Zoom Audio Watermark: Enable & Add in Recordings

This guide shows you how to enable and add an audio watermark to your Zoom meeting recordings. The audio watermark embeds an inaudible, unique identifier into the recording, helping you trace the source if a recording is leaked. You’ll need a Zoom account with the appropriate permissions (admin or host) to change these settings.

What You’ll Need

A Zoom desktop client (Windows, macOS, or Linux) or access to the Zoom web portal.
An account with admin privileges to change account-level settings, or host privileges for meeting-level settings.
For local recordings, the audio watermark is applied automatically when enabled; for cloud recordings, you need a Pro plan or higher.

Step-by-Step

Enable the Audio Watermark (Account or Group Level)

Sign in to the Zoom web portal at zoom.us with an account that has admin privileges.
In the left navigation menu, click Account Management > Account Settings (or Group Management > Groups if you’re applying it to a specific group).
Click the Recording tab.
Scroll to the Audio watermark option. If it’s disabled, click the toggle to enable it. A verification dialog may appear; click Turn On to confirm.
If you want to make it mandatory for all users, click the lock icon next to the setting, then confirm by clicking Lock.

Enable the Audio Watermark (User Level)

Sign in to the Zoom web portal with your user account.
Click Settings in the left menu.
Click the Recording tab.
Locate the Audio watermark option and toggle it on. If the option is grayed out, your admin has locked it, and you’ll need to contact them.

Enable the Audio Watermark for a Specific Meeting (Host)

In the Zoom desktop client, schedule a new meeting or edit an existing one.
Scroll to Meeting Options and check the box next to Add audio watermark.
If you’re already in a meeting and want to enable it, click More (the ellipsis) in the meeting controls, then select Add audio watermark. This will apply the watermark to the recording from that point forward.

Record the Meeting with the Audio Watermark

Start the meeting as you normally would.
Click Record in the meeting controls. Choose Record to the Cloud or Record on this Computer.
If you’re recording locally, the audio watermark is embedded automatically. For cloud recordings, the watermark is added during processing.
After the meeting ends, the recording will have the audio watermark embedded. For local recordings, the file is saved to your local folder; for cloud recordings, it appears in the Zoom web portal under Recordings.

Common Mistakes

Enabling the setting but not locking it: If you’re an admin and you don’t lock the setting, users can turn it off themselves, defeating the purpose.
Expecting the watermark to be audible: The audio watermark is inaudible to the human ear. It’s a digital signature, not a spoken name.
Forgetting to enable it before recording: The watermark only applies to recordings made after the setting is enabled. It won’t retroactively add a watermark to existing recordings.
Using local recording when you need cloud features: If you need to share the recording via a link, cloud recording is easier. The audio watermark works with both, but the settings may differ.

Tips

Test before an important meeting: Do a short test recording to confirm the watermark is applied. You can’t hear it, but you can check the file properties or use Zoom’s support to verify.
Combine with other security measures: Use the audio watermark alongside meeting passwords, waiting rooms, and restricted screen sharing to minimize leaks.
Inform participants: Let attendees know that the recording includes an audio watermark. This can deter leaks and is transparent about your recording practices.
Keep your Zoom client updated: Audio watermark features are improved over time, so using the latest version ensures you have the most effective implementation.

Troubleshooting

The audio watermark option is grayed out: This means your account admin has disabled or locked the setting. Contact your IT administrator to request access.
I don’t see the option at all: Make sure you’re looking in the correct tab (Recording) and that your account has the feature. It’s available on all plans, but the admin may have hidden it.
The recording doesn’t have a watermark: Check that you enabled the setting before recording. For local recordings, the watermark is embedded at the time of recording; for cloud recordings, it’s added during processing, which may take a few minutes.
I can’t verify the watermark is there: The audio watermark is not audible. To verify, you can use Zoom’s support tools or contact Zoom support for confirmation. Some third-party audio analysis tools might also detect it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add an audio watermark to a recording that already exists?

No, the audio watermark is applied at the time of recording. You cannot retroactively add it to an existing recording file.

Is the audio watermark audible to listeners?

No, the watermark is designed to be inaudible. It’s a digital signature that doesn’t affect the listening experience.

Does the audio watermark work with both local and cloud recordings?

Yes, the audio watermark can be applied to both local and cloud recordings, provided the setting is enabled and you have the necessary permissions.

Can participants disable the audio watermark?

Only the host or admin can enable or disable the audio watermark. Participants cannot change this setting.

How do I know which participant leaked a recording?

Zoom’s support team can extract the watermark from the leaked recording and identify the participant. You’ll need to contact Zoom support with the recording file.

Will the audio watermark work if the recording is edited or compressed?

The watermark is designed to survive common editing and compression processes, but extreme modifications may degrade it. For best results, keep the original recording.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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