How to Record a Podcast via Zoom

With all this social distancing and working from home, “Let’s catch up over a coffee” has been replaced with “Let’s catch up over Zoom”.

For podcasters, the video conferencing tool, Zoom, has been a true lifeline. Despite some technical limitations around audio quality, Zoom calls have now become a very popular way to record episodes while keeping a safe distance from your fellow podcast guest.

Whether you already have a podcast or are looking to start one on a budget, find out how to leverage today’s technology and record a podcast via Zoom!

What is Zoom and how does it work

Zoom is a video conferencing tool used for online calls, similar to Skype, but with a few extra advantages that are great for podcasters. Not only can you make calls, but you can also record them, which allows you to turn any call into a podcast episode. Zoom, unlike Skype, also splits video and audio files, so if you’re into editing, this is the software for you.

But wait, there’s more… Zoom is free if you choose the Basic plan, the only disadvantage being that it limits your group calls (2+ people) to 40 minutes (but that’s plenty of time for a podcast episode). If, however, it’s just you and one other person, you can go on for as long as you like.

Not only that, but your guest doesn’t need to download any software or sign up for a Zoom account. All you need to do is create an account for yourself/your podcast, then you can just generate a link which the guest can access to join the call right from their browser.

Zoom is compatible with any device and uses the microphone and speakers built into your device. If you want better quality audio, you can plug in an external microphone and headphones to improve the experience (highly recommended for podcasts).

How to record a podcast episode with Zoom

So you’ve made an account, created a session and sent out the invitation link to your guest(s). You’re ready to rock & roll. Great!

Here’s how you record your podcast:

1. Find the record button at the bottom of your Zoom Window.
   
2. Click on it and then select “Record on this computer ”.
   
3. Once you’re done recording, click on the stop button and that’s it!
   
4. After you end the session (click on “End Session”), your video and audio files are saved on your computer.
   
   

To ensure higher audio quality, make sure you follow these tips:

• Don’t record outdoors; choose a quiet room and reduce noise as much as possible;
• Use a separate mic, not the one incorporated into your device;
• Mute your microphone when you’re not speaking to get a clean audio – your guests should do this too;
• Always test the sound before recording a full episode.

After recording and downloading your files, you’re all ready to publish your podcast episode!
Besides the podcast publishing platforms, it’s always a good idea to go LIVE on Facebook with your episode while you record it (if you’re confident enough!), to reach as many people as possible!

To do that, simply follow these steps:

1. Login to your Zoom account in your browser and go to Settings.
   Scroll down and enable “Allow live streaming meetings”.
2. Start your video call and after pressing record, go to “More” and choose “ Live on Facebook”.
   
3. You will be prompted to login to Facebook and choose the profile/page/group you want to share the video in.
   
4. Once you connect Zoom to Facebook, press “Go Live”. That’s it!

Editing and distribution of a podcast are also very important – if you’re just starting out, make sure you check out our Quick Start Guide to Podcasting Course!

In the meantime, if you need a hand getting started with Podcasting, get in touch!