How to Record a Podcast using Zoom (with video tutorial)
If 2020 has taught us anything, is that the advancements of technology have enabled us to Podcast from anywhere, and with a low barrier in tech. Zoom, Skype, and Riverside are some of the most popular video call software out there to easily connect Podcasters to anyone in the world.
In this article, we’re going to explore how to maximize a Zoom recording for easy post-production work, and share some hidden features that can take your Podcast from ‘OK’ to sounding professional (with no added equipment)!
1. Create an account (duh)
Create a free account on Zoom.us. For interviews with a total of 2 participants, a free account has no time limit, but from 3 participants onward, Zoom will limit your call to a total of 45 minutes. The Paid plans start as low as $12 a month.
2. Set your account to record locally (on your computer)
Recording on the cloud has its benefits such as the files being accessible anywhere, but it also comes with limitations: you have to wait for the files to be processed, and not having the option to get an individual audio track for each participant. To learn how to set it up on your computer, keep reading.
3. Set your account to record individual audio tracks
This is the step that a lot of Podcasters overlook and that really makes a difference when having multiple participants. By having independent audio tracks you can work individually on each track. Did your guest’s dog bark while you were asking your question? Was their audio way lower than yours? No problem! Just silence their track or increase the gain (volume) in that section and there you go, the issue is gone! Watch the video below to learn how to set it up correctly!
Step by step:
1. Using a browser of your choice, log in to your Zoom account.
2. Go to Settings, look for 'Recording'.
3. Enable 'Local Recording'.
4. Open Zoom on your computer and open the 'Settings' menu.
5. Look for the 'Recording' menu - it should show in the middle of the Menu.
6. Select 'Record a separate audio file for each participant'.
7. Check where your recording is automatically saving to - pick your favorite location.
8. Check your available space before recording.
RULE OF THUMB: Always check which microphone (in) and headphones/ speakers (out) have been selected by Zoom before starting your recording - more often than not, Zoom will default to your built-in microphone and speakers.
4. Recording your audio using your preferred Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
If you’re looking to get the best audio quality without having to rely on internet stability, record locally using a free or paid Editing Software / Digital Audio Workstation like Audacity, Quick-Time Player, Adobe Audition, GarageBand, ProTools, etc and then select your external microphone. (Yes, you can have two programs using the same microphone!)
5. Start recording and Happy Podcasting
To get your podcast basics right, make sure that you listen and subscribe to my weekly podcast:
To download our checklist for Podcast interviews please visit:
www.thepodcastspace.com/resources-for-podcasters/printable-podcast-recording-checklist