Where Do Zoom Recordings Go? | Find Your Saved Files

Zoom is a video conferencing tool perfect for virtual meetings, online classes, and webinars. It allows users to connect easily with friends, family, co-workers, and others. One of Zoom's helpful features is the ability to record meetings. This can be great for keeping a record of important conversations, revisiting a class lecture, or sharing a meeting with someone who couldn't attend. However, after recording a meeting, many users wonder, "Where do Zoom recordings go?" Knowing where these recordings are stored is important for easy access and management. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to locate and manage your Zoom recordings on your local and cloud storage so you can always keep track of your important files.

Two Types of Zoom Recordings

When you record on Zoom where does it go? Zoom has two ways of storing recorded meetings: on the Zoom cloud or on the host's local files. Below, we will explain each.

1. Zoom Local Recordings

Local recordings save the Zoom meeting directly to your computer's hard drive. This is a great option if you want quick access to your recordings without relying on an internet connection. When you record a Zoom meeting without the host's permission, the recorded file is automatically saved in a designated folder on your computer. Usually, you can find it in the Documents folder or Zoom folder. Furthermore, one of the advantages of the local recordings is that you don't need to pay for extra storage. However, if you have to do a lot of recorded Zoom meetings, this will take up your hard drive, and your computer will run slowly. Moreover, local recordings are also useful because some companies prohibit storing recordings in the Zoom cloud for security purposes.

2. Zoom Cloud Recordings

Where do recordings go on Zoom? Another way to access your recording is in Cloud Recordings. As it says in its name, it will save the recorded meetings on Zoom’s cloud storage. This means the file will be stored online when you record a meeting using the live meeting recorder. You can playback the recorded meetings from any device with an internet connection. Besides, the recorded file is easy to share with others using a link. Furthermore, the advantage of cloud recordings is that they can’t consume your computer storage space compared to local recordings that can use your computer storage. However, this option requires a subscription plan with a Cloud Recording add-on. This means you can’t use the Zoom cloud storage to store recorded meetings if you have a free account.

What happens with Zoom recordings?

Cloud recordings, included with all paid accounts, are saved to the Zoom Cloud where they can be viewed, shared, and downloaded. Both options provide standard MP4 video, M4A audio, and chat text files.

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Access Zoom Recording on Your Local Storage

If you save your Zoom recordings locally, finding them on your computer is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you locate your saved recordings.

Step 1. Access File Manager

First, find the File Manager on your computer by searching for it through your computer apps or the search bar. Once you find it, you can see all your files in different folders. Next, go to the Documents folder, and you will see the Zoom folder there.

Step 2. Open the Zoom Folder

From the Zoom folder, you will find various recording folders with the date, time, and title of your virtual video. So, suppose you have a lot of recorded meetings. In that case, you can easily locate it by identifying the date of the recordings. Additionally, you can utilize the File Manager search feature to find the needed recorded Zoom meeting.

Step 3. Locate the Recorded Zoom Meeting

Once you find the file, you can see three different files stored in the folder. One is the M4A file (audio), a CONF file for Windows, an M3U file for Mac (file with audio and video), and lastly, an MP4 file (video). All the files contain the recordings from the meeting, but the MP4 file is the one you will want to share or view if needed. Lastly, you can share the recorded file with others through email.

Find Zoom Cloud Recording on Zoom Cloud Storage

If you’ve saved your Zoom recordings to the cloud, accessing them is simple. Here’s how to locate your cloud recordings step-by-step.

Step 1. Log into Your Zoom Account

First, open any web browser on your computer and visit the Zoom website. Next, click the Sign in button on the upper-right corner. Then, on the next screen enter your login credentials, which is your email address and password. Make sure you are using the same account that was used to host or record the meetings.

Step 2. Navigate Recordings Section

Once logged in, you'll be taken to your Zoom dashboard. On the left side corner, you will see various options then click the Recordings option from the list. From there, you will see two options: the Cloud Recordings, and Computer Recordings. Next, go to the Cloud Recordings and you will find all your recordings with the date, time, topic, ID, file size, and more.

Step 3. Share Your Recordings

If you have a lot of recordings, you can search for specific recordings using keywords or meeting titles in the search bar. Then, click on a recording to view more details, including options to play, download, share, or delete it. Lastly, copy a shareable link to send to others, which allows them to view or download the recording directly from the cloud.

Extra Tips: How to Change Recording Locations

Zoom allows you to change where your recordings are stored, whether you save them locally on your computer or to Zoom's cloud storage. Here's how to adjust the recording locations for both local and cloud recordings:

Changing Local Recording Location

• First, open the Zoom app on your computer. Next, click on your profile at the upper right corner and select the Settings menu from the drop-down list. On the next screen, you will see various options, including the Recording option.
• Click the Recording menu on the Settings window's left side panel. This will display your current recording settings and location. Then, beside the "Store My recording at" text, you can see the Open and Change buttons.
• Next, click on the Change button to select a new folder. On the pop-up screen, locate the new folder where you want to store and access recorded Zoom meeting. After that, click the OK button to save the changes.

Changing Cloud Storage Location

• To change local recording to cloud recording, visit the Zoom site on your browser. Then, log in to your account until you reach the Zoom dashboard. Next, navigate to the Settings option located on the left side pane.
• The Settings window has various sections, such as general, audio conferencing, Zoom apps, notes, recording, and more. Click on the Recording section to see all the options for your recording preference.
• Now, you need to enable the Automatic Recording option. To do so, click the toggle beside it and tick the Record on the Cloud option. Then, your recordings will be saved on the cloud instead of local storage.

FAQs About Zoom Recordings

Why can't I record my Zoom meeting?

If the host has turned off the recording feature, you might be unable to record your Zoom meeting. Ensure you have the necessary permission to record, which the meeting host can grant. Additionally, suppose you want to record without your host's permission. In that case, you need a third-party screen recording tool like Aqua Demo.

How long does Zoom cloud store the recorded meetings?

Zoom cloud recordings are stored for a set period, depending on your Zoom plan. Typically, recordings are kept for 30 days before being deleted, but this can vary if you have more storage or have purchased extra space. Always check your account settings for your specific storage limits and retention period.

Can you recover Zoom recordings?

Yes, you can recover Zoom recordings from the trash within 30 days if they were deleted from both local and cloud storage. After this period, they are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.

To Sum Up

Zoom recordings have two types of storage: local recordings and the other one is cloud recordings. Local recordings are saved directly on your computer. On the other hand, Cloud recordings are stored online and can be accessed through the Zoom website. Both options have advantages—local recordings are easily accessible without an internet connection. In contrast, cloud recordings are easy to share from any device. By familiarizing yourself with both local and cloud recording options, you can choose the best storage method for your needs and ensure that your important meetings and webinars are always easy to find and manage.