Get Transcript of Previously Recorded Zoom Meeting

Zoom offers several methods to generate transcripts for recorded meetings. The process depends on whether you use Zoom’s built-in transcription feature or a third-party tool. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Why Get Transcripts of Previously Recorded Zoom Meetings? Benefits of Having a Meeting Transcript

But first, why even bother? Here’s why you may need a transcript of a Zoom meeting:

• Searchability: Quickly locate specific parts of a discussion using keywords.
• Shareability: Easily share key points with team members or stakeholders who couldn’t attend.
• Documentation: Maintain an official record of meetings for legal, compliance, or audit purposes.

At Eyre Meet, you get a meeting transcript of all meetings automatically. Simply head on to Meeting History and here they are – all transcripts, agendas, and even your Speaker Notes assembled neatly in Meeting Resources.

Get Transcript of Previously Recorded Zoom Meeting Using Zoom’s Built-in Transcription Feature

Zoom’s transcription feature is available for Pro, Business, or Enterprise accounts. It automatically generates a transcript for cloud recordings.

Step 1: Ensure Transcription is Enabled

• Sign in to your Zoom web portal as an administrator.
• Navigate to Settings > Recording.
• Enable Audio Transcript under the Advanced Cloud Recording options.

Note: Transcription must be enabled before the meeting is recorded. If it wasn’t, skip to the section on third-party tools.

Step 2: Locate the Meeting Recording

• Sign in to Zoom and navigate to Recordings in the menu.
• Locate the meeting recording you want to transcribe under the Cloud Recordings tab.
• Click the meeting name to view its details.

Step 3: Access the Transcript

• If transcription was enabled, you’ll see an Audio Transcript option next to the video.
• Click Download or View Transcript to access the text file.

Pro Tip: Zoom’s transcription accuracy highly depends on audio quality and clarity. Use a high-quality microphone and minimize background noise during meetings for best results.

Get Transcript of Previously Recorded Zoom Meeting Using Third-Party Transcription Tools

If your meeting wasn’t recorded with transcription enabled, or if you need more advanced features, third-party tools are an excellent alternative.

Step 1: Download the Zoom Recording

• Navigate to Recordings in your Zoom account.
• Download the recorded meeting file in MP4 format.

Step 2: Upload to a Transcription Service

Choose a transcription service such as Otter.ai, Rev, or Descript.

• Otter.ai: Upload the MP4 file, and Otter will generate a transcript in minutes. You can also edit the transcript directly within the platform.
• Rev: For a professional-grade transcript, upload your recording to Rev, where human transcriptionists ensure 99% accuracy.
• Descript: This tool offers advanced editing features, allowing you to refine your transcript and even edit audio based on text.

Step 3: Review and Export

Once the transcript is generated, review it for accuracy and export it in your desired format (e.g., Word or PDF).

READ MORE: How to Retrieve Chat Notes After a Zoom Meeting

How to Get Transcript of Previously Recorded Zoom Meeting: Tips for Improving Transcription Accuracy

Use high-quality microphones and ensure participants speak clearly during the meeting. Avoid overlapping conversations, as this can confuse transcription tools.

If multiple participants are speaking, tools like Zoom and Otter.ai can differentiate speakers, making it easier to follow the conversation. Enable speaker recognition for added clarity.

Automated transcription is not perfect. Always review and edit the transcript to correct errors, especially for technical terms or names.

For critical meetings, provide transcription tools with a glossary of terms or context to improve accuracy.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them When Getting Transcript of Previously Recorded Zoom Meeting

Challenge 1: Transcription Not Enabled for the Meeting
Solution: Use third-party tools to generate a transcript from the recording file.

Challenge 2: Poor Audio Quality
Solution: Use noise-canceling software to clean up audio before transcription. Tools like Krisp can reduce background noise.

Challenge 3: Accuracy Issues with Automatic Transcripts
Solution: Use a hybrid approach by combining automated tools with human review. Professional services like Rev offer manual transcription for greater precision.

How Meeting Transcripts Saved the Day at Work

It was 9 a.m. on a Monday, and the team at BrightSpark Marketing was deep in a brainstorming session on Zoom. The meeting was full of great ideas—campaign slogans, influencer suggestions, and a dozen creative strategies scribbled on virtual whiteboards. By the end of the hour, the team left inspired but overwhelmed.

“Did anyone catch what the client wanted for the social media schedule?” Emma, the project manager, asked in Slack. A long silence followed.

“No worries,” someone finally replied. “Let me check the meeting recording later.”

But here’s the thing: no one ever checks the meeting recording later.

Enter: Meeting Transcripts of a Recorded Zoom Meeting

This time, though, BrightSpark had recently enabled meeting transcripts for all Zoom sessions. Instead of scrubbing through an hour-long recording to find that one key detail, Emma went straight to the transcript.

There it was, in black and white:

“The client needs a finalized content calendar by Friday, with at least three posts per platform per week.”

Emma breathed a sigh of relief. The transcript not only had the exact request but also the follow-up comments from her team confirming who would tackle what. She forwarded the transcript snippet to the team chat, and within minutes, everyone was back on track.

What Happened Next: Meeting Transcripts Save the Day

As the week unfolded, the transcript became the unofficial reference guide for the campaign. Alex used it to pull direct quotes from the client for their marketing copy. Jessie referenced it to confirm deadlines and deliverables. Even the finance team found it helpful when clarifying the scope of work for invoicing.

By the end of the project, the team had saved hours of back-and-forth messages, avoided several potential misunderstandings, and delivered a campaign the client loved—all thanks to a simple Zoom feature they’d almost overlooked.

The Moral of the Story

Meeting transcripts may not be glamorous, but they’re incredibly powerful. They capture the details you miss, the decisions you forget, and the deadlines you need. They’re the silent assistant you didn’t know you needed, quietly ensuring that your team stays on the same page.

So the next time you’re in a meeting, let your transcript do the heavy lifting. Because when the pressure’s on, it’s the little things—like knowing exactly what the client said—that make all the difference.

Getting a transcript of a previously recorded Zoom meeting is a straightforward process, provided you use the right tools and techniques. Whether you rely on Zoom’s built-in transcription feature or turn to a third-party service, transcripts can save time, improve accessibility, and enhance collaboration.

By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll ensure that your meetings remain a valuable source of information long after they’ve concluded.

FAQ: Zoom Meeting Transcription

How do I get a transcript from a Zoom recording?

To get a transcript from a Zoom recording, the Audio Transcript feature must be enabled before the meeting. Once enabled, Zoom will generate a transcript for any cloud recording. After the meeting, go to Recordings in your Zoom account, select the relevant recording, and download or view the transcript file.

What is the Audio Transcript feature in Zoom?

The Audio Transcript feature in Zoom automatically generates a written transcript for cloud recordings. This feature captures spoken content and converts it into text, which can be downloaded or reviewed alongside the recording. It’s a time-saving tool for creating meeting summaries and improving accessibility.

Does Zoom automatically transcribe meetings?

Zoom only transcribes meetings automatically if the Audio Transcript feature is enabled for cloud recordings. You must activate this feature in your account settings before recording a meeting to generate a transcript.

How do I turn on transcription in Zoom?

To turn on transcription:

1. Log in to the Zoom web portal as an administrator.
2. Navigate to Settings > Recording.
3. Under the Cloud Recording section, enable Audio Transcript.
4. Save the changes.

This setting ensures that transcripts are automatically generated for future cloud recordings.

Can I get a transcript for a Zoom meeting that wasn’t recorded?

No, transcripts can only be generated for recorded meetings. If the meeting wasn’t recorded or transcription wasn’t enabled, you’ll need to rely on notes or summaries taken during the session.

How accurate is Zoom’s meeting transcription?

Zoom’s transcription accuracy depends on audio quality, speaker clarity, and background noise. While it’s generally reliable, you may need to review and edit transcripts to correct errors, especially for technical terms or names.

Can I transcribe a previously recorded Zoom meeting?

Yes, if the Audio Transcript feature was enabled during the recording. If not, you can download the recording and use third-party transcription tools like Otter.ai, Rev, or Descript to generate a transcript.

Where can I find the transcript for a Zoom recording?

Transcripts are accessible in the Recordings section of your Zoom account. Select the relevant recording under Cloud Recordings, and the transcript will appear alongside the video and audio files. You can view, download, or share it directly.

Can I turn on transcription during a live Zoom meeting?

No, transcription must be enabled in the account settings before the meeting starts. Once the meeting begins, you cannot activate this feature retroactively.

What if I want to share a Zoom meeting transcript?

You can download the transcript from your Zoom account as a text file or share it directly with participants via email or your preferred platform. Ensure compliance with any privacy policies before distributing the transcript.

By following these steps and best practices, you can efficiently manage Zoom meeting transcriptions and make the most of your recorded sessions.