Loom Reviews & Product Details
Loom is a video-making platform that is designed to help businesses facilitate better and more efficient workplace communication through video and screen recording. It empowers users to use a web-based interface that supports screen recording and screen capture, shared via a link for easy viewing.
| Segment |
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|---|---|
| Deployment | Cloud / SaaS / Web-Based, Desktop Mac, Desktop Windows, Mobile Android, Mobile iPhone |
| Support | 24/7 (Live rep), Chat, Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support |
| Training | Documentation |
| Languages | English |
Loom Pros and Cons
- Dedicated mobile apps for Android and iOS
- Quick screen recording with handy webcam overlay
- UI is clean and easy to navigate
- Loom Chrome extension has multiple recording options
- Transcripts aren’t always accurate
- The free version restricts videos to five minutes
The popularity of remote and hybrid work is increasing at an incredible rate. Since the pandemic, around 16% of companies worldwide have gone fully-remote, while 62% of companies allow their staff to work remotely on occasion.
The distributed nature of the workplace today means companies need to invest in new tools to keep their staff aligned and connected. Whether you’re sharing messages in Slack, or video conferencing in Microsoft Teams, you’re probably already investing in tools that will support the change landscape of work.
Loom is quickly emerging as one of the most valuable platforms in remote and asynchronous work. It focuses on allowing users to capture video content, screenshots, and other information for recipients to watch whenever they choose. This can be a lot easier for teams looking to communicate when other staff members aren’t available for a real-time video call.
Today’s Loom review will explore everything you need to know about leveraging this video and screen-capture tool for the age of asynchronous and remote work.
Loom Pros and Cons
Loom Features
Loom is the leading video communication platform for asynchronous work. Designed for speed and simplicity, the solution allows you to record, share, and interact with videos. Over 14 million people across 200,000 companies use Loom to work more collaboratively.
The primary features of Loom include:
- Screen recording: Record your camera, screen, or both simultaneously to share useful insights with your colleagues wherever they are.
- Chrome extension and desktop app: You can record videos with up to 4k quality with a desktop app, or leverage 1080p recording with the Chrome extension.
- Video stitching: If you need to record multiple videos for a tutorial or guidance for another employee, you can stitch them together into a full video.
- Screenshot: If videos aren’t necessary to share contextual information with a co-worker, you can take a simple screenshot and share that through the cloud instead.
- Automatic transcriptions: Using AI technology, Loom can transcribe your video, making it easier to access to a wider range of viewers.
- Filler word removal: If you’re worried about the number of “uhs” and “umms” included in your video content when sharing with a manager or supervisor, remove them with one click.
- Video hosting: Cloud-based video hosting is included with Loom, so you can store your content in an easily-searchable place. This is ideal for sharing the same video with more people, or checking back over previous videos.
- Backgrounds and frames: Add some personality and branding to your looms with custom backgrounds and designs. This can be a great way to make your videos more fun.
- Comments and reactions: Your colleagues can react to your looms with emojis, or leave comments and annotations to keep the conversation going.
How to Get Started with Loom
One of the things that makes Loom so compelling to modern workforces is how easy it is to use. It only takes a few seconds to sign up with Loom using your Google, Slack, or Apple ID. You can also create an account with an email address or SSO.
Once you’ve created an account, you can simply install your application onto your device. Downloads are available for Windows and Mac, and you can get the iOS or Android app directly from respective app stores. There’s also a Chrome extension for Loom.
After installing the application, you’ll have to make sure you enable permissions for recording from your microphone, webcam, and screen. The desktop application will appear in your system tray or menu bar, so you can start recording with one click. There’s also the option to set up keyboard shortcuts.
When you’re fully setup, you can start recording your videos instantly. By default, the app records your screen with a webcam overlay, but you can also choose to record your face or screen individually. The iOS version of Loom does not allow for recording both your webcam and your screen at once, however.
Before you begin recording, you’ll be able to reposition and resize the webcam overlay, and choose whether you want to capture a portion of your screen or the whole thing. You can also decide whether to record system audio alongside your voice.
When you’re done recording, the entire video will automatically upload to the Loom cloud environment, and be accessible through your account. Here, you can edit the video in various basic ways, such as stitching different pieces of content together, cutting out the parts you don’t need, and adding “call to action” buttons which popup for users after the video finishes.
Notably, every video created with Loom is automatically made “public”. You can share the link to anyone, and they’ll be able to watch it without signing up for an account. The share button also offers one-click sharing for social media, and access to code for embedding videos on a website. The Chrome Extension will also automatically convert videos into embedded content for Google Doc, JIRA, Gmail, and GitLab.
Users viewing your video can speed up playback, react with emojis throughout the viewing process, see an automatic transcript, and leave comments.
Loom Pricing
Loom’s pricing structure is relatively straightforward. There are 3 primary plans to choose from, starting with an attractive free package.
Options include:
Starter
Price: Free
The Starter plan is free for anyone who wants to record quick videos (less than 5 minutes) and share them with colleagues quickly. You can use this package with up to 50 creators, and create 25 videos per person, with access to features like:
- Privacy controls
- Viewer insights
- Unlimited transcriptions
- Instant editing and gif thumbnails
- Screen recording and cam bubbles
- Personal, shared and team libraries
- Video quality of up to 720p
- System audio, with background noise suppression
- Recording canvas with virtual backgrounds
Business
Price: $8 per user per month
The Business plan comes with all the free features of Loom for unlimited creators, and 50 Creators “Lite”. You can create as many videos as you like with unlimited recording lengths. As well as the features in the Starter pack, you also get:
- High-def recording up to 4k
- Drawing tools and mouse emphasis
- Custom recording dimensions and branding
- Filler word removal
- Embedded links for videos
- Removal of Loom branding and custom colors
- Video archiving and uploads
- Viewer insights and engagement insights
- Closed captions
- Security and password protection
Enterprise
Price: Custom
Designed for companies with specific recording needs and privacy requirements, the Enterprise plan gives you more advanced admin and security settings. You can also set up unlimited members, videos, and record for as long as you choose. Along with all the features in the Business plan, you’ll also get access to:
- SSO (SAML) and SCIM (Okta) security
- Advanced privacy features
- Custom data retention policies
- Salesforce integrations
- Activity log reports
- Restricted viewing and access
- User roles and management
- Priority dedicated support and account manager
Loom for Education
If you’re a teacher in the digital world, you can access a specialist plan specifically for education. Loom offers qualified educators access to premium features and unlimited recordings for free. You also get advanced HD videos, up to 45 minute recording lengths, and unlimited viewers.
Password protected videos, call-to-action buttons, search functionality, and system audio tools are also included as part of the package.
Loom Alternatives: Your Other Options
Loom is an excellent tool for rapidly creating and sharing video content and screens with your colleagues. It’s easy-to-use, packed full of useful features, and relatively affordable compared to some other options. However, there are other solutions out there.
Some of the most compelling alternatives include:
Slack Clips
Slack Clips is the native screen recording feature built into Slack. If you’re already using the Slack service for asynchronous collaboration, it might make sense to choose this product over Loom. With Clips, you can not only capture screen information, but also add voice overs to something, and implement your webcam too.
The Slack Clips feature doesn’t work outside of Slack, so you will need an account to start using the service. Clips can also only be shared in channels or through Slack direct messages. There’s also a five minute limit with no way to increase your recording options.
You’ll also need a paid account with Slack to access this service. Clips is not included as part of the Slack free package.
Dropbox Capture
If you’re using Dropbox for storing and managing files in the remote working world, you can also tap into one of the most recent features introduced by Dropbox. “Dropbox Capture” automatically uploads the videos you create directly into your Dropbox folder, which makes it ideal for sharing with distributed team members.
Though still relatively new to Dropbox, the Capture function offers many of the same features as Loom, including the option to take a screenshot, record your screen, or combine your screen recording with a view of your webcam. You can also record audio, or make a gif this way.
All of the content you produce will be saved to the Capture folder in your Dropbox account. You’ll also be able to hover over the capture to collect an URL to share with colleagues. The “Markup” feature allows you to draw on your content and add annotations.
Asana
Another option for those who already have a dedicated productivity and collaboration tool in place with their team, Asana comes with a range of “add-on” features for screen recording and video. One of the most common options is the “Coview” service, which allows you to create detailed videos and screen recordings with a couple of clicks.
You can also use Coview as part of your customer service strategy, allowing customers to capture information and code-level insights into any problem they’re having. All of the content is stored to your Asana account, where you can export screenshots and recordings as Asana tasks.
While the features aren’t exactly the same as the ones you’ll get from Loom, they’re pretty straightforward, and ideal for customer service teams.
Mac and Windows Screen Recording Tools
If you want to avoid adding any more apps to your workplace, or you need to keep your budget as low as possible, Mac and Windows devices also have some of their own screen capturing options. You can capture an entire screen, window, or portion of a screen on a Mac by pressing shift, command, and 3 together on your device.
The QuickTime player on Mac also allows you to capture video recordings of your computer screen. Simply open the QuickTime player, then click on “File”, then “New Screen Recording”. You’ll be able to control exactly which portion of the screen you want to record, and decide whether you want to include your pointer in the recording.
On Windows, the best way to capture screen recordings is with the “Game Bar”, built for Xbox consoles. You can access this feature by going into “Settings > Gaming > Xbox Bar”. From there, enable the Xbox Game Bar, and you’ll be able to start recording videos or taking a screenshot with the click of a button. You can also trigger the game bar with shortcuts.
You should be able to record activity in most windows and applications with Game Bar, and there are various tools for allowing you to adjust your recordings, adding audio, and reducing the size of your screen.
Loom Review: Finishing Thoughts
For capturing asynchronous video messages, screenshots, and screen recordings, Loom is one of the simplest tools on the market. It’s ideal for beginners who want to be able to capture quick videos to share with colleagues in an instant. The fact that other people don’t need an account to watch your videos can make it much easier to collaborate with Loom.
Share your experiences with the Loom app in the comments below, and let us know if you prefer any of the alternative options available today.
I love that people can see the screen as I'm explaining something. I also love that I can see view counts to know if someone really watched my video. It's super helpful
I don't that I have ever been upset about loom. Perhaps that you have to pay to have over certain number of videos.
It allows me to visually show the problems I have on my design.
Super easy to use and share the videos with others
The video editing features are a bit tricky and hard to navigate - I'd rather restart a video than have to edit.
Use Loom to do video reviews of student submissions in order to visualize better and explain where they need to improve - this has helped them much more then written feedback. Also use it for video walkthroughs within the office.
My work requires me to give people feedback and teach. I love how easy loom makes it for me to do everything from provide training videos, give feedback on marketing materials, or capture more eyes with my outreach messages. It's intuitive and has stayed true to the original value prop of the service.
It used to autocopy the link when I finished a video and I miss that feature.
It captures emotion, context and my screen allowing me to relay info more effectively and quickly. I also appreciate that I can edit videos now instead of rerecording the same thing over and over hoping to be perfect.
I have been using Loom daily for the better part of two years, and I could not be more pleased with the technology. It is reliable, easy to use, and tremendously effective.
I wish I received alerts every time a viewer watches a video and not just the first time.
Loom enables me to get my message out in front of prospects most engagingly. Using video I am able to communicate thoughts and ideas more clearly both with body language and the use of video screen recording.
I enjoy being able to quickly clarify something that is usually visual in nature with our industry in signage and branding to either a client or our designers that isn't always as clear even with a detailed bullet list or phone call.
I'm not sure I ever thought about dislikes because I use it so much but haven't run across a dislike yet I can recall.
Visual design clarification for signage design. Usually with designers and clients to better clarify something that isn't easy to do or would be too long to explain in a typed format.
Ever heard of "death by meetings?" Loom solves that problem for my team of colleauges who collaborate from all over the world. I can train, share ideas, and give detailed context in minutes rather than scheduling and enduring long meetings. Loom is the productivity hack that anyone who values their own time and flexibility needs.
Loom used to auto-clip the most recent recording link to my clipboard, but recently has discontinued this feature. I'd like to see that come back.
I am able to give live context to my team or clients about the software that we sell. My role is to educate our users on our platform and loom is the best way to narrate live screen sharing, and then create engaging content.
So, I've gotta gush about Loom for a sec. Seriously, I'm kind of obsessed. It's like the ultimate game-changer for all things screen and video recording. Remember those days of fumbling with complex software just to share a simple demo or message? Gone! With Loom, it's like chatting with a friend and then just hitting 'send'. It's a breeze to use, super fun, and has made my life a zillion times easier. I use it daily, in business to train my team, to communicate with clients, to record an expalanation to a question and I even use it to send clients, colleagues and friends a quick video to say hello. Durin the pandemic, this tool allowed me to stay in touch and be top of mind. If you're not on the Loom love train yet, you're missing out. Highly recommend giving it a whirl! 💙🎥🚂🎉
I'd like to see Loom have stronger video features to be able to record to camera at a higher resolution and with the ability to correct lighting or better blurring of backgrounds.
Loom allows me to quickly record my screen to respond to questions or show someone steps we took to resolve a problem. Loom also allows us to train quickly to onboard new hires or clients. It allows us to be seen as professional problem solvers using technology and providing our clients peace of mind. It also allows me to stay connected with remote team members and clients.
I love the functionality to splice together clips, speed up clips, and auto-add captions. It makes it extremely easy to change the video in post-production to make it exactly how I want it to play.
I don't like the user interface at times when using the Chrome Extension. It is hard to move around the screen, can glitch and cause me to have to retake the video.
I am in sales, I use Loom to personalize messaging to customers and to add something that makes my emails more likely to be opened and interacted with. Great to not land in a spam folder.
The ability to express in a few words with the support of screen sharing, what I am trying to convey
Only thing is that sometimes I wish I could show easily a particular section or area on the screen that I am sharing
Avoiding wasting time and having to repeat myself
I love the time I save when being able to help customers on my own time. I love that it delivers a personal touch, without having to be on a call with the customer in real time.
Just some of the clicking around- trying to make sure I am sharing the correct images/screens, but this is more user oriented.
solving time from not having to organize a meeting time that works for myself and my customers. I can record a tutorial and send it to the customer without having to worry about hopping on a call.
Easy to utilize. User friendly. I use it for all of my training videos.
Nothing. I share with anyone who might need it
Training with the team. We are a virtual company and this helps bridge the gap within our team
The timesavings. I hate worthless meetings. And loom is the solution to it! I've recorded so many looms over the years and it's helped onboard my team, helped customers, and done so much more!
Sometimes stitching together videos is a little cumbersome, but I think I've finally gotten the hang of it.
In our remote first culture, it helps us cut down drastically on meetings. Their new AI features are great as well!
Loom is incredibly easy to use, and the chrome extension makes access a breeze. What I REALLY like though, is that they have found ways to seamlessly integrate AI into the tool in a way that I don't even have to interact with to see the benefits from. For example, as soon as I'm done recording a video it creates a title for the video automatically and it's actually really good!
There's not really anything I can think of that I don't like about loom..
We are a fully remote company, and loom helps us easily create tutorials and send video messages to other members of our team. Since alot of us are in different time zones, it helps us eliminate the need to schedule so many different meetings.
The ease of recording, stiching and editing videos - all within the app.
I wish it were possible for me to stich in other videos where I want them to be, instead of just appending new videos to the end of the exisiting.
Teaching internal teams and external customers on how to use our product as well as new features.
I do all of my coaching on Loom. It's so easy to use, I can Screenshare and I can see when my clients view my videos.
I'd love to see Loom add some features like campaigns so I can use it more for marketing
I don't have to do live phone calls anymore for coaching.
I'm a designer and I use Loom to present designs to my clients throughout my process. It saves me so much time because I can skip the meeting and also gives my clients more time to provide feedback. I also LOVE that it takes the pressure off. I can use my notes while I'm presenting to make sure I don't forget anything and if I say something incorrectly or the dog starts barking, I can edit out later or hit pause.
There really isn't much I dislike about Loom. At times the desktop extension can be a bit glitchy, but it seems to have been improved recently and I haven't had too much issue with it lately.
Loom allows me to communicate in my own voice with my clients. I'm able to talk through my designs without unnecessary meetings. I love that I can share my screen and talk through my process in a much more meaningful way than just an email.
Easy to use, easy to change settings, choose desktop screen, have face on camera, move location of face bubble. I haven't had to make too many big edits, like cropping and combining videos so I'm not sure how features in that realm perform.
I don't know if there's already a setting for this, but I want to change the countdown for the video start to not be 3 seconds. I get impatient in those 3 seconds.
Loom makes it really easy to share work flow processes or report strange product behaviors. These are the most helpful features for me. I also like having access to create videos to provide information and demos to clients to save me time.
We use Loom for videos to accompany our how-to support articles as well as product announcement videos. It's changed the way that we present interact with our users!
Maybe that the control options are visible on videos? I'd love to have those hidden and maybe use a keyboard shortcut to end the video, that way it's seemless and doesn't require editing.
We're able to capture screen recording of product easily and quickly. This helps with product announcements, making quick support videos for specific use cases, and videos to accompany our support articles.
Loom is one of my most used tools. It's fast and easy to use, and it makes remote working a breeze. Saves me a lot of time on unnecessary calls.
The browser extension doesn't always work for me. I use the desktop version instead.
It allows me to quickly and easily capture my workflow and share with the team and clients.
The most helpful aspect of loom is that I can create highly personalized touches for my clients that are ready for them to watch when they have a few moments!
There is not a single thing I dislike about it!
It solves the problem of not being able to get ahold of a client, this allows for me to connect with people in different time zones and different schedules. It also allows for me to SHOW clients info they need, and is great for visual learners!