How to Convert Zoom Recording to MP4 on Windows and Mac Computers

Zoom is a platform that allows video calls, such as meetings and online classes. Normally, it saves recordings in a format that can be played on most devices, such as MP4. However, if you accidentally stop the recording early, the file might be stuck in a format the platform’s original format, which is .zoom, which you can not open right away. This happened because Zoom wasn’t able to have a chance to change the file to MP4 automatically. If this happens to you, then you will need to convert the Zoom to MP4 on or off the platform. Luckily, there are a few ways to get Zoom to finish this conversion process. We'll walk you through how to do it using the Zoom program itself and a special tool that comes with Zoom. If that won’t work for you, we have listed the other tool that you can use instead. Thus, let’s jump into the content right away!

Part 1. Are Zoom Recordings in MP4

First and foremost, Zoom produces MP4 recordings, which is its default setup. However, this won't happen in an instant. What we mean is that, during the recording, your raw footage is not yet in the MP4 format you think it is. As a matter of fact, as mentioned above, the footage on the process is still in .zoom format, which is the platform’s proprietary format, and will only be turned to MP4 once the recording is done and the conversion has been completed. This is especially true when you accidentally stop the recordings.

Part 2. 3 Ways to Convert Zoom Recording to MP4 with Zoom

Let’s now proceed to the effective tools that will help you convert Zoom recordings to MP4 if you fail to have one within the platform.

1. Zoom Client (Desktop)

Did you know that Zoom keeps track of all your recordings within the desktop client application? Not only can you access your recordings easily, but Zoom also provides a built-in converter. This will ensure playback compatibility on most devices. Thus, if you are unsure of how to use it, here's a detailed breakdown of how to find and convert your Zoom recordings to MP4 format.

Step 1. Launch Zoom on your desktop and immediately locate the Meetings section to open your meeting history.

Step 2. Once opened, you will see the list of your recorded meetings. Locate the recording that you want to convert and click to select it.

Step 3. Once selected, a selection will appear on the right side of the screen. Click the Convert button and wait for the final MP4 converted outcome.

2. Transcode (macOS)

If you are a Mac user and Zoom's automatic recording conversion to MP4 fails, then here is a handy tool called Transcode to help you. This tool allows you to manually convert that .zoom to MP4 files, which might not play properly due to the failed auto-conversion. In essence, Transcode provides a manual solution for Mac users to ensure their Zoom recordings are accessible and usable when the automatic process doesn't work as expected.

Step 1. Locate your .zoom file, double-click it, and select Choose Application from the prompt. Then, open the file with the Transcode app, which you can also set to always use for your files.

Step 2. Right after choosing the app, the conversion process will automatically start.

Step 3. When the conversion process is done, choose your preferred folder where you want to save the output.

3. zTscoder (Desktop)

If you want a tool similar to the previous one for your desktop, then we recommend zTscoder. zTscoder is the Windows version of Transcode, which is the program Mac users rely on for similar situations. Both tools allow you to manually convert your Zoom files into standard MP4 format, which might not play properly. Hence, if you are now facing your desktop, follow the steps below.

Step 1. Locate the folder where your Zoom recordings are saved and choose one that you need to convert. Right-click the file and open it with the zTscoder.

Step 2. If the tool is not responding, you can go to your Control Panel, navigate to the System and Security > System, and then Open Advanced System settings. From there, add the C:\Users\*your username*\AppData\Roaming\Zoom\bin in the variable value, then click OK.

Step 3. Once the file is set to be opened with the tool, the conversion process will automatically start.

Part 3. Record Zoom Meetings in MP4 with Up to 4K Quality

Want a good solution to make your Zoom meetings in MP4? Record them with FVC Screen Recorder! This recorder offers a versatile solution that goes beyond Zoom meetings. This tool lets you record your online classes, conferences, tutorials, or anything on your Zoom screen. Furthermore, you have the flexibility to record your entire screen or just a specific window since it offers settings for those. It can also capture microphone sound, system audio, and even your webcam feed, as long as you will navigate the settings beforehand. This software is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers and lets you save your recordings in high-quality formats, including up to 4K resolution. Another remarkable reason to love FVC is that it goes a step further by offering annotation tools that let you highlight key points during your recording. Meanwhile, here’s how to convert Zoom recordings to MP4.

Step 1. Install the recorder on your desktop. You can use the Download button given below. While you are in the installation process, open the Zoom meeting that you want to record into MP4.

Step 2. Launch the converter and click the Video Recorder tool. Then, you need to set the screen display to consume the full Zoom meeting interface. You can also set the sound System and Microphone if you want.

Step 3. Afterward, click the REC button to start the recording. When the meeting is over, click the Stop button from the floating bar. Then, make a little tweak from the new window. Otherwise, click the DONE button to proceed with saving the recording.

Step 4. For more editing options, the tool will bring you to its library, where you will see your recording list. The editing tools that you are free to use are also present.

Extended Reading:

6 Amazing MP4 Recorder tools of 2024 [Cost-Free & Premium]

Top 5 Zoom Meeting Recorders to Record Meetings on Zoom [2024]

Part 4. FAQs about Zoom Recording Conversion

Conclusion

By default, Zoom meetings are saved in MP4, but if the tapes are not saved properly, you will still need to convert Zoom recordings to MP4. Good thing that effective ways to do the conversion are presented in this post. Hope you find it helpful.