> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://cotovan.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Upload Separate Recordings in Riverside and Edit as Multi-Track
- URL: https://cotovan.com/post/import-separate-recordings-riverside-multi-track/
- Published: 2025-11-12T15:13:08.000Z
- Updated: 2025-11-17T14:01:00.000Z
- Description: If you record one-on-one sessions in a studio or use a different recorder, you can still bring those files into Riverside and treat them like native multi-track sessions.
- Author: Cristi Cotovan
- Tags: Riverside.FM Articles

I discovered how to edit separate recordings in [Riverside](https://cotovan.com/riverside) as [multi-track](https://cotovan.com/post/mastering-multi-track-editing-riverside) recently, and it now enables me to handle interviews recorded outside the platform. 

In this tutorial I’ll show the exact steps I use to upload separate files, synchronize them, and use Riverside’s editing and [AI tools](https://cotovan.com/post/mastering-multi-track-editing-riverside) to finish an episode.

## Step 1: Create a new project

Start in your Riverside studio and choose **Projects → New Project**. Give the project a name - it doesn’t matter much since you can rename later. Creating a project is required before you upload files so Riverside has a container to process and store the synchronized multi-track session.

![Riverside 'Start creating' screen showing action tiles including Upload and Edit](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/videotoblog-35c6e.appspot.com/o/users%2FTWUpT5QJ8DNUvCX1GiQWOVEmaQG3%2F6K0k5holzKovu7zyIZFC%2F637a176e-dc23-450c-bfb8-6d20a6bff717?alt=media&token=147a1d92-ea8d-4a70-bee0-39caffc8cb14)

## Step 2: Upload the separate recordings

Click Upload instead of Record. Riverside supports uploading files from your local drive or importing from Google Drive. Select the video (or audio) files you recorded separately. I usually select each participant’s camera feed or [clean audio](https://cotovan.com/post/separate-speakers-audio-file-riverside-fm) track. Hold your modifier key to pick multiple files at once, then click Open.

![Mac Finder window with multiple files selected (Chris.mp4 and Cristi.mp4 highlighted) ready to open](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/videotoblog-35c6e.appspot.com/o/users%2FTWUpT5QJ8DNUvCX1GiQWOVEmaQG3%2F6K0k5holzKovu7zyIZFC%2F11177336-f3b2-4bc1-82a5-10e7738de796?alt=media&token=3891b697-a114-463f-b44d-13cf22477c41)

When you upload, Riverside will detect multiple files and ask if these are different participants from the same recording session. If they are part of the same conversation and already time-aligned, check that box. That is the key step to tell Riverside to combine the files as a synchronized multi-track.

If you’re eager to learn more about Riverside and wish to have ****a one-on-one Riverside coaching session**, feel free to [book a call with me](https://cotovan.com/coaching).   
  
I’m here to help you with any questions you have and to guide you through the best workflows, tips, workarounds, or just answer any questions you may have!

[Book a session ](https://cotovan.com/coaching) 

If the files are unrelated, don’t check the box - Riverside will keep them as separate recordings.

![Riverside upload dialog showing two uploaded participant files with the 'These are different participants from the same recording session' checkbox checked and the Upload button.](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/videotoblog-35c6e.appspot.com/o/users%2FTWUpT5QJ8DNUvCX1GiQWOVEmaQG3%2F6K0k5holzKovu7zyIZFC%2Fdf750c0e-8340-4725-8ebc-8372614de45c?alt=media&token=16b12541-212e-4a73-8981-684656dc964d)

## Step 3: Ensure tracks are time-aligned before upload

Riverside only assembles the files into a multi-track edit if each track starts at the same time and is in sync. Before you upload, verify the recordings start and end at the same time. If they’re offset by a few seconds, adjust them in your local editor or add silent padding so each file begins at the same timestamp, to prevent unexpected results. This small prep step prevents sync issues and saves editing time later.

## Step 4: Let Riverside process and create the project

After upload, Riverside will process the files. This step includes free [transcription](https://cotovan.com/post/transcribe-your-own-files-with-riverside) and audio/video processing. Depending on file size, this may take a few minutes. When processing finishes, Riverside will list the recordings inside the project exactly like native Riverside sessions.

You’ll see the files available to download, edit, and use [in the editor](https://cotovan.com/post/mastering-multi-track-editing-riverside/).

![Riverside project overview showing two participant thumbnails, tracks, and download/edit options.](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/videotoblog-35c6e.appspot.com/o/users%2FTWUpT5QJ8DNUvCX1GiQWOVEmaQG3%2F6K0k5holzKovu7zyIZFC%2Ffcd63df4-2f6f-4e61-a47e-b459c8d5b39e?alt=media&token=d8a06df4-94d3-4e41-a017-dbd1a8953895)

Riverside also creates a “magic episode” automatically. It applies your [brand kit](https://cotovan.com/post/apply-branding-with-one-click-in-riversidefm-brand-kit) (logo, caption presets), generates show notes with AI, and starts producing social clips and longer “magic segments.” This automated output gives you a head start if you want quick promotional assets.

## Step 5: Open the edit and verify the multi-track assembly

Go to **Recordings** inside the project and click Edit to open the Riverside editor. You’ll notice a few things immediately:

- **Transcripts** are already generated and aligned to the timeline.
- **Chapters** are created automatically and appear in the left navigation.
- The **separate tracks** are already aligned and accessible as discrete participant tracks.

![Riverside editor showing transcript on the left, a video preview at top right, and clearly aligned colored audio waveforms in the timeline with a playhead cursor.](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/videotoblog-35c6e.appspot.com/o/%2Fusers%2FTWUpT5QJ8DNUvCX1GiQWOVEmaQG3%2Fblogs%2F6K0k5holzKovu7zyIZFC%2Fscreenshots%2F2c203f6c-de9a-4b05-8efd-f41cc2afca7b.webp?alt=media&token=4ce581b7-4b0f-4bc8-b871-7edea530c913)

At this point you can switch camera angles, hide or show tracks, and treat the session exactly like a recording made inside Riverside. All the [Riverside editor features](https://cotovan.com/post/riverside-features-complete-review-for-podcasters-creators/) are available to you because Riverside assembled the files as a multi-track project.

## Step 6: Use Riverside’s AI tools to speed up post-production

Riverside exposes the full AI toolset for uploaded multi-track sessions. From the AI Tools menu you can:

1. Remove **pauses and filler words** (ums, ahs).
2. Apply **Magic Audio** to clean noise and balance levels.
3. Use **Smart Mute** to silence non-speaking tracks automatically.
4. Adjust **eye contact** on video tracks where available.

![Riverside editor AI Tools panel showing 'Remove pauses', 'Remove filler words', 'Magic Audio', 'Smart Mute', and 'Eye contact' options beside the video preview](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/videotoblog-35c6e.appspot.com/o/users%2FTWUpT5QJ8DNUvCX1GiQWOVEmaQG3%2F6K0k5holzKovu7zyIZFC%2F5505a1af-2b74-4327-a537-d2f2ac1f4f72?alt=media&token=4987639d-1b3e-4c44-ab48-4579b2b40b74)

These features let you polish separate recordings in Riverside as multi-track sessions without switching platforms. I often run automatic cleanup first, then fine-tune manually for pacing and emphasis.

## Step 7: Create clips, show notes, and export

Once your edit is ready, use Riverside’s publishing tools. You can:

- Generate social clips using the AI-created hooks and magic segments.
- Export a branded episode video that uses your layout and caption presets.
- Download individual tracks for further local processing, or publish directly to a supported podcast host (or publish to Riverside, if you use Riverside hosting).

Because Riverside treated the upload as a multi-track session, switching layouts and camera angles will be a breeze.

## When to use this workflow

I use the ability to edit separate recordings in Riverside as multi-track when:

- I record interviews in a professional studio that provides clean video and audio but want Riverside’s AI and publishing tools.
- I have existing episodes recorded elsewhere and want to migrate them into Riverside for centralized editing and hosting.
- I record locally with separate recorders and need smart mutes, filler removal, or branded clip generation without manual multi-track assembly.

I hope this clear, step-by-step guide helps you confidently start and edit separate recordings in Riverside as multi-track projects. 

## Free Riverside Tips, Tricks,   
and Training in Your Inbox

I create regular training content on [Riverside.fm](https://cotovan.com/riverside) \- if you're trying to learn the platform, I intend to teach all the ins and outs. Subscribe here and when a new article or video goes live, you'll be the first to know!

Subscribe for free 

Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. 

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.