How to Record on Zoom: Capture Separate Video Tracks Easily
- Sam Hajighasem
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Recording on Zoom has become a necessity for remote work, online interviews, podcasts, and virtual events. While recording a meeting is simple, recording separate video tracks for each participant can be more complex. Zoom is excellent for communication, but it wasn’t built for multitrack recording. However, with the right setup and tools, you can record in Zoom effectively and even capture individual participant feeds for professional-level editing.
This guide explains how to record on Zoom, the difference between local and cloud recordings, and how to record separate video tracks using ZoomISO, vMix, or an alternative platform like Riverside. Whether you’re creating a podcast or need isolated video clips for editing, these methods will help you make the most of your Zoom recordings.
Understanding Recording on Zoom
Recording on Zoom can be done either locally or in the cloud, depending on your plan and permissions. Let’s clarify what each recording type does.
Local Recording on Zoom
Local recording saves your meeting files directly to your computer. Both free and paid users can record locally, provided you’re using the desktop app. The recorded files include video, audio, and chat data. Local recordings store key metadata such as participant names and timestamps, which are helpful for organizing files later.
However, local recording only captures your current layout such as gallery view or active speaker and cannot produce separate video tracks for each participant. Zoom does allow you to record separate audio files per participant by enabling the “Record a separate audio file for each participant” option under Recording settings.
Cloud Recording on Zoom
Cloud recording is available only to paid Zoom users. Cloud recordings are automatically uploaded to Zoom’s servers and accessible through your account online. This option offers more layout flexibility, letting you record both “Active Speaker” and “Shared Screen” views as partial separation between video types. However, even with cloud recording, you can’t record fully separate video tracks for each participant, only separate audio if enabled in your Zoom web settings.
If you’re wondering how to record separate video tracks on Zoom, you’ll need to use third-party tools or ask each participant to record locally.
How to Record Separate Video Tracks on Zoom
Zoom does not currently support recording individual participant video feeds natively. To achieve separate video outputs, you’ll need to use live production tools or local recording workarounds. Here are three practical methods that professionals use to create multitrack video recordings.
Method 1 – Use ZoomISO (for Mac)
ZoomISO is a Zoom add-on built for production workflows. It allows you to extract each participant’s camera feed as an individual video source. Here’s how to use it.
Step 1: Install and launch ZoomISO from the Zoom App Marketplace. Log in to your Zoom account and authorize access.
Step 2: Join or start a Zoom meeting using the same account linked to ZoomISO.
Step 3: Open ZoomISO settings, navigate to the “Outputs” tab, and choose how many feeds to capture. Assign each participant as a separate output.
Step 4: Under “Output Mode,” select “Participant.” Under “Output Type,” choose a protocol such as NDI or Syphon to send feeds to your recording software.
Step 5: Enable “Capture Mode: Record” and turn on each output stream.
Step 6: Open your recording software (for example, OBS Studio). Add each ZoomISO feed as a separate source and start recording. This method produces individual video files for every participant.
ZoomISO is powerful but CPU-intensive. Ensure your Mac has enough processing power, and test your setup before recording large sessions.
Method 2 – Use vMix (for Windows)
vMix is another production-grade tool often used by broadcasters. It lets you host or join Zoom meetings inside the vMix app and record each participant’s feed through its MultiCorder feature.
Step 1: Launch vMix and add Zoom as an input. Sign in to your Zoom account when prompted. Install the plugin if it’s your first time using Zoom with vMix.
Step 2: Start or join a meeting within vMix. Each participant will appear as a separate video input.
Step 3: Open “Settings,” choose “MultiCorder,” and enable recording for each input. Set your recording path and format.
Step 4: Click “Record.” vMix will save every participant as a separate video file. When the meeting ends, your high-quality video files are ready for editing.
vMix is robust but designed for technical users. It’s best for teams with production experience or professionals who want complete control over their recording outputs.
Method 3 – Have Each Participant Record Locally
If you’re looking for a simpler, low-cost option, each participant can record their own video on their computer and share the files later.
Step 1: Instruct participants to enable “Record to computer” in their Zoom web settings.
Step 2: In the Zoom desktop app, each participant should select a local folder for saving their recordings.
Step 3: During the meeting, the host must grant recording permissions to every participant.
Step 4: Each participant clicks “Record” and pins their own video feed. This ensures they record their own full-screen video.
Step 5: After the meeting, participants upload their completed files to a shared drive. Collect and sync the separate videos in post-production using a video editor.
While this method avoids third-party tools, it depends on each participant remembering to record. It’s also less reliable for long sessions or non-technical users.
Using Riverside as an Easier Alternative
If capturing separate audio and video tracks is your main goal, consider using a recording-first platform like Riverside. It functions similarly to Zoom but is built for media creation.
Riverside automatically records each participant’s video and audio locally in up to 4K quality. After recording, all files are synced automatically. This eliminates the need for complex routing setups.
Riverside also includes useful post-production tools such as AI audio cleanup, text-based editing, automatic captions, and brand customization. Unlike Zoom, Riverside guarantees lossless quality even when internet lag occurs because files are processed locally, not streamed live.
Troubleshooting Zoom Recording Issues
Even experienced users encounter recording issues. Here are some common problems when recording in Zoom and their solutions.
Recording Conversion Fails
Zoom recordings must convert after the meeting ends. If your computer shuts down or enters sleep mode during conversion, the files can become corrupted. To avoid this, keep your Zoom app open until conversion completes and store files locally instead of cloud-synced folders like Dropbox or OneDrive.
Missing or Incomplete Files
If a participant’s file is missing, their recording may have stopped early or their disk space ran out. Always check that all participants have sufficient free space (10–20 GB recommended) and confirm at the beginning of each session that all recordings have started successfully.
Low Video Resolution
Zoom reduces resolution dynamically based on network strength. To maintain high resolution, close other programs, use a wired internet connection, and enable HD video in Zoom settings.
Audio Sync Problems
When multiple recordings start at slightly different times, audio and video may drift out of sync. To fix this, align files in post-production using a visual cue such as a single clap at the start of the meeting.
FAQs About Recording on Zoom
Can you record separate video tracks on Zoom?
By default, Zoom cannot record each participant separately. To achieve isolated tracks, you must use external software such as ZoomISO or vMix. You can also record each participant locally or use a dedicated platform like Riverside, which creates true separate video files automatically.
Can free Zoom users record meetings?
Yes. Free Zoom users can record locally on their computers using the desktop app. Cloud recording, however, requires a paid Zoom plan.
Why is my Zoom recording not converting properly?
Zoom’s local recordings must convert to playable files after a meeting. Avoid moving or renaming files before conversion finishes. If conversion fails, open Zoom, go to “Meetings” > “Recorded,” and click “Convert.”
Where are local Zoom recordings stored?
On Windows, recordings are usually saved in the Documents → Zoom folder. On macOS, they store under Users → [Your Account] → Documents → Zoom. You can change this destination in the Zoom desktop app under Settings → Recording.
Final Thoughts on Recording on Zoom
Recording on Zoom is essential for capturing meetings, webinars, or interviews, but understanding its limits is key. While native recording is fine for basic needs, Zoom does not support true multitrack video capture. Tools like ZoomISO and vMix allow you to record each participant separately, but they require technical setup. For an easier solution, Riverside automatically records separate high-quality tracks for every participant, making editing and production simple.
Whether you choose a manual or software-assisted approach, mastering recording on Zoom gives you better control over your content quality and editing flexibility. By following these methods and troubleshooting tips, you can create clean, professional recordings perfect for video production, podcasts, and remote collaboration.
