Why Your Zoom Recording Isn't in HD (Even If You Enabled It)
You’ve checked all the right boxes in Zoom — Enable HD and Optimize the recording for 3rd party video editor — but your video still ends up looking pixelated or shows up as 360p. Here’s why that happens and how to make sure your recordings are truly in HD when uploading to Union.
What You See vs. What Zoom Records
Even if you:
- Enable HD video in your Zoom desktop app
- Enable "Optimize the recording for 3rd party editor" in your cloud recording settings
...your video may still not be recorded in HD.
Why? Because Zoom does not always allow HD recording by default, even if HD display is turned on.
Common Reasons Zoom Still Records in 360p or 480p
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Zoom plan limitations | Pro accounts are often limited to 720p, and even that may need to be requested. |
| Backend HD access not enabled | Your account may not have HD recording truly activated by Zoom support. |
| Bandwidth or CPU limits | Zoom adjusts resolution down if it detects low internet or high CPU load. |
| Too many video feeds | Gallery view with many participants may auto-reduce recording quality. |
Steps to Get HD Recordings from Zoom
If you want your Zoom recordings to reliably be in HD (720p or 1080p), here's what you need:
1. If you are using the Zoom app, make sure all the correct settings are applied
- In your Zoom app > Settings > Video > HD camera box is checked
Optional to 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.
2. Check your recording settings in the Zoom web portal
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:
- Record active speaker with shared screen — ensure your video is recorded even while screen sharing.
- Record gallery view with shared screen — 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.
2. Use a good camera, lighting, and internet
- Use an external webcam (i.e. Continuity Camera) with at least 720p or 1080p output
- Record in a well-lit room
- Use stable high-speed internet (at least 3 Mbps upload/download)
3. Contact Zoom Support to ensure HD is enable
Even with all the settings correct, your Zoom account may need backend approval. Try using this as a template when you contact Zoom Support:
Hello Zoom Support,
We are recording our Zoom sessions to upload to a third-party platform. We've enabled HD settings, but our recordings are still appearing in 360p. Can you confirm whether HD (720p or 1080p) is enabled for our account and assist us in enabling it if it's not?
Thank you!