Plan Ahead
Make sure you have the right equipment and software ready before the meeting. Consider conducting a test audio/video recording session to check the quality of your recording. Choose the appropriate file format and tools based on your needs.
Audio Recording: Use a built-in or external microphone, a dedicated recorder, or software like Audacity or GarageBand.
Video Recording: Utilize a built-in webcam or external camera, or software like OBS Studio or Zoom. For phone cameras, lower video resolution and frame rate before recording.
Choose the Right Location
Select a quiet, well-lit space to enhance recording quality. Avoid noisy areas (traffic, construction) and poorly lit environments (dark rooms or direct sunlight). For video recordings, check how people are illuminated on camera and the quality of light, including aspects like brightness and shadows on your device. Add proper lighting when needed.
Ensure Your Equipment/Device is Ready
Check your
Battery levels - Full battery levels and a spare, in case.
Storage space - enough free space for recording
Audio quality and volume - Position your microphone appropriately to avoid distortion.
Video resolution and frame rate - Recommended at 720p to minimize file size when uploading the session.
Set a Meeting Etiquette
For group sessions, we recommend a maximum of 9 participants
Encourage participants to introduce themselves in turn* at the beginning of the session, speaking audibly to ensure they are clearly captured by your recording device. Recommend having them raise their hand when they wish to ask or add information (when other participants are speaking) before speaking to avoid interruptions and maintain audio clarity.
*Having participants introduce themselves will help you identify speakers when generating the session transcript.
Minimize Background Noise
Even in quiet spaces, background noise can disrupt recordings. Close windows and doors, turn off any unnecessary devices, and kindly inform anyone nearby who isn’t participating to keep noise to a minimum during the meeting.
Post Review and Editing
Once you’ve finished recording, prepare your video for upload. Check the file size and format. Make sure your file meets the platform’s accepted formats:
Audio: .aac, .flac, .ogg, .mpeg, .mp4, .webm, .wav, .x-wav, .vnd.wave, .x-m4a, .x-pn-wav
Video: .mpeg, .mp4, .ogg, .webm, .mov (QuickTime)
If your file is larger than 1.5 GB, edit/trim out dead air (e.g., at the start or end of the recording) or remove any unrelated discussions or interruptions. You can also use a video editing app to lower the video resolution, particularly if it was recorded in 1080p or higher.