Zoom Video Quality: Quick Setup Guide
If you're recording Zoom sessions to upload to Union or another platform, you'll want to make sure your recordings are in HD (720p or 1080p). This guide walks you through the basic steps to improve the quality of your Zoom recordings.
Important: Zoom has two different settings areas — the Zoom desktop app and the Zoom web portal (via browser). Changing your settings in one does not automatically update the other. To ensure your recordings are in HD, we recommend updating both.
Recording Quality Basics
| Recording Type | Max Resolution | Plan Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Local Recording | Up to 1080p | Available to all plans |
| Cloud Recording | 720p by default | 1080p available on Business, Enterprise, or Education (by request) |
Even if HD is enabled, Zoom may still record in 360p or 480p. If that happens, check out our troubleshooting guide: Why Your Zoom Recording Isn't in HD (Even If You Enabled It)
How to Check Your Zoom Recording Settings (App + Web Browser)
Zoom App (Desktop)
- Open the Zoom desktop app.
- Go to Settings > Video.
- Select your camera from the dropdown menu.
- Check the box for Enable HD
(Optional) You can also enable:
- Touch up my appearance
- Adjust for low light
These options improve appearance but don’t affect resolution.
Next, you'll want click Recording and check the box, Optimize for third party editor.
This generates your local recording video files with a standard format that is compatible with third-party video editors. This may increase file size.
Zoom Web Portal (Browser)
Go to zoom.us and sign in.
Click Settings in the left-hand menu.
Go to the Recording tab.
Under Cloud Recording, make sure the following options are enabled:
- Look for settings like “Record active speaker with shared screen” and “Record gallery view with shared screen” — these ensure your video is recorded even while screen sharing.
- Optimize the recording for 3rd party video editor
These settings help preserve clarity when your recording is saved to the cloud.
Additional Tips
- Use a high-quality external webcam/Continuity cam if available. Check out Union's Gear Recommendation for Zoom.
- Record in a well-lit space to reduce graininess.
- Make sure your internet connection is stable (at least 3 Mbps upload and download recommended).
Still seeing low-quality recordings?
Check out: Why Your Zoom Recording Isn't in HD (Even If You Enabled It)