In this guide
Check the Zoom cloud recording for an existing transcript first. Zoom's documented audio-transcript feature applies to eligible cloud recordings, not recordings saved to your computer. For a local file or missing transcript, use an approved separate transcription workflow and review the text against the audio.
To transcribe a Zoom recording, first check whether an audio transcript was generated with the meeting's cloud recording. An authorized host or viewer can look for the transcript with the cloud recording in the Zoom web portal. If you have only a computer recording, or no transcript is available, use an approved transcription service that accepts the saved audio or transcribe it manually.
Zoom's cloud audio-transcription guide says the feature requires an eligible account with cloud recording enabled, applies to cloud recordings rather than recordings saved on a computer, and currently supports English. Check Zoom's latest requirements and your organization's settings before relying on it.
Starting the recording on a phone? See how to record a Zoom meeting on iPhone for mobile cloud-recording requirements.
Choose the right starting point
| What you have | What to do first | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| A cloud recording with an audio transcript | Open the recording in the Zoom web portal and review the transcript with playback. | Zoom says its processed audio transcript is a separate VTT file with timestamped sections. |
| A cloud recording without a visible transcript | Check processing, account settings and permissions with the host or administrator. | Enabling a setting now is not a promise that an earlier recording will be transcribed retroactively. |
| A recording saved to a computer | Find the saved audio or video and use an authorized separate transcription method. | Zoom's cloud audio-transcript setting does not transcribe local recordings. |
| Live captions during a meeting | Ask the host which retained transcript or recording is available after the meeting. | Live captions and a saved cloud recording transcript are separate features and settings. |
Find and review an existing Zoom transcript
- Get authorized access. Sign in to the Zoom web portal with the account that owns or has access to the cloud recording. If another person hosted it, ask them for the transcript or the appropriate access.
- Open the cloud recording. Find the meeting in your recordings and open its details. Look for an audio transcript once processing is complete. Availability and controls depend on permissions and the account.
- Play and review. Compare names, numbers and overlapping speakers against the recording. Zoom says the transcript is divided into timestamped sections and can be edited for accuracy, capitalization and punctuation.
- Save the appropriate file. If downloading is available and authorized, obtain the transcript from the recording details. Zoom describes its cloud audio transcript as a VTT text file; a separate CC.VTT file represents closed captions. Check the source and permissions before sharing.
Zoom's recording format reference distinguishes transcript, caption, audio and video files. A transcript may not be available immediately after the meeting; confirm that processing has completed and the right recording is selected.
Enable audio transcripts for future cloud recordings
Before the meeting, the account owner, administrator or permitted user can check the Zoom web portal's recording settings. Zoom documents enabling cloud recording and selecting Create audio transcript under advanced cloud recording settings, then saving the change. The setting can be controlled or locked at the account or group level; a user may need their administrator's help.
Zoom says the setting cannot be changed during a meeting or webinar. Its published requirements include an eligible Pro, Business, Education or Enterprise account with cloud recording enabled, and its audio-transcript feature currently supports English. Test the setup with a short authorized cloud recording before relying on it for an important session. See Zoom's setup and limitations for the current steps.
Transcribe a local recording or a missing transcript
- Find the authorized source. Zoom may save an MP4 video or M4A audio file. Keep the original and confirm you have permission to use it and to submit it to any outside service.
- Choose an approved method. If your account and organization's policy permit it, Word Transcribe can accept supported M4A, MP3, WAV or MP4 files. Its upload is stored in OneDrive and account limits apply. Follow the Word transcription guide for the upload and review steps.
- Review the draft. Listen to the complete recording against the transcript, correct names and speaker changes, and mark words you cannot verify. Automatic text is a draft, not an authoritative record.
- Save and share carefully. Store the transcript and original according to your agreed access and retention rules. A document can contain personal information even after names are removed.
If cloud upload is not permitted, transcribe manually in an approved environment. The interview transcription guide covers speaker labels, timestamps and uncertain speech. Saturalabs does not create transcripts.
Common questions
Can Zoom transcribe a recording saved to my computer?
Zoom's documented cloud audio-transcript feature applies to cloud recordings, not computer recordings. For an existing local file, choose another permitted transcription workflow that supports its format.
Are captions the same as the cloud audio transcript?
No. Captions and retained transcripts have distinct settings and file types. Zoom describes changes to meeting captions and transcript retention in its meeting transcript update; check the current settings for your account.
Can I enable the setting after the meeting and get a transcript?
Do not assume the change creates a transcript for an earlier recording. Check the existing recording and Zoom's current options, or use an approved separate method for the saved file.