How Riverside records, in one paragraph
Riverside records each participant's audio and video on their own device and uploads it to the cloud in the background during the session, so you get a separate track per person rather than one mixed call recording. [2] It says that, where equipment supports it, it records up to 4K video and uncompressed 48 kHz WAV audio, and that guests join by clicking a link with no sign-up or installation. [2] Up to 10 people can be recorded, the host plus nine guests; extra viewers can watch but are not recorded. [2]
That design is why the host's most important job comes after you press stop: making sure every local track has finished uploading before anyone closes their browser.
Set up the studio and plan the session
Riverside's walkthrough says recordings live in Projects, your account starts with one studio, and you can add a second to separate shows. [1] From Home you can start a recording straight away or plan one: give the session a name and details, and if you add the guest's email, the invite includes the studio links. [1] In studio settings you can create a custom studio link. [1]
The guest link stays the same across sessions, so it can go in a recurring calendar invite. [1] Producer and audience links are separate links you copy from studio settings, so do not send them to anyone who should appear in the episode. [1] Riverside says additional viewers can join live but are not recorded. [2]
Prepare your guest
Send the guest link with a short note a day ahead. Riverside's own blog recommends headphones to prevent feedback and wired headphones to avoid audio bleed, and generally advises a wired ethernet connection over Wi-Fi for stability. [3] Guests need a device with microphone and camera access. [3]
Ask the guest to join from a computer they can leave open for a few minutes after the call, because their track keeps uploading from that browser.
In the studio: waiting room, devices and a test
Turn on the waiting room so guests cannot enter early; you admit each person. [1] Guests enter their name and choose a camera and microphone before joining. [1] Once everyone is in, open the People tab to see each participant's connected devices and confirm your own microphone is working. [1]
Name the recording before you start so it is easy to find, and use the test recording option (hover over the record button) to check the setup. [1] Play back a few seconds of each person's audio from the test before the real take. Then start with the record button. [1][3]
During the interview, press the marker key or button to flag moments you want to find later; they show as purple dots on the editor timeline. [1]
After you stop: confirm uploads finished
Riverside says to wait for all participant tracks to finish uploading after you stop, and that this usually takes about a minute. [1] Do not end the session for the guest until every track shows as complete.
If a guest's upload stalls, Riverside says they can go to Riverside’s upload page on the same computer and browser, because their local track remains there until uploaded. [1] That is why the same-computer instruction matters: a guest who switches devices to finish the upload cannot. For a deeper recovery walkthrough, see our guest upload recovery guide.
Download separate tracks
In the project's Recordings section you will find separate tracks for each participant, including screen shares. Download any track individually, and copy or download the transcript. [1]
Keep the separate tracks as your archive even if you edit inside Riverside: they let you fix one person's level or noise without affecting the other, and they are what most external editors expect.
A host's run sheet for a first interview
Print this or keep it on a second screen. Times assume a 45-minute interview.
| When | Task | Done when |
|---|---|---|
| Day before | Plan recording from Home, add guest email or send guest link [1] | Guest has confirmed the link |
| Day before | Send guest prep note: headphones, ethernet, keep tab open [3] | Guest replied |
| T minus 15 min | Open studio, waiting room on, name the recording [1] | Studio open, waiting room active |
| T minus 5 min | Admit guest, check People tab devices [1] | Correct mic and camera shown for everyone |
| T minus 3 min | Test recording and playback [1] | Both voices clean, no echo |
| Recording | Record; drop markers at key moments [1] | Conversation finished |
| After stop | Wait for all tracks to upload [1] | Every track complete |
| Same day | Download each separate track and the transcript [1] | Files saved in two places |
Questions before you decide
Do Riverside guests need an account or an app?
No. Riverside says guests only need to click the link you send, with no sign-up or installation, and its walkthrough says guests join in the browser.
How long should I wait after stopping a Riverside recording?
Riverside's walkthrough says to wait for all participant tracks to finish uploading after you stop, which usually takes about a minute. Keep the session open until every track is complete.
What if a guest's Riverside upload gets stuck?
Riverside says the guest can go to Riverside’s upload page on the same computer and browser they recorded on, because their local track remains there until it is uploaded.
How many people can Riverside record at once?
Riverside says up to 10 people can be recorded, the host plus nine guests. Additional viewers can watch live but are not recorded.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- Riverside University: Riverside walkthrough Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Riverside: FAQ Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Riverside blog: How to record a podcast remotely Accessed 30 Oct 2026
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