How to Create a Zoom Transcript: 3 Ways
Discover how to effortlessly create Zoom transcripts with our guide on three simple methods, perfect for capturing every key discussion point.

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If you're using Zoom for meetings, interviews, or webinars, you know how useful it is to keep track of your sessions. Fortunately, it’s easy to generate transcripts from your recordings, so you can properly manage important conversations.
In this article, we'll teach you the steps to get an accurate transcript from your Zoom recordings. Whether you're looking to keep better records or streamline your workflow, we've got you covered!
Requirements for getting transcripts from Zoom Recordings
To get transcripts from your Zoom recordings, you'll need to meet a few requirements:
- Subscription plan: You must have a Pro, Business, Education, or Enterprise Zoom account. Transcripts are not available for Basic (free) plan users.
- Language settings: Currently, Zoom's transcription service supports English. For more extensive language options, an alternative like MeetGeek can be more suitable.
- Cloud recording: Transcripts can only be generated from Zoom cloud recordings, so activate this feature beforehand.

How to Create a Zoom Transcript
There are two ways to get a transcript from your Zoom meetings:
- Zoom native transcript: This is Zoom's built-in audio transcript feature, available for Cloud recordings. However, it’s not always the most accurate, and its customization options are somewhat limited, which limits the transcripts’ usability.
- MeetGeek recording and analysis: As an alternative, a third-party service like MeetGeek can provide highly accurate transcripts. MeetGeek leverages advanced AI to enhance the quality of transcripts, complete with extensive customization features that simplify the documentation process.
- Sync Zoom Cloud recordings with MeetGeek via Zapier: If you’d prefer not to have MeetGeek’s notetaker in your meetings, you can automatically sync your Zoom Cloud recordings to MeetGeek via Zapier and still receive transcripts and insights from MeetGeek.
How to Create a Native Zoom Transcript
In this section, we guide you through the process of generating transcripts for your Zoom meetings directly within the platform.
Here’s how to create a native Zoom transcript in just a few clicks:
- Sign in to your Zoom account
- Activate ‘Automatic transcriptions’ in the settings
- Start recording your Zoom meeting
- Download your Zoom recording transcript
1. Sign in to your Zoom account
Visit the Zoom web portal or the app and log into your Zoom account.
NOTE: While Cloud recording is available on all of Zoom’s platforms, its transcription features are mostly accessible through the desktop app and web portal.
2. Activate ‘Automatic transcriptions’ in the Settings
Once logged in, navigate to Settings. In the Cloud recording section, go to ‘Advanced Cloud recording settings’ and enable the ‘Create audio transcript' option. This prompts Zoom to transcribe your Cloud recordings automatically.
3. Start Recording your Zoom Meeting
In your Zoom meeting window, click on the ‘Record’ button at the bottom of the screen. Choose ‘Record to the Cloud’ to record and transcribe the meeting. Remember, local recordings do not generate transcripts.
PRO TIP: You can also activate live transcripts during the session by clicking the ‘Live transcript CC’ option in your Zoom window.
4. Download Your Zoom Recording Transcript
After the meeting ends, Zoom will send the host two emails. The first email will have a link to the recording, and the second will have a link to the transcript. Simply click the links to access your recordings and transcripts.
Alternatively, go to the Cloud Recordings tab on the left panel of your Zoom account management page. Here, you’ll find your recorded meetings. Select the one for which you need the transcript, and you will see options to download both the recording and the audio transcript file.

How to Create a Zoom Transcript Automatically
If you're looking for a more effective way to transcribe your Zoom meetings, MeetGeek offers a seamless solution. This AI-powered meeting automation platform not only records and transcribes your Zoom meetings but also comes packed with features to analyze, summarize, and share meeting highlights.

Here's how you can use MeetGeek to create Zoom transcripts automatically!
1. Create a MeetGeek Account
Sign up for a MeetGeek account by registering with your Google or Microsoft account. The entire process is free and only takes a couple of seconds.
2. Upload or Record Your Meeting
Once your account is set up, connect your Google or Outlook Calendar to sync your scheduled and upcoming events. MeetGeek will display these events in order, giving you the option to choose which meetings to record and transcribe. Additionally, for spontaneous meetings, paste the meeting link into the 'Add to live ad-hoc meeting' bar.

3. Get Your Meeting Transcript
Join your Zoom meeting and let the MeetGeek Assistant handle the recording. The host can grant recording permissions with a single click.
While you focus on your discussion, MeetGeek works in the background to provide a detailed transcript, which includes:
- Name and platform of the meeting
- Date and time of the meeting
- List of attendees
- Links to the recorded meeting and its transcript
- Meeting agenda and an AI-generated summary
- Action items detected during the meeting

After the meeting, you can find the transcript in your ‘Past Meetings’ section. From there, you can view the meeting details and export the transcript directly to Google Drive or set up automated workflows to manage transcripts more efficiently, based on your specific needs.

And if you have a meeting that was recorded locally, MeetGeek's 'Upload' function allows you to transcribe pre-recorded audio and video files. This makes it easy to search, collaborate on, and edit transcripts as it is for any regular text document.

How to Auto-sync & Transcribe Zoom Cloud Recordings with MeetGeek
If you need an accurate transcript, meeting notes, and insights but prefer not to have the Notetaker join your meeting, our Zapier integration is the right solution. It automatically syncs your Zoom Cloud recordings with your MeetGeek account and you can set it up in minutes with our ready-to-use Zap template. Here’s how:
1. Adjust Your Zoom Recording Settings
Before setting up the automation, you need to make sure your Zoom Cloud recordings can be accessed by MeetGeek. Follow these steps to adjust your Zoom settings:
a) Log in to your Zoom account on the Zoom website.
b) In the left-hand menu, click on Settings.
c) Navigate to the Recording tab, and ensure the following:
- "Require users to authenticate before viewing cloud recordings" is turned off
- "Require password to access shared cloud recordings" is turned off
- "Allow cloud recording sharing" is turned on (MeetGeek can only access cloud recordings, not local recordings)

2. Set Up the Zapier Integration
Now, let’s create the automation that connects Zoom and MeetGeek using Zapier.

a) Log in to your Zapier account and click "Try this template" to use the pre-configured Zap for Zoom Cloud recordings
b) Connect your Zoom account.

c) At the 'Configure' step, choose one of the following triggers "All new Cloud Recordings on my account" or "Only Cloud Recordings created by me". And click 'Continue'.
3. Connect MeetGeek to Zapier
a) Now, you need to connect your MeetGeek account to Zapier. You will see this popup when connecting the apps.

b) When prompted, go to MeetGeek → Integrations → Zapier.
Copy your personal API key and paste it into the corresponding field in Zapier.

Click "Yes, Continue to MeetGeek.ai" to complete the connection.
c) If prompted again, enter your API key at the Configure step.
The Template and Language fields are optional; you can adjust these later in MeetGeek after the recording is uploaded.

d) Click Continue to complete the setup. Publish your Zap.
4. Automatically Sync & Process Your Recordings
Once your Zap is activated, here’s what happens:
Whenever you record a Zoom meeting using Zoom’s built-in Cloud recording feature, Zapier automatically triggers the sync.

The recorded file is uploaded to MeetGeek within a few minutes.

Once processing is complete, you’ll find the recording in your Past Meetings section. MeetGeek automatically assigns a name to the uploaded file for easy navigation.

NOTE: As this integration requires access to MeetGeek API, check the API limits to ensure your Zap works as expected.
Do More With MeetGeek:
- Choose from a library of agenda templates, or create your own to suit different meeting types and get customized meeting notes.

- MeetGeek's highlights feature uses designated keywords to pull out relevant parts of your meetings, saving you time when searching for specific discussions.
- With MeetGeek, you can easily access and review past meetings in one place, so you're always prepared and informed for your next session.

- MeetGeek can send automated meeting follow-up emails to team members to keep everyone updated, streamlined, and aligned.
- MeetGeek integrates with other tools from your stack to update your CRM, project management tools, and other platforms with meeting notes and valuable insights.

- MeetGeek’s mobile app works for in-person meetings too. Just press the record button and all your meetings will be recorded, transcribed, analyzed, and stored alongside virtual ones.
- MeetGeek leverages conversation intelligence to offer actionable insights on how you conduct meetings. This way, your Zoom sessions can become more effective and engaging. Plus, you can customize these insights with the KPIs that matter most to you.

Zoom vs. MeetGeek: Which One to Choose?
Zoom meetings have become a staple in our daily routines, and with a packed schedule, you can easily miss out on key information. That's why having a reliable way to transcribe your Zoom meetings is crucial.
However, while Zoom's native transcription service does the job, it has its limitations in terms of language coverage and formatting options. This is where alternative solutions like MeetGeek really stand out.
MeetGeek is equipped with advanced AI technology that focuses on accuracy and enhances the user experience with features like action item and key point extraction and customizable formatting options.
Feature | Zoom | MeetGeek |
---|---|---|
Price | Requires a Business, Education, or Enterprise subscription | Free plan that you can upgrade as needed |
Language detection/ Accuracy | Limited to English Good quality, depending on audio quality and accents |
Supports 50+ languages Good quality, with AI features that adapt to various dialects and accents |
Integrations | Zoom’s app marketplace offers 2000+ integrations | Supports all major video conferencing platforms, like Zoom, Google Meet, and MS Teams Integrates with 7,000+ 3rd party apps |
Additional Features | Basic features like live transcription and speaker recognition | Accurate transcription with speaker identification tags and time stamps AI summaries Action item and key point extraction Meeting insights with customizable KPIs Automated follow-up emails |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does Zoom transcription cost?
Zoom's transcription service is included at no additional cost for users who have a Pro, Business, Education, or Enterprise account. However, this feature is not available for Basic (free) accounts.
2. How accurate are Zoom transcripts?
Zoom audio transcription is generally accurate, especially if the audio quality is good and the speakers use clear and slow speech. The accuracy may decrease with background noise, multiple people talking at once, or if speakers have strong accents. It's always a good idea to review the transcript for any necessary corrections.
3. Can Zoom viewers see the transcript?
Yes, if the meeting host enables live transcription, participants can see captions in real time during the meeting. For recorded meetings, the host can choose to share the transcript file along with the recording.
Automate Your Zoom Meetings with MeetGeek!
And there you have it—two straightforward ways to create a Zoom transcript, each designed to suit different needs and preferences.
Whether you choose Zoom's native capabilities or opt for the enhanced features of MeetGeek, you're now equipped to capture every important detail of your meetings.
If you're looking for accuracy, flexibility, and additional features to enhance your meeting productivity, give MeetGeek a try to make meeting management effortless!
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