How to Record Google Meet with OBS Studio (Free Professional Recording)

OBS Studio is the gold standard for recording Google Meet when you don't have access to native recording. It's completely free, works on all platforms, and produces better quality than Google's built-in recorder.

Why OBS is Perfect for Google Meet

  • 100% Free: No trials, no watermarks, no limits
  • Better Quality: Records in full 1080p or 4K
  • More Control: Adjust every aspect of recording
  • Multiple Sources: Record camera, screen, and audio separately
  • Professional Output: Broadcast-quality recordings

Quick Start Guide (5 Minutes)

Step 1: Download OBS

  • Visit obsproject.com
  • Download for your OS (Windows/Mac/Linux)
  • Install (100MB, takes 2 minutes)

Step 2: First-Time Setup

When OBS opens:

  1. Click "Yes" to Auto-Configuration Wizard
  2. Select "Optimize just for recording"
  3. Keep default settings
  4. Click "Apply Settings"

Step 3: Add Google Meet as Source

  1. Join your Google Meet
  2. In OBS, click "+" under Sources
  3. Choose "Window Capture"
  4. Name it "Google Meet"
  5. Select your browser window
  6. Click OK

Step 4: Configure Audio

Critical for Google Meet:

  1. Click "+" under Sources again
  2. Add "Audio Output Capture" (Desktop Audio)
  3. Add "Audio Input Capture" (Your Microphone)
  4. Check audio levels are moving

Step 5: Start Recording

  1. Click "Start Recording" (bottom right)
  2. Conduct your meeting normally
  3. Click "Stop Recording" when done
  4. Find video in Videos folder

Advanced OBS Setup for Perfect Google Meet Recordings

Optimal Settings for Google Meet

Video Settings:

Base Resolution: 1920x1080
Output Resolution: 1920x1080
FPS: 30 (meetings don't need 60fps)

Recording Settings:

Recording Format: MP4
Encoder: Hardware (if available)
Recording Quality: High Quality
Recording Path: Custom folder

Audio Settings:

Sample Rate: 48kHz
Channels: Stereo
Desktop Audio: Default
Mic/Auxiliary: Your microphone

Pro Audio Setup for Crystal Clear Meetings

  1. Eliminate Echo:

    • Use headphones during recording
    • Or add Audio Filter → Noise Suppression

  2. Balance Audio Levels:

    • Desktop Audio: -15 dB
    • Microphone: -12 dB
    • Never let meters hit red

  3. Add Compression:

    • Right-click Mic → Filters
    • Add Compressor
    • Ratio: 3:1, Threshold: -18dB

Common OBS + Google Meet Issues (Solved)

Black Screen Instead of Google Meet?

Solution:

  • Use Window Capture (not Display Capture)
  • Try different browser (Chrome works best)
  • Disable hardware acceleration in browser

No Audio from Other Participants?

Solution:

  • Must add "Audio Output Capture"
  • Check Windows sound mixer
  • Ensure browser isn't muted

Recording File Too Large?

Solution:

  • Change format from MKV to MP4
  • Lower bitrate to 2500 Kbps
  • Use hardware encoding

OBS Using Too Much CPU?

Solution:

  • Lower output resolution to 720p
  • Use hardware encoder (NVENC/QuickSync)
  • Close unnecessary programs

OBS Recording Layouts for Different Meeting Types

Standard Meeting Layout

  • Full browser window
  • Both audio sources
  • Simple and clean

Presentation Recording

  • Browser at 80% size
  • Your webcam in corner
  • Emphasizes shared content

Interview/Podcast Style

  • Split screen layout
  • Equal space for participants
  • Professional appearance

Step-by-Step: Perfect Google Meet Recording

  1. Pre-Meeting Checklist:

    • OBS installed and configured
    • Test recorded 30 seconds successfully
    • Audio levels checked
    • Storage space available (1GB per hour)

  2. Start Recording Sequence:

    • Open OBS first
    • Join Google Meet
    • Add window capture
    • Verify audio meters moving
    • Hit record BEFORE meeting starts

  3. During Meeting:

    • Monitor OBS (should show recording time)
    • Check audio levels occasionally
    • Don't minimize OBS

  4. Post-Meeting:

    • Stop recording in OBS
    • Leave Google Meet
    • Check recording plays correctly
    • Back up immediately

OBS vs Google Meet Native Recording

FeatureOBS StudioGoogle Native
PriceFree$12+/month
QualityUp to 4K720p/1080p
File LocationLocalGoogle Drive
ProcessingInstant5-30 minutes
CustomizationFull controlNone
AutomaticNoYes

Converting OBS Recordings to Text

Your high-quality OBS recording needs transcription for:

  • Meeting minutes
  • Action items
  • Searchable archive

Convert your OBS recording to accurate text

Transcribe Recording Now

OBS Shortcuts for Google Meet

ActionShortcut
Start RecordingCtrl/Cmd + R
Stop RecordingCtrl/Cmd + R
Pause RecordingCtrl/Cmd + P
Show/Hide OBSCtrl/Cmd + H

Legal Note for OBS Recording

⚠️ Important: OBS doesn't notify participants about recording. You must:

  • Announce recording at start
  • Get verbal consent
  • Follow local laws
  • Never record secretly

Troubleshooting Quick Fixes

"Can't see Google Meet window" → Refresh browser, re-add source

"Audio out of sync" → Set Audio Sync Offset to 50ms

"Recording is choppy" → Lower resolution or FPS

"File won't play" → Use VLC Media Player

Expert Tips for Perfect Recordings

  1. Always do a test recording before important meetings
  2. Record to SSD for better performance
  3. Use MKV format then remux to MP4 (safer)
  4. Keep OBS updated for best compatibility
  5. Create scenes for different meeting types

The Bottom Line

OBS Studio turns any Google Meet into a professional recording, regardless of your Google Workspace plan. With 5 minutes of setup, you'll have better recordings than Google's native feature - completely free.

For more Google Meet recording options, see our main guide: How to Record Google Meet