In short
- Free plan: live captions only, no saved cloud transcript.
- Paid plan: enable cloud recording and 'Create audio transcript' first.
- The transcript appears with the cloud recording after processing.
- Forgot? Your own notes plus a recording are the fallback.
On a paid Zoom plan
- Sign in to the Zoom web portal and open Settings.
- Open Recording & Transcript and confirm Cloud recording is on.
- Under advanced cloud recording settings, tick Create audio transcript and save (Georgetown University guide).
- Start the meeting and choose Record → Record to the cloud.
- After the meeting, open Recordings → Cloud recordings. The transcript sits next to the video once processing finishes.
On the free Basic plan
You can turn on captions and view the transcript panel during the meeting, but the saved, downloadable cloud transcript needs a paid plan (Scribbl). Free accounts can record locally to the computer.
If you forgot to turn it on
The cloud transcript setting isn't retroactive. Use your notes, and if you made a local recording, review the parts that matter. Next time, check settings before your first important call of the week.
Getting a better transcript
- Use a headset or a decent microphone; laptop mics in echoey rooms cause most errors.
- Ask people to say their name before speaking in large meetings.
- Avoid talking over each other; crosstalk is where transcripts break.
- Correct names and numbers before you share it.
Questions people ask
Where do Zoom transcripts go?
For cloud recordings on paid plans, the transcript appears alongside the recording under Recordings → Cloud recordings in the Zoom web portal after processing.
Is the Zoom transcript free?
Live captions are free. A saved cloud transcript requires a paid Zoom plan with cloud recording.
Why is there no transcript for my Zoom recording?
Usually because Create audio transcript wasn't enabled before recording, the meeting was recorded locally rather than to the cloud, or processing hasn't finished.
Sources
Checked 11 November 2026. Spotted something out of date? Write to [email protected].
About Shin. We’re building something for people whose work happens in conversation. Private beta, by invitation.
Request access →