TPU135 – How to use Zoom for Podcast Interviews – 5 Settings for the Best Audio!

Why should you use Zoom for podcast interviews?

Most remote interview recording software are paid.

Zencastr was the only FREE option out there, if you wanted a good audio recording software as a podcaster. But with that too becoming a paid software, the only option you have is ZOOM.

But to get the best out of ZOOM, you need to keep a few things in mind.

In this episode, I will share some of those things that you should be aware of and the things you need to keep in mind when using ZOOM for your podcast interview recordings.

Zoom is a popular video conferencing platform that many podcasters use to conduct remote interviews with their guests.

But how do you use Zoom effectively to record high-quality audio and video for your podcast? And what are the pros and cons of using Zoom compared to other platforms like Zencastr?

In this episode, I’ll answer these questions and give you some tips on how to optimize your Zoom settings for podcasting.

If you’re interested in learning more about podcasting, you can check out my website, where you can find more episodes, resources, and guides on how to start and grow your podcast. You can also subscribe to my podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

So let’s get started with using Zoom to record podcast interviews.

Why use Zoom for podcast interviews?

There are many reasons why you might want to use Zoom for podcast interviews. Here are some of the main ones:

• Browsing: Zoom is widely used and recognized by many people, so it’s easy to find and invite guests to your podcast. You don’t need to ask them to download or sign up for another platform that they might not be familiar with or trust. So it becomes easier for your guest to come on the show.
• The only FREE option: Zencastr was the only dedicated podcast recording software out there that had a FREE plan. But after they changed their pricing plans and offering the recording option only in their paid plans, the only option that is left is Zoom.

Something that you might want to keep in mind is that, Zoom is not made for podcasters. They are a video conferencing software that offers you the option of recording the calls.

It is this feature that we are going to use when recording interviews for our podcast.

Now, since Zoom is a dedicated software made for podcasters, expect only the minimal support from a podcasting perspective.

Also the FREE option comes with some serious limitations which is something you might want to keep in mind if you are opting for the FREE plan.

Limitations on the FREE plan when using Zoom for podcasting

If you are willing to pay for a premium plan, Zoom offers different plans and features for different needs and budgets. For podcasting, you need to consider the following factors:

• Duration: The free version of Zoom has a limit of 45 minutes per meeting, which might not be enough for a long-form interview. If you want to record longer interviews, you need to upgrade to a paid plan, which starts from $14.99 per month and allows you to host meetings up to 24 hours long.
• Storage: The free version of Zoom does not offer cloud storage for your recordings. All your recordings will be stored locally on your computer, which means you need to have enough disk space and backup options. If you want to store your recordings on the cloud, you need to upgrade to a paid plan, which gives you 1 GB of cloud storage per license. You can also purchase additional cloud storage or use third-party services like Dropbox or Google Drive.

Best Zoom setting to Record Podcast

Once you have chosen the right Zoom plan and downloaded the desktop client, you need to set up Zoom for podcasting.

Something that you might want to keep in mind is that some of the settings can be only made on the desktop client. So it is important to download the desktop client.

Here are some zoom podcast recording tips to get the best audio:

• Record a separate file for each participant: This is one of the most important settings for podcasting, as it allows you to edit and mix each audio and video track separately, which can improve the sound and visual quality of your podcast. To enable this setting, go to Settings > Recording > Advanced and check the box that says “Record a separate audio file for each participant who speaks”.
• Choose a location for the recorded files: You need to choose a location on your computer where you want to store your recorded files, so that you can easily find them when the recording ends. To choose a location, go to Settings > Recording and click on the “Change” button next to the “Local Recording” option. You can also choose to open the folder containing the recorded files automatically after the meeting ends, by checking the box that says “Open folder after meeting ends”.
• Keep the audio profile at AUTO: Zoom has a feature that automatically adjusts the audio quality based on the network conditions and the type of meeting. This can help reduce background noise and echo, and enhance the voice clarity of the participants. To enable this feature, go to Settings > Audio > Advanced and select “Auto” for the “Audio Profile” option. You can also adjust the level of background noise suppression, by choosing between “Low”, “Medium”, “High”, or “Auto”.
• Keep the echo cancellation mode at AUTO: Zoom also has a feature that automatically detects and cancels echo, which is the sound that is reflected back from the speakers to the microphone. This can help prevent feedback and distortion, and improve the sound quality of the podcast. To enable this feature, go to Settings > Audio > Advanced and select “Auto” for the “Echo Cancellation” option. You can also choose between “Aggressive” or “Moderate” modes, depending on the level of echo you experience.
• Select the appropriate video and audio devices: You need to make sure that you select the right video and audio devices for your podcast, such as your camera, microphone, and speakers. To do that, go to Settings > Video and Settings > Audio and choose the devices from the drop-down menus. You can also test your video and audio quality, by clicking on the “Test Video” and “Test Speaker & Microphone” buttons.

How to schedule and send meeting invitations to your guests?

Once you have set up Zoom for podcasting, you need to schedule and send meeting invitations to your guests. Here are the steps to do that:

Schedule a meeting:

To schedule a meeting, go to the Zoom app and click on the “Schedule” button. You can also use the Zoom web portal or the Zoom mobile app to schedule a meeting.

You need to enter the following information for your meeting: the topic, the date and time, the duration, the meeting ID and password, the video and audio options, the calendar, and the advanced options.

You can also enable the “Waiting Room” feature, which allows you to admit your guests one by one, and the “Record the meeting automatically” feature, which allows you to start recording as soon as the meeting begins.

Send meeting invitations:

To send meeting invitations, go to the Zoom app and click on the “Meetings” tab.

You can see the list of your scheduled meetings and click on the one you want to invite your guests to.

You can then click on the “Copy Invitation” button, which copies the meeting details and the join link to your clipboard.

You can then paste the invitation in an email or a message and send it to your guests. You can also send the invitation directly from within Zoom, by clicking on the “Email” button.

How to record and edit your podcast interviews?

Once you have scheduled and sent meeting invitations to your guests, you need to record and edit your podcast interviews. Here are some zoom podcast recording tips on how to do that:

Record your podcast interviews:

To record your podcast interviews, go to the Zoom app and click on the “Start” button next to the scheduled meeting.

You can also join the meeting from the Zoom web portal or the Zoom mobile app.

Once you and your guests are in the meeting, you can click on the “Record” button at the bottom of the screen, which starts the recording.

You can also pause and resume the recording, by clicking on the same button.

You can also use keyboard shortcuts to control the recording, such as Alt+R for Windows or Command+Shift+R for Mac.

When the meeting ends, the recording will stop automatically and the recorded files will be saved to the location you chose in the settings.

Edit your podcast interviews:

To edit your podcast interviews you can use any of your favorite audio editing software like Audacity, GarageBand, Adobe Audition, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, etc.

You can also use online services, such as Anchor, SoundCloud, Podbean, etc.

You need to import the recorded files to the software or service of your choice, and then edit them according to your preferences.

Conclusion – Zoom Podcast recording Tips!

Zoom is a great platform for video conferencing but not a recommended solution for podcasting. It does offers decent-quality audio and video recording options, but isn’t the best.

The only reasons why you would want to use Zoom is, if you are looking for a FREE option.

But if you are ok to spend a few dollars and get a good recording solution, I would recommend going with Zencastr or, Descript.

Zencastr is a dedicated podcast recording solution whereas Descript give you a good podcast recording solution in the form of Squadcast and a very nice and simple editing solution in the form of Descript editor.

Pick one of these if you are serious about podcasting.

I appreciate you joining me today. I’m Dilip – thanks for listening and I’ll see you next time!

Show Notes:

Here’s what we discussed in the episode on using AI in podcasting –

1. Why you shouldn’t outsource everything to AI?
2. 5 of the best ways to use AI for solo podcasters.
3. Tips to improve podcast with AI.

This episode is sponsored by Zencastr. Use my special link here to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. 

Thank You for Joining

Thank you all for joining me on the show today.

If you enjoyed this episode then I am sure you will love some of the previous episodes as well. Pick your favorite ones and give them a listen.

The podcasting university is available on all podcasting platforms. You can pick your favorite one to listen to the show there. The links to some of the prominent ones are mentioned below.

CASTBOX: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/castbox
STITCHER: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/stitcher
TUNEIN: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/tunein
GOOGLE PODCASTS: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/googlepodcasts
APPLE PODCASTS: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/itunes
PLAYER.FM: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/playerfm
SPOTIFY: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/spotify
HUBHOPPER: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/hubhopper
AMAZON PRIME: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/prime

Recommended Resources for Podcasting

Here are some of the recommended resources for Podcasting. These are the ones that I personally use and am satisfied with and hence am recommending them.

• Acast Podcast hosting – Acast is my favorite podcast hosting company. They have excellent customer support, have a pocket-friendly plan, and even have a free option with no limits.
• Behringer Audio Interface – You will need an audio interface if you are using an XLR microphone. This is my recommended audio interface.
• Zencastr – Zencastr is the easiest option to record interviews, both audio-only and audio+video. This is a must for an interview podcast. Go to zencastr.com/pricing and use my code “thepodu” You’ll get 30 percent off your first three months of Zencastr professional.
• Audacity – This is the best and the most feature-rich free audio editing software. It gives you a lot of options while editing your interviews.
• Blue Yeti USB Microphone – My recommended microphone
• Tidycal – My recommended calendar and booking solutions
• Fusebox – Embeddable Podcast Player
• Descript – Audio Editing, Transcription and Video editing software

AMAZON DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Podcasting University is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

MICROPHONES –

1. ATR-2100x
2. MAONO AU-HD300T : https://geni.us/ro48q
3. Maono AU-WDM01 : https://geni.us/PhZ3V2v
4. Samson Q2U – https://geni.us/k9cuk
5. Audio Technica AT 2035 – https://geni.us/g2URDI
6. Rode NT USB – https://geni.us/O6b65K
7. Shure MV7X – https://geni.us/w7rZ4

LAVELIER MICROPHONES

1. Boya ByM1 Auxillary Lavelier Microphone – https://geni.us/boyabym1lav
2. Boya ByM1 Pro Lavelier Microphones – https://geni.us/boyabym1prolav
3. Digitek Wireless Microphone – https://geni.us/R3cGd
4. Boya – BYXM6 Wireless Microphone – https://geni.us/OS6gq
5. Vook Dual Channel Wireless Microphone – https://geni.us/V9YBO1i

PORTABLE RECORDERS –

1. Zoom H5 Portable Recorder – https://geni.us/rVTAIAV
2. Zoom H1N Portable Recorder – https://geni.us/dOaDg

AUDIO INTERFACE –

1. Behringer U-PHORIA UM2 – https://geni.us/gBCjm
2. M-Audio M-Track Solo – https://geni.us/RnhHr
3. HAYDEN HY-229 – https://geni.us/c80KbWB

MIXERS –

1. HAYDEN 4 Channels – https://geni.us/cXQ0
2. Behringer Q502USB

MONITORING HEADPHONES –

1. Oneodio Studio Pro-10 : https://geni.us/IQI88Se
2. Maono AU-MH501 : https://geni.us/AbNrU
3. Audio-Technica ATH-M20X : https://geni.us/eEUf9

POP-FILTER –

1. JEYANG Metal Pop Filter – https://geni.us/JMfuY
2. Wright WP 101 – https://geni.us/OcOAzj

DESK-STAND/BOOM ARM –

1. MY-STANDS MC 18: https://geni.us/Lwnb
2. Bulfyss Professional Recording Microphone Stand: https://geni.us/mV4S

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