Zoom Recording: How to Record Separate Video Tracks Easily
- Sam Hajighasem
- Jan 9
- 6 min read
Zoom recording has become an essential feature for remote teams, educators, and content creators who need professional-quality video output. However, one of the most common challenges users face is recording separate video tracks for each participant. While Zoom is great for meetings, it was never designed as a full-fledged video recording platform. Thankfully, there are a few techniques and tools that let you record individual video feeds, offering more flexibility when editing your footage.
The purpose of this guide is to show you how to record separate video tracks on Zoom using two reliable methods. We will also explore an easier alternative with Riverside so you can decide which approach best suits your workflow.
Why Separate Video Tracks Matter for Zoom Recordings
Recording separate video tracks provides you with clear control over the final output. When all participants are recorded in one video file, post-production becomes difficult — you can’t isolate speakers, adjust framing, or correct lighting individually. But with multiple video tracks, you can polish each participant’s footage. This method is especially useful for podcasts, panel discussions, and online courses.
In SEO terms, users searching for “Zoom recording” or “record separate video tracks in Zoom” are often looking for a way to improve editing quality. Offering practical guidance here fulfills their search intent and establishes authority for low-competition keywords with meaningful traffic.
If you are planning to turn Zoom recordings into a polished show, this workflow pairs well with How to Start a Video Podcast: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners, which walks through the full setup from recording to publishing.
How to Record Separate Video Tracks on Zoom
Zoom does not natively support multitrack video recording for all users. However, advanced features, local recordings, and integrations make it possible. Below are two primary methods to achieve it.
Method 1: Using ZoomISO to Capture Individual Video Feeds
ZoomISO is a specialized macOS tool available from the Zoom App Marketplace. It allows you to output each participant’s video feed as a separate stream, perfect for professional editing.
Steps to use ZoomISO for Zoom recording:
1. Install and launch ZoomISO.
Sign in with your Zoom account and approve app access.
2. Join or start your Zoom meeting.
Ensure you log in using the same Zoom account connected to ZoomISO.
3. Configure video outputs.
In the “Outputs” tab, determine how many video feeds you want.
Assign each participant as a distinct output source.
4. Select your output type.
Choose NDI or Syphon to connect with software like OBS Studio or vMix.
5. Enable recording.
Set “Capture Mode” to Record and turn on “Output Engine.”
6. Preview your feed.
Check stability and performance through the Activity Monitor. Keep CPU usage under 80 percent for best results.
7. Record to your local machine.
Since ZoomISO does not store files, use your recording software (for example, OBS Studio) to save each video feed individually.
Combining ZoomISO with OBS Studio
OBS Studio is one of the most accessible tools for capturing multiple video inputs. After setting up ZoomISO, add new sources in OBS for each output. Each NDI or Syphon stream becomes an independent track. Once configured, click “Start Recording.” The result: you will have separate MP4 files of each participant, ready for editing.
Method 2: Having Each Participant Record Locally
If you cannot use ZoomISO, you can still record separate video tracks by asking participants to record locally. Although more time-consuming, this method works for all operating systems.
Follow these steps:
1. Enable local recording.
In Zoom’s web portal, navigate to Settings > Recordings. Enable “Record to computer files.”
2. Set up the recording folder.
In the Zoom desktop client, click your profile picture > Settings > Recording. Choose where your local recordings will be saved.
3. Grant participants recording permission.
In your live meeting, click on the three dots near each participant and select “Allow to record to computer.”
4. Start recording.
Each participant should pin their video to ensure they record themselves in full screen, then press Record.
5. Stop and process files.
When the meeting ends, Zoom will automatically convert recordings into MP4 and M4A files.
6. Share your video tracks.
Participants should upload their recorded files to Google Drive or Dropbox. Establish a consistent file naming convention like “Name_Date_Zoom.”
Using Cloud Recording to Capture Multiple Feeds
For Pro and Business users, Zoom’s cloud recording offers an additional option under Settings > Cloud Recording. By enabling “Record active speaker, gallery view, and shared screen separately,” Zoom will save separate feed files. Although this doesn’t provide true multitrack recordings for editing, it’s useful for playback systems like Panopto or Kaltura Player, which allow switching between views during playback.
Editing and Enhancing Your Zoom Recordings
Once your video files are ready, editing becomes the next step. You can use applications such as Descript for synchronized audio editing, or Final Cut video editors like DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro.
Editing Separate Audio Tracks
When recording locally, you can also create individual audio files by enabling “Record a separate audio file for each participant.” Each file will automatically include the participant’s name for identification. Upload these to Descript, where you can align separate audio tracks using its Zoom integration. This makes multi-track production far smoother than editing in Zoom’s native viewer.
Sharing and Storage Best Practices
After editing, store your final Zoom meeting recordings securely. You can share them to Dropbox, Google Drive, or even Vimeo. Avoid generic file names such as “Zoom Recording 1”; instead, include date, meeting title, or participant name. These naming conventions improve searchability and collaboration.
Easier Alternative: Using Riverside for Separate Video Tracks
While Zoom recording can capture multiple feeds through the above methods, setting it up takes time. Riverside simplifies this by automatically recording each participant’s feed locally in up to 4K quality.
Here’s how to record separate tracks on Riverside:
1. Create or log into your Riverside account.
2. Set up a new studio environment.
3. Invite participants via email or share a link.
4. Choose your resolution — Riverside supports up to 4K video and 48 kHz audio.
5. Once everyone is ready, click Record.
6. At the end of the session, you can download each person’s raw audio and video track separately.
Beyond recording, Riverside’s editor allows text-based editing, background noise removal, automatic captions, and clip creation for social media. Unlike Zoom, all this happens inside one platform without extra software or configuration.
Riverside vs Zoom Recording: Key Differences
Quality: Riverside offers 4K video at up to 48kHz audio versus Zoom’s 1080p limit.
Recording Method: Riverside records locally on each participant’s device, reducing connection issues.
Post-Production Tools: Riverside includes built-in editing and content repurposing tools.
Cost-Efficiency: Host up to 10 guests and 10,000 viewers affordably, while Zoom requires higher-tier plans.
Automatic Transcripts: Riverside provides transcripts in over 100 languages, whereas Zoom’s transcription features are limited.
FAQs About Recording Separate Video Tracks on Zoom
Can Zoom record separate video tracks for each participant?
Zoom cannot natively produce separate files for every participant simultaneously, but you can use ZoomISO or have each user record locally. Cloud recordings can also separate active speaker and gallery view.
How do I use ZoomISO to capture individual Zoom video feeds?
Download ZoomISO from the App Marketplace, connect your Zoom account, and configure your output sources. Then record with compatible software like OBS Studio.
What is the easiest way to record high-quality multitrack video online?
Riverside provides the easiest approach thanks to automatic track separation, 4K recording, and built-in editing. Everything happens seamlessly in one browser-based platform.
How do I record separate audio tracks for each participant in a Zoom meeting?
Enable “Record a separate audio file for each participant” in both your Zoom client and web portal. Then record locally to generate separate audio tracks.
Conclusion:
Zoom recording offers multiple ways to capture separate video tracks, though each involves a few technical steps. Tools like ZoomISO and OBS Studio can deliver professional-level results, especially when combined with local recording. For users who want simplicity, Riverside provides an all-in-one alternative that eliminates complexity. Whichever method you choose, the key to successful multitrack Zoom recording lies in planning, proper configuration, and clear file management. With the right setup, you can achieve professional multi-feed video and audio tracks ready for editing and publishing.
