How to Edit a Zoom Recording: Enhancing Zoom Recordings

Zoom has become an essential tool for remote work, online learning, and connecting with others during the pandemic. The ability to record Zoom meetings and webinars is invaluable for creating training materials, sharing presentations, and preserving important conversations. However, Zoom’s built-in editing capabilities are limited. To take your Zoom recordings to the next level, you’ll need to use video editing software.

Finding and Downloading Zoom Recordings

Before you can edit a Zoom recording, you first need to access it. Here’s how:

  • Log in to your Zoom account online and go to the Recordings tab. Here you’ll find cloud recordings.
  • For local recordings, check the Zoom folder on your computer. The default location is Documents > Zoom.
  • Once you locate the recording, download it to your device for editing.

Zoom’s Built-In Editing Tools

Zoom does offer some basic built-in editing features:

  • Trimming – Shorten the beginning or end of cloud recordings.
  • Transcription – Automatically generate transcriptions for cloud recordings.
  • Captions – Add captions to cloud recordings.

However, to make more advanced edits, you’ll need to use third-party software.

Best Video Editing Software for Zoom

Here are some top options for editing Zoom recordings:

  • Adobe Premiere Pro – The industry standard for video editing. Lots of advanced features.
  • Final Cut Pro – Made for Mac. Powerful and intuitive interface.
  • Camtasia – Easy to learn and use. Great for beginners.
  • DaVinci Resolve – Full professional toolset. Free version available.

You can also find browser-based and mobile apps for basic video edits.

How to Edit Zoom Recordings

Here are some common edits to enhance your Zoom recordings:

Trimming and Removing Content

  • Trim excess at the beginning/end
  • Cut out irrelevant sections
  • Delete unwanted audio or video

Enhancing Video Quality

  • Adjust exposure, contrast, saturation
  • Apply filters like sharpen or blur
  • Correct color issues like tint or temperature

Improving Audio Quality

  • Reduce background noise with noise removal tools
  • Amplify quiet audio to boost volume
  • Add music or sound effects for interest

Adding Visual Interest

  • Insert b-roll footage over audio-only sections
  • Insert stock photos and videos to illustrate points
  • Add lower thirds, titles, transitions and motion graphics

Exporting Your Edited Zoom Recording

When you finish editing your Zoom recording, export it to share with others. Most video editors allow you to directly export video files or upload them to platforms like YouTube or Vimeo. Common export formats include:

  • MP4
  • MOV
  • AVI
  • MPEG-2

Be sure to choose a resolution and bitrate suitable for your needs. For example, 1080p is standard HD video quality.

Tips for Better Zoom Recordings

Follow these best practices when recording future Zoom meetings and webinars:

  • Enable HD video for better quality
  • Position your camera at eye level with good lighting
  • Reduce background noise by muting when not speaking
  • Ask others to mute when not talking to limit interruptions
  • Share high-quality visuals and materials to display on-screen

Investing some time to edit and polish your Zoom recordings makes them more professional and engaging for your audience. With the right editing tools, it’s easy to take your videos up a notch.