How to Record and Save Skype Video Call Conversations For Free

Skype is a popular video calling platform that allows you to connect with people around the world. Sometimes you may want to record your Skype video calls to save important conversations, capture special moments, or use for other purposes later on. Here is a detailed guide on how you can record and save Skype video calls for free.

Built-in Skype Recorder

Skype has a built-in call recording feature that lets you record video calls directly within the app. Here are the steps to use it:

On Windows/Mac

  1. Start a video call on Skype as usual from your desktop.
  2. Click on the More options (three dots icon) at the bottom and select Start recording.
  3. A banner will appear notifying all participants that the call is now being recorded.
  4. When you want to stop recording, just click on More options > Stop recording.
  5. The recording will be automatically saved in your Skype chat. You can access it for the next 30 days.

On Mobile

  1. Tap on the More options (three dots icon) during your video call.
  2. Select Start recording to begin recording. A banner will appear informing all participants.
  3. To stop, tap on Stop recording in the floating toolbar.

The recording will be available in your Skype chat for 30 days during which you can download it and save it locally.

Pros: Simple to use, unlimited recording time, free

Cons: Quality not great, other participants are notified, only available for 30 days

Using Third-Party Skype Recorders

If you want more control and better quality recordings, you can use a dedicated third-party Skype recorder software. Some good options are:

1. Evaer

Evaer is one of the best Skype recorders that captures original audio and video streams for high quality recordings.

Pros: Records in HD quality, fully customizable settings, double-ender recording

Cons: Records only Skype calls

2. Amolto

Amolto is a free Skype recorder that can record audio-only or video calls in MP3 or M4A formats.

Pros: Simple to use, unlimited recording, fully automated

Cons: No video recording in free version

3. Pamela for Skype

Pamela is popular for allowing you to record Skype calls automatically or manually based on rules.

Pros: Scheduled recordings, call history management

Cons: Steep learning curve

4. MP3 Skype Recorder

MP3 Skype Recorder is a 100% free tool specialized only for Skype audio recording.

Pros: Fully automated hands-free recording

Cons: No video recording, Windows only

How to Save Recorded Skype Calls

Once you finish recording your Skype call, here is how you can save it on your computer:

On Windows:

  • Go to your Skype chat where the recording is present
  • Click on the More options (three dots) icon next to the recording
  • Select Save to Downloads to save the MP4 file to your downloads folder
  • You can also use Save as to save it to any other location

On Mac:

  • Go to your Skype chat and right-click the recording
  • Choose Save Video As and pick a folder to save the MP4 file

On Mobile:

  • In your Skype chat, tap and hold the recorded video
  • Choose Save video from the pop-up menu
  • The video will be saved to your camera roll or file manager

Once saved, you can access the Skype recordings on your computer or mobile device forever. Do remember to backup the important videos to external storage as well.

Tips for Best Quality Skype Recordings

Here are some tips to ensure you get the highest quality recordings when capturing your Skype video calls:

  • Use wired Ethernet connection for stable high-speed internet
  • Close other bandwidth-heavy apps before recording
  • Record small group calls (up to 4 people) for best quality
  • Adjust recording settings for optimal resolution and frame rates
  • Use external camera/mic if built-in hardware offers poor quality
  • Ask participants to avoid background noise and speak clearly
  • Ensure adequate lighting conditions during the call
  • Test recordings and adjust settings until satisfied

Conclusion

Recording Skype video call conversations is easy and free using either the built-in Skype recorder or the various third-party software solutions. By following this guide, you can easily record, save, and store Skype calls on your Windows or Mac computer for future reference. Do optimize your setup and recording settings for best quality recordings.