Here’s How to Record a Podcast on Zoom: A Beginner’s Guide

Quick Summary

Recording a podcast on Zoom is a convenient way to produce high-quality content remotely. To ensure professional results, optimize audio settings, encourage clear communication, and leverage Cleanvoice for post-production enhancements like noise reduction and filler word removal. For more tips on recording and editing podcasts, visit the Cleanvoice blog for detailed guidance and AI-powered solutions.

Struggling to Record a Remote Podcast That Sounds Professional?

Recording a podcast with remote guests can feel daunting, especially when audio clarity and seamless collaboration are non-negotiable.

Thankfully, Zoom offers an accessible, beginner-friendly solution to help you create high-quality recordings without technical headaches.

In this Cleanvoice article, we’ll explain step-by-step how to set up and optimize your podcast recordings on Zoom.

But first…

Why Listen to Us?

At Cleanvoice, we specialize in helping podcasters create high-quality audio content with minimal effort. From enhancing recordings to removing filler words and background noise, our AI-powered tools make the editing process seamless and efficient.

Our expertise ensures you’ll have the tips and techniques to produce professional-quality podcasts, regardless of your setup.

Recording a Podcast on Zoom: What It Is and Why It Works

Recording a podcast on Zoom leverages the platform’s built-in audio and video tools to capture high-quality content remotely. It’s a great solution for podcasters looking to connect with co-hosts, guests, or audiences from anywhere in the world. Zoom allows you to record both audio and visual elements, which is perfect for video podcasts or social media clips.

How It Works:

  1. Host a Zoom Meeting – Set up your session and invite your participants.
  2. Optimize Audio & Video Settings – Adjust settings to ensure optimal sound and video quality.
  3. Hit Record – Zoom will capture the session, and you can choose to save the files locally or to the cloud.
  4. Separate Audio Tracks – Zoom records individual audio tracks for each participant, giving you greater control during editing.

Why Use Zoom to Record a Podcast?

Ease of Use

Zoom’s intuitive interface makes it simple for hosts and guests to join and participate, even if they’re not tech-savvy. Scheduling, inviting participants, and managing sessions are quick and hassle-free.

Remote Collaboration

As a cloud-based platform, Zoom enables seamless communication between participants anywhere in the world. It’s perfect for interviews, co-hosts in different locations, or featuring international guests.

Separate Audio Tracks

One of Zoom’s standout features is its ability to record individual audio tracks for each participant. This makes post-production easier, as you can adjust levels or edit out noise on a per-track basis.

Integrated Recording Features

Zoom eliminates the need for additional recording software. With built-in audio and video capture, you can focus on creating content instead of worrying about technical logistics.

Broad Compatibility

Zoom works well with most editing tools and production workflows, ensuring you can seamlessly integrate recordings into your process. For example, Cleanvoice perfectly complements Zoom by enhancing your recordings with AI-powered features like noise reduction, filler word removal, and automatic audio enhancement.

How to Record a Podcast on Zoom: Step-by-Step

Method 1: Recording Directly with Zoom

Step 1: Set Up Your Zoom Meeting

To begin, schedule your Zoom meeting and send the link to all participants in advance. Prepare your session with these steps:

  1. Configure Settings: Enable waiting rooms, mute participants upon entry, and manage permissions for co-hosts and screen sharing.
  1. Test Equipment: Ensure external microphones, headphones, and cameras are connected properly.
  2. Check Lighting and Angles: Position your camera to provide a professional, well-lit setup.
  3. Run a Test Meeting: Use Zoom’s testing features to verify your internet connection, microphone quality, and video clarity.

Preparing your setup ensures a smooth, distraction-free recording experience.

Step 2: Optimize Audio Settings

Proper audio settings are critical for podcast quality. In Zoom, adjust these options:

  1. Enable Original Sound: Preserve unprocessed audio quality by disabling Zoom’s default compression and noise suppression.
  2. Select the Right Input Device: Use an external microphone for better clarity, avoiding built-in laptop mics.
  3. Fine-Tune Microphone Settings: Disable “Automatically adjust microphone volume” for consistent sound levels if your mic has built-in controls.

4.High-Fidelity Mode: If available, enable high-fidelity music mode and stereo audio for advanced clarity.

Run an audio test with participants before recording, balancing sound levels to ensure uniformity. Proper settings reduce editing time and improve the listener experience.

Step 3: Record the Session

When everyone is ready, click “Record” located at “More” and choose the appropriate recording location:

  • Local Recording: Saves files directly to your computer in higher resolution.
  • Cloud Recording: Useful for remote file access but may compress quality.

During the session:

  • Monitor the session for interruptions or disconnects. Pause recording if needed to prevent losing key moments.
  • Use Zoom’s Chat Feature to manage questions or logistics without disrupting the flow.
  • Utilize time stamps to mark notable segments for easier editing later.

A focused recording session keeps editing minimal and ensures high-quality content.

Step 4: Enhance Audio with Cleanvoice

After recording, upload your audio file to Cleanvoice to polish and refine the podcast. Cleanvoice’s AI tools offer several features:

To process:

  1. Upload the Zoom file to Cleanvoice’s platform.
  2. Select the tools most relevant to your podcast.
  3. Preview the enhanced audio and download it in your preferred format.

Using Cleanvoice simplifies post-production and elevates audio quality, ensuring your podcast is professional and engaging for listeners.

Method 2: Recording with Zoom and External Software

Step 1: Set Up Zoom for Communication

Use Zoom as a communication platform while recording high-quality audio externally. Follow these steps:

  1. Configure Zoom: Turn off “Automatically adjust microphone volume” to maintain stable sound. Disable “Original Sound” if it interferes with external software settings.
  2. Select External Microphone and Headphones: Ensure both are set as your primary input/output devices in Zoom.
  1. Mute Zoom Recording: Disable local recording in Zoom to avoid capturing redundant audio when using external software.
  2. Test Connection: Run a quick trial session to ensure seamless communication with participants.

Using Zoom for interaction ensures natural flow while relying on external software for high-fidelity recordings.

Step 2: Configure External Recording Software

Set up your preferred recording software, such as OBS or Audacity, to capture audio and video. Here's how:

  1. Choose Software: Select a tool compatible with your operating system and capable of multi-track recording.
  2. Input Configuration: Set your external microphone as the input device. If using OBS, configure a dedicated audio source for each participant.
  3. Optimize Audio Settings:
    • Enable high-bitrate recording for clearer audio.
    • Adjust levels to avoid distortion during loud sections.
    • Test noise gates and equalizers if available.

4.Synchronize Video and Audio: In OBS Studio, add Zoom as a video source to record the video feed alongside your high-quality audio.

External recording software ensures raw, high-quality audio and video that you can refine in post-production.

Step 3: Synchronize Audio with Video

After the session, align your external audio files with Zoom’s video recording:

  1. Import Files into Editing Software: Use tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro to merge video and audio.
  2. Match Tracks: Align audio waveforms from Zoom’s recording with the external tracks for perfect synchronization. To make synchronization easier, consider using an audio cue (like a clap) at the beginning of the recording. This helps align the external audio with Zoom’s recording during editing.
  3. Fine-Tune Edits: Adjust timing, trim unnecessary sections, and balance audio levels for a cohesive output.

Synchronization ensures professional results, especially when managing multiple audio sources.

Step 4: Polish Audio with Cleanvoice

After merging audio and video, upload your external audio tracks to Cleanvoice for enhancement:

  • Upload Multi-Track Files: If you recorded each participant separately, Cleanvoice can refine individual tracks before merging.
  • Select Enhancement Options:
    • Remove filler words and background noise.
    • Normalize audio levels for consistency.
    • Trim silences to maintain flow.
  • **Process and Preview: Review the enhanced audio to ensure Cleanvoice has effectively polished your files.

Using Cleanvoice at this stage streamlines editing, saving hours while delivering studio-quality sound for your podcast.

Method 3: Multi-Source Recording with Guest Tracks

Step 1: Have Each Participant Record Locally

For optimal audio quality, ask each participant to record their own audio track locally using software like Audacity, GarageBand, or QuickTime. This method avoids Zoom's compression and preserves high-fidelity sound.

  1. Set Up Recording Software: Share easy-to-follow instructions for your guests to download and configure local recording tools.
  2. Optimize Audio Settings: Guide participants to use external microphones and disable automatic volume adjustments in their recording software.
  3. Conduct a Test Recording: Have each participant record a short segment and share the file with you before the session to ensure their setup works properly.
  4. Ensure Synchronization: Ask participants to note timestamps during the Zoom session for easy alignment of local and backup recordings later.

Local recording provides raw, uncompressed audio, ideal for producing professional-quality podcasts.

Step 2: Use Zoom for Communication and Back-Up Recording

While participants record locally, use Zoom as the primary communication platform and for backup recording.

  1. Configure Zoom: Adjust settings to capture both video and audio as a fallback. Disable automatic audio adjustments to maintain a consistent baseline.
  2. Coordinate Participants: Ensure everyone follows a shared script or outline to minimize confusion and reduce editing needs.
  3. Monitor Progress: Keep the session organized by managing interactions and tracking time.

This dual approach ensures redundancy, giving you flexibility in post-production.

Step 3: Combine and Edit Multi-Source Tracks

After the recording, merge the local tracks with the Zoom backup to create a cohesive podcast.

  1. Import Files: Load local recordings and the Zoom track into editing software like Adobe Audition or Audacity.
  2. Synchronize Tracks: Align waveforms using Zoom timestamps and any shared reference points.
  3. Balance Audio: Equalize levels across tracks to ensure all voices are clear and consistent.
  4. Trim and Edit: Remove redundant content, pauses, and interruptions to maintain flow.

Editing multi-source tracks requires precision but yields professional results.

Step 4: Finalize Audio with Cleanvoice

Upload the synchronized audio to Cleanvoice for final polishing:

Once Cleanvoice has processed the tracks, review the final product and export the polished file for publishing. This ensures your podcast maintains a high standard of quality and professionalism.

Best Practices for Recording a Podcast on Zoom

Prepare a Backup Plan

Technical issues can arise unexpectedly, and having a backup plan ensures no content is lost. Always use Zoom’s built-in recording feature, even if you’re relying on external software or local recordings. This creates redundancy, safeguarding your work in case of software crashes, internet disruptions, or recording errors.

Having multiple recordings also allows you to combine files if one track experiences audio issues.

Optimize Guest Environments

The recording environment significantly impacts audio quality. Ask participants to record in a quiet, echo-free space, preferably with soft furnishings to absorb sound. Remind them to turn off fans, air conditioners, or other background noise sources.

A high-quality recording environment minimizes post-production efforts and enhances the listener's experience.

Use Multi-Track Recording

Recording each participant on separate audio tracks provides greater control during editing. Multi-track recording allows you to adjust individual speaker levels, remove specific background noises, or edit interruptions without affecting the entire session.

This is especially useful for podcasts with multiple speakers or remote guests, ensuring a polished final product.

Here are 8 more podcast recording tips for creating engaging episodes.

Include Transcription and Subtitles

After recording your podcast on Zoom, utilize Cleanvoice's AI-powered transcription tool to quickly generate error-free transcriptions and subtitles. This saves time and allows you to repurpose content for blog posts, social media, or accessibility purposes.

Test File Compatibility

Before recording, confirm that all recording files (Zoom, local, or external software) will work with your editing platform. Convert files to compatible formats if necessary. This proactive step prevents delays in post-production and ensures a smooth workflow when syncing audio and video tracks.

Encourage Clear Communication

Clear communication is essential for seamless podcast recording. Establish protocols for speaking, such as avoiding interruptions or designating a moderator to guide discussions. Use Zoom’s “Raise Hand” feature to manage participant input and maintain order, especially with larger groups.

This minimizes editing and creates a natural conversational flow.

Use AI Tools for Generating Podcast Questions

Leverage AI-powered question generators, like Cleanvoice’s tool, to help create engaging and diverse questions for your guests. This ensures you never run out of conversation starters and helps keep the discussion flowing naturally.

Prioritize High-Quality Equipment

Invest in external microphones and headphones for all participants. Even affordable USB microphones can significantly improve audio clarity compared to built-in laptop mics.

Additionally, headphones prevent audio feedback, ensuring clean recordings. Provide a list of recommended gear to your guests beforehand.

Standardize Settings for All Participants

Ensure all participants use consistent settings to avoid discrepancies in audio quality. For example, ask everyone to enable Zoom’s “Original Sound” feature and use the same recording format. Consistency simplifies the editing process and results in a more cohesive final product.

Leverage Cleanvoice for Post-Production

Cleanvoice’s AI-driven tools simplify post-production by automatically removing filler words, silences, and background noise. Use Cleanvoice to polish your recordings and ensure professional-quality audio. This step saves time, allowing you to focus on creative aspects like storytelling and promotion.

Edit with the Audience in Mind

Keep your audience in mind throughout the recording and editing process. Consider what they’ll find engaging, informative, or entertaining. Remove redundant segments and focus on delivering a streamlined, value-driven episode that resonates with your listeners.

Ready to Record and Edit Your Podcast Like a Pro?

Recording a podcast on Zoom provides a convenient, accessible solution for remote podcasters.

By preparing your setup, optimizing audio, and leveraging tools like Cleanvoice for post-production, you can create high-quality episodes that captivate your audience.

Cleanvoice makes podcast editing effortless by enhancing your audio with features like noise reduction and filler word removal. Combining Zoom’s reliable recording capabilities with Cleanvoice’s AI-driven polishing tools ensures your podcast is professional and polished.

Try Cleanvoice today to transform your podcast recordings into exceptional listening experiences!