How to Transcribe a Recorded Zoom Meeting

Having a written record of virtual discussions offers numerous benefits, from improved accessibility to easy searchability and better collaboration among team members.

Advancements in AI transcription technology have made converting Zoom recordings to text faster, more accurate, and more affordable. If you want to transcribe a Zoom meeting recording but need help figuring out where to start, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. 

We’ll cover everything from enabling transcription in your Zoom settings to generating and editing your transcript for maximum clarity and impact.

Key Takeaways

• Transcriptions improve accessibility, enhance content review and searchability, support better collaboration, and allow content repurposing for future use.
• Transcribing a Zoom meeting involves recording the session, obtaining the file, and using an AI-powered transcription tool like Wave to convert the audio into a text document.
• Good audio quality and speaker clarity are essential for generating accurate transcriptions.

What is Zoom Meeting Transcription?

Zoom meeting transcription entails converting a recorded Zoom call into a text document. This allows you to capture the conversation in written form, which you can then review, edit, search, and share.

Transcripts make your Zoom recordings more accessible by providing a readable alternative for those who prefer text. They also enable you to quickly scan the content, pull out key points and action items, and find specific information without re-watching the entire video.

Additionally, having a written record helps with meeting follow-up, decision tracking, and knowledge sharing across your organization. Team members who missed the live call can easily catch up, while new hires can reference past discussions to get up to speed faster.

How to Transcribe a Recorded Zoom Meeting

While Zoom does offer a built-in transcription feature for paid accounts, many users find it lacks accuracy and customization options. Wave can provide higher-quality results with more control over the process.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to transcribing your Zoom recordings using the Wave AI Note Taker:

1. Record your Zoom meeting: Before the call starts, enable recording in your Zoom settings. You can choose to record it in the cloud or on your local device.
2. Obtain the recording file: Zoom will process the recording once the meeting ends. If you record to the cloud, you’ll receive an email notification when it’s ready. If you recorded locally, the file will be saved to your device.
3. Upload the recording to Wave: Upload your Zoom recording file to Wave. Like most services, it accepts video and audio formats like MP4, M4A, and WAV.
4. Choose your transcription settings: Select your preferred language, speaker identification options, and other available customization features. Wave allows you to add custom vocabulary or specify industry terms for improved accuracy.
5. Generate the transcript: Wave will process your recording and generate a text transcript. Depending on the length of your meeting, this may take a few minutes.
6. Review and edit the transcript: Read through the automatically generated transcript and make the necessary edits for clarity or formatting. Most apps offer an online editor for editing.
7. Export and share the transcript: Once you’re satisfied with the transcript, export it in your desired format (e.g., TXT, DOC, PDF) and share it with your team or stakeholders. Some apps provide sharing links or real-time ability to collaborate on the transcript.

Leveraging AI transcription technology enables you to quickly and accurately convert recorded Zoom meetings into searchable, shareable text. This saves time, improves accessibility, and enhances the overall value of your virtual discussions.

Why Transcribe Zoom Meetings?

There are many reasons why transcribing Zoom meetings is important for participants and organizations:

Improved Accessibility

Written transcripts make meeting content more accessible to deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, non-native speakers, and those who prefer reading over listening.

Easier Content Review

With a transcript, you can quickly scan the conversation and locate key points without having to re-watch the entire recording. This saves time and enables efficient follow-up meetings.

Enhanced Searchability

Text transcripts are searchable, making it simple to find specific topics, action items, or decisions mentioned during the call—no more scrubbing through lengthy recordings to locate a particular discussion point.

Better Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

Transcripts enable team members who missed the live meeting to catch up quickly. They also serve as a reference for future projects or onboarding new employees.

Legal and Compliance Documentation

In some industries, maintaining accurate records of meetings is necessary for legal or regulatory compliance. Transcripts provide a written account of what was discussed and decided.

Repurposing Content

Meeting transcripts can be repurposed into blog posts, articles, or training materials, extending the value of your Zoom discussions.

Transcribing Zoom recordings ensures the valuable insights and information shared during virtual meetings are preserved, easily accessible, and maximally useful for your team and organization.

Tips for High-Quality Zoom Transcription

1. Ensure Clear Audio

For the best transcription results, ensure all participants use high-quality microphones and minimize background noise during the meeting. Encourage speakers to join from a quiet location and mute their microphones when not speaking.

2. Speak Clearly and Avoid Overlapping Speech

Ask meeting participants to speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Remind them to avoid interrupting or talking over one another, as this can make it difficult for the AI transcription software to accurately distinguish between speakers.

3. Provide Speaker Names

If your transcription service offers speaker identification, provide the names of the meeting participants. This will help the AI assign the correct speaker labels throughout the transcript, making it easier to follow the conversation flow.

Final Thoughts

Transcribing recorded Zoom meetings is a simple and efficient way to create written records of important discussions. Accurate, high-quality transcripts enhance your team’s productivity and collaboration. 

Wave provides a reliable, automated way to handle your transcription needs, saving you time and effort. Download the Wave app for Android or iOS and experience hassle-free note-taking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zoom Transcription Accurate? 

The accuracy of Zoom transcription depends on several factors, including audio quality, background noise, and speaker clarity. Wave can achieve over 90% accuracy under ideal conditions. However, poor audio, heavy accents, or industry-specific terminology may affect the transcription quality.

How Long Does it Take to Transcribe a Zoom Meeting?

Transcription time varies based on the length of a recording and the complexity of the audio. Many AI-powered services can transcribe a 30-minute recording in under 10 minutes. However, longer or more complex recordings may take more time to process.

Can I Transcribe a Zoom Meeting for Free? 

Wave offers a limited free transcription version. However, most high-quality, AI-powered platforms require a paid subscription. Prices vary depending on the provider, the transcription volume needed, and the features included.

Can I Transcribe a Zoom Meeting Without Recording It? 

No, you cannot transcribe a Zoom meeting without first recording it. Transcription services require an audio or video file to convert into text.