Go to "Settings": Click your profile icon and select Settings.

3. Enable Both Cloud and Local Recording: In the Recording tab, turn on both options.

4. Zoom Recording File Types

When saved, Zoom recordings come in different formats:

• Video (.mp4) – Includes video, screen shares, and shared content.

• Audio (.m4a) – Audio-only file of the meeting.

• Chat (.txt) – Chat transcript from the meeting.

• Transcript (.vtt) – Automatic transcription (if enabled).

5. How Long Are Zoom Recordings Stored?

• Cloud Recordings: Stored for 30 days by default (longer with paid plans).

• Local Recordings: Stored indefinitely unless deleted manually.

6. How to Download Zoom Recordings

Cloud Recordings

• Go to your Zoom account.

• Click Download next to the recording.

• The video, audio, and transcripts will be downloaded.

Local Recordings

• Navigate to the Zoom recording folder on your computer.

• Copy, move, or share the files as needed.

Final Thoughts

Understanding where your Zoom recordings are stored ensures efficient management and easy access.
✅ Cloud recordings provide convenient sharing and collaboration.
✅ Local recordings allow for offline access and permanent storage.
✅ Using both options ensures backup and flexibility.

By setting up your Zoom account accordingly, you can always access and manage your important meeting data efficiently!