Riverside.fm

What is Riverside.fm?

Riverside.fm is a professional-grade remote recording platform designed specifically for podcasters, video creators, and broadcasters who need studio-quality audio and video while recording guests from different locations. Founded in 2020 by Nadav Keyson and Gideon Keyson, Riverside emerged during a period when remote content creation became essential, and quickly established itself as the premium solution for capturing high-quality remote recordings. The platform records each participant locally at full quality, then uploads the files, eliminating the quality degradation that plagues typical video conferencing solutions.

What distinguishes Riverside from standard video conferencing tools is its focus on production quality rather than just communication. While Zoom or Google Meet prioritize real-time conversation with compressed streams, Riverside captures uncompressed audio up to 48kHz WAV quality and video up to 4K resolution directly on each participant’s device. This approach ensures that even with imperfect internet connections, the final recording maintains studio-grade quality. The local recording technology represents a fundamental rethinking of how remote content should be captured.

Riverside has become the choice of major media organizations, podcasters, and content creators who refuse to compromise on quality. Networks including BBC, Spotify, and Marvel use Riverside for remote productions that would otherwise require expensive studio time. The platform combines this professional capability with an intuitive interface that requires no technical expertise from guests, making it equally accessible to professional studios and independent podcasters. For anyone creating content with remote participants, Riverside provides the quality that audiences expect from professional productions.

Key Features

• Local Recording: Records audio and video locally on each participant’s device at full quality, unaffected by internet fluctuations.
• Studio-Quality Audio: Captures uncompressed audio up to 48kHz WAV quality, matching professional recording studio standards.
• 4K Video Recording: Records video up to 4K resolution locally, providing broadcast-quality footage for video podcasts and productions.
• Separate Track Recording: Automatically provides separate audio and video files for each participant, enabling professional post-production editing.
• Live Streaming: Stream recordings live to platforms including YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn while simultaneously capturing high-quality local recordings.
• AI Transcription: Automatic transcription of recordings in multiple languages with speaker identification for content repurposing.
• Magic Clips: AI-powered feature that automatically identifies shareable clip moments from longer recordings.
• Text-Based Editing: Edit recordings by editing the transcript, with video automatically adjusting to text changes.
• Producer Mode: Behind-the-scenes controls allowing producers to manage recordings without appearing on screen.
• Green Room: Waiting area where participants can check their setup before entering the main recording session.

What’s New

Riverside continues to enhance its platform with AI capabilities, improved quality features, and expanded tools for content creators.

• Enhanced AI Features: More accurate transcription, improved Magic Clips detection, and smarter content analysis.
• Text-Based Editing: Revolutionary editing approach allowing full video editing through transcript manipulation.
• Improved Video Quality: Better compression algorithms maintaining quality while reducing file sizes and upload times.
• Live Streaming Enhancements: More platforms supported and improved stream quality with better encoding.
• Mobile Recording: Enhanced mobile apps enabling quality recording from phones and tablets.
• Integration Expansion: Better connections with editing software, content management systems, and publishing platforms.
• Performance Updates: Faster uploads, smoother recordings, and improved stability across browsers.
• Collaboration Features: Better team management and shared workspace capabilities for production teams.

System Requirements

Browser Requirements

• Google Chrome (recommended, required for full features)
• Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based)
• Brave Browser
• Stable internet connection (uploads can continue after recording)
• Microphone and webcam for participants

Recommended Specifications

• Processor: Intel Core i5 or equivalent (Core i7 for 4K)
• RAM: 8 GB minimum (16 GB recommended for video)
• Storage: Sufficient space for local recordings before upload
• Internet: 10 Mbps upload minimum (25 Mbps for 4K)
• Audio: External microphone recommended for best quality

Mobile Apps

• iOS: iPhone 8 or newer, iOS 14.0 or later
• Android: Android 9.0 or later, 4 GB RAM recommended
• Works as guest participant or host

How to Use Riverside.fm

Recording a Podcast

1. Create account at riverside.fm
2. Create a new studio with your preferred settings
3. Customize branding and recording quality options
4. Invite guests via unique link (no account needed)
5. Use green room to verify everyone’s setup
6. Record your session with local quality capture
7. Download separate tracks for post-production

# Access Riverside
https://riverside.fm

# Create free account or start trial
# No software installation required

# Guest access works without account
# Guests receive unique studio invite link

# Recordings download as separate tracks:
# - Audio: WAV or MP3 per participant
# - Video: MP4 per participant
# - Combined mix available

Live Streaming

1. Connect streaming destinations in settings
2. Configure stream quality and layout
3. Start recording with live stream enabled
4. Manage stream while capturing local quality
5. End stream while continuing local recording if needed
6. Access both stream archive and local recordings

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Studio Quality: Local recording technology captures audio and video quality impossible with standard video conferencing.
• Separate Tracks: Individual files for each participant enable professional post-production flexibility.
• Internet Independence: Recording quality unaffected by connection issues since files are captured locally.
• Easy Guest Experience: Guests need no accounts or downloads, just click a link in Chrome browser.
• AI Features: Transcription, clip detection, and text-based editing save significant post-production time.
• Live Streaming: Simultaneous streaming and local recording satisfies both live audience and production quality needs.
• Professional Features: Producer mode, green room, and branding create polished, professional recording sessions.

Cons

• Browser Limitation: Full features require Chrome-based browsers, excluding Safari and Firefox users from recording.
• Upload Wait: Large files, especially 4K video, can take significant time to upload after recording completes.
• Pricing: Professional features require subscription that may be expensive for hobbyist podcasters.
• Internet for Upload: While recording works offline, uploading requires stable connection afterward.
• Learning Curve: Advanced features like producer mode require some time to master effectively.

Riverside vs Alternatives

Who Should Use Riverside.fm?

Riverside is ideal for:

• Professional Podcasters: Hosts who need broadcast-quality audio and video for remote guest interviews.
• Video Podcast Creators: Those producing video podcasts requiring separate tracks for professional editing.
• Media Companies: Organizations producing remote content at scale needing reliable quality and workflows.
• Content Agencies: Agencies producing podcasts for clients requiring consistent professional quality.
• Live Streamers: Creators wanting to stream live while simultaneously capturing high-quality recordings.
• Remote Interviewers: Journalists and documentary makers recording remote interviews for broadcast.

Riverside may not be ideal for:

• Casual Podcasters: Hobbyists may not justify the cost when simpler free solutions exist.
• Non-Chrome Users: Those committed to Safari or Firefox cannot fully utilize the platform.
• Audio-Only Focus: Podcasters without video needs might find dedicated audio platforms more cost-effective.
• Limited Internet: Users with slow connections will struggle with upload times for large files.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Riverside different from Zoom?

The fundamental difference is recording approach. Zoom records video streams as they pass through servers, with quality affected by internet conditions. Riverside records locally on each participant’s device at full quality, then uploads afterward. This means Riverside recordings maintain professional quality regardless of connection stability during the call. Zoom is designed for communication first, while Riverside is designed for production quality first.

Do my guests need to install anything?

No, guests simply click the studio link you send them and join through their Chrome-based browser without creating accounts or downloading software. They will be prompted to allow microphone and camera access. The green room feature lets them verify their setup before entering. This guest-friendly approach means you can invite anyone to record without technical barriers or preparation requirements.

What happens if internet disconnects during recording?

Since Riverside records locally on each participant’s device, a disconnect does not affect already-recorded content. If a participant loses connection, their local recording continues if they remain on the page. When connection restores, they rejoin the session. After recording ends, files upload to Riverside’s cloud. Even with poor internet, the locally recorded quality is preserved and uploads when possible.

Can I edit recordings within Riverside?

Yes, Riverside includes a built-in editor with a unique text-based editing approach. The automatic transcription becomes your editing interface, where deleting text deletes the corresponding audio and video. You can also create clips, add basic effects, and export polished content directly. For complex post-production, download separate tracks for use in dedicated editing software like Adobe Premiere or Logic Pro.

How long does uploading take?

Upload time depends on recording length, quality settings, and your internet speed. Audio-only recordings are relatively quick. Video recordings, especially at 4K quality, can take significant time. Riverside provides progress indicators and continues uploading even if you close the browser, completing in the background. Plan for upload time in your workflow, especially for longer recordings or when deadlines are tight.

Final Verdict

Riverside has established itself as the gold standard for remote podcast and video recording through its innovative local recording technology. The ability to capture studio-quality audio and video regardless of internet conditions solves the fundamental problem that plagued remote content creation. For professional podcasters and media producers, this technology difference translates directly into content quality that matches in-studio recordings.

The platform combines this technical excellence with thoughtful features for the entire content creation workflow. AI transcription and text-based editing accelerate post-production, while live streaming enables dual-purpose recording sessions. The guest experience requires no technical sophistication, making it easy to record with anyone regardless of their technical abilities. These features demonstrate understanding of real production needs.

For serious podcasters and video creators, Riverside justifies its pricing through quality that genuinely differentiates final content. The free tier allows exploration before commitment, and the investment pays back in reduced post-production time and improved listener experience. While casual podcasters may find adequate solutions elsewhere, those who prioritize audio and video quality will find Riverside delivers capabilities that no alternative can match for remote recording.