Unclaimed: Are you working at Loom?
Loom Reviews: 4.7/5 — Highly Rated
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 |
Small Business
Mid Market
Enterprise
|
|---|---|
| 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
With remote and hybrid work now standard across industries, the way teams communicate has fundamentally shifted.
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. In October 2023, Loom was acquired by Atlassian, expanding its integration with tools like Jira and Confluence. Designed for speed and simplicity, the solution allows you to record, share, and interact with videos. Millions of users across hundreds of thousands of 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.
Mac OS app allows to record videos straight from the menu bar
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.
‘Looms’ are stored in the cloud making them easily available for your team
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.
Get started with Loom for free
Loom Pricing
Loom’s pricing structure is relatively straightforward. There are multiple plans to choose from, starting with an attractive free package. Visit Loom’s pricing page for current rates.
Starter
Loom offers a free plan with basic recording capabilities, including screen recording, cam bubbles, privacy controls, viewer insights, and unlimited transcriptions.
Business
The Business plan comes with all the free features of Loom plus unlimited creators and recording lengths. You also get high-def recording up to 4k, drawing tools, custom branding, filler word removal, engagement insights, closed captions, and security features.
Enterprise
Designed for companies with specific recording needs and privacy requirements, the Enterprise plan gives you more advanced admin and security settings, including SSO, SCIM, custom data retention policies, activity log reports, and priority dedicated support.
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.
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.
It makes communicating with clients about technical issues easy.
It's still a tad buggy. My Chrome has hung.
Communication
Record a presentation with a camera is useful and easy.
Sometimes it's difficult to trim and edit the video.
Time you waste in a personal presentation, you can resume with loom in 5 minutes.
I turn meetings into 5 min. videos, and the same explkanation can be used a lot of times (i spare time)
WIsh i could have more time (i know the paid version gives that, but...)
Matter of always explaining the same stuff to people (like onboardings)
What I like the best about loom is the ease of use of the platform. It makes it really easy to share useful videos with your teammates or in any other case out of work. It can save you a lot of hours in meaningless reunions.
I can't say I dislike something about loom since it is really helpful and easy to use. Sometimes I have encountered an error when I recorded but there is a really low chance of that happening.
Loom has helped me to send some of my coworkers information when there wasn't time for a reunion or a call. It can be really helpful to have a database of processes for your company so anyone can go to them for any reference.
the seamless integrations and ability to embed a gif of the video for people to clikc on. i also love the floating face to add personality
i wish it was able to be played in the embed without sending them to a new web page. i also wish it would load faster
quick training or SOP work flows can now be send and distributed in minutes instead of coordinating on calendars and running full meetings
Loom has replaced a ton of my meetings. People are visual learners so now when someone asks me a question, I often "Record a loom" instead of getting on a call. Then they can watch that loom on their own time (even speeding it up to save more time!!). This saves a TON of meetings. Also, I now have the recordings. So when someone later asks the same question, I can just send them the old loom. This has been a total game-changer to the way my company and I work.
Screensharing rules keep changing so sometimes I have trouble picking the right window or getting my USB camera to be recognized.
Time! Less meetings & more efficient communication amongst my team and with customers.
Easy to use, Easy to share, Intuitive to use
Not applicable. I use most of the time for sharing knowledge with coworkers, so far I have not disliked anything about Loom.
Very helpful in remote world. I share loom videos with my co-workers and vice versa.
How easy it is to just record a short video and share it with the rest of your team or friends.
The lack of options to hide the record button (or if the option exists, how hard it is that I did not find it after using this for a year)
Recording videos easily and sharing recorded videos fast.
Loom helps me save sooo much time in unnecessary calls and expedite the process with my clients and colleagues
Some occasional bugs but seems to be doing better lately.
Hand over client presentations and feedback with my team.
So easy to use! It helps cut down on meetings, long lengthy emails can instead be a 30 second Loom. Also we use in customer facing materials and its much more personal!
Not able to embed a Loom video into a HubSpot email
Reducing email/slack back and fourths
It is easy to use, it is easy to share, it requires minimal training, and it's great for onboarding new team members. When we are setting up something complex, it is a great tool to help them see and hear what we are doing.
Downside is that if I mess up I have to completely restart the video.
Showing clearly how to do and keeping records of important tasks. I can always go back and view a video if I forget how to do something.
We save a lot of time using loom messages. It's supper easy integrated in our day to day flow. And also we starting to use it more and more for our marketing and sales efforts.
I had few issues with version update, it sometimes slow , and holds me back when I need to record something right now. Also I really missed the lack of noise cancelling , but it was added in recent versions already.
Saves a lot of time and makes our in team communication clear and effective.
I love the Chrome extension that allows quick recording and sharing. I also appreciate the confirmation of views so that I can ensure that the team is actively learning.
My team doesn't seem to embrace the in-video interactions for comments and likes which I wish they would.
Quick and personal communication with my team. Plus easy how to's with clients.
its just so easy yet powerful way to explain anything as a remote worker.
i have not found anything i do not like on loom.
My entire team is remote. when slack or email does not work and we are too busy to meet. a quick loom is usually the fastest way to get a point across.
Combination of screen share and camera recording.
Sometimes it's a bit lacking. The count down is not working properly when sharing only a tab.
It helps me to show product changes or record bugs in our app.
I always desired some sort of easy screen recording tool, beyond QuickTime, but never quite knew where to look or if I could ask my company to splurge for such a tool. Once I found Loom, I've never turned back.
I've used Loom for about a year and a half now, and there isn't really anything I can think of that I dislike. Currently, I use the basic version, and that's been super awesome.
Loom is awesome. It helps me communicate with clients that need a little extra guidance when problem-solving, finding information, or making technical adjustments.
Loom makes it easy to quickly send my prospects personal videos to put a face to a name or quickly show our live platform. Definitely helps reduce back and forth over email.
Overall it's a great tool and I only have had a few had few issues with connecting to an output device or flickering when I use a digital background. No major complaints!
It helps with my sales prospecting and makes my outreach stand out from the hundreds of blanket emails my prospects get on a daily basis.
Loom is the number one most powerful tool for remote working teams. I genuinely believe that.
The implementation of folders was a big step forward but there is a lot of room to grow so that we can better organize and rely on finding loom videos down the line (6+ months after they are made)
I work on a completely remote team with very little temporal overlap with most of my direct teammates. With loom there is no information lost when needing to explain or pass something off asynchronously. It is very hard to miscommunicate with video, audio, and a screen recording all at the same time. Now our only delays are related to our own time disparity. Not time disparity PLUS the back and forth to figure out the real need / meaning / how to do something.
It's straightforward to setup right from beginning. They take you through a setup tutorial, and then give you a tutorial of the application. Everything has worked perfectly ever since, and it's been easy to view my videos and share them with coworkers.
I don't recall any issues or frustrations with Loom. The only thing I'd note is that there's no video thumbnail that appears when I send a Loom link to coworkers over Teams.
Loom solves the problem of information sharing and saves time for everyone. I can record tutorials/updates to my design system and get them sent out to each person's convenience; no time wasted trying to schedule a meeting with everyone.
When I have a question, or I need to give a quick instruction. I can share my screen, so there is no room for confusion. My client and teammates appreciate it so much.
It has no beauty filter on it. I work from home and I would appreciate this feature.
It is perfect for onboarding and making short videos.
Loom has transformed the way my company records training videos. Easy to figure out - very user-friendly
There are literally no downsides at all!
I record a LOT of instructional videos for my team and for my clients. Without Loom, I would be lost.
I love that Loom reduced tedious back and forths, gives context, and speeds up communication internally and between clients.
Not much! If I had to choose, I'd say making the sign-in process more seamless.
It solves tedious back and forths and reduces misunderstandings. It also allows our team to work asynchronously and cut down on unnecessary meetings.
LOOM IS EVERYTHING IT SAYS IT IS. THE PLATFORM IS TREMENDOUSLY USER-FRIENDLY, THE TRANSCRIPT WORKS VERY WELL, ITS EASY FOR NON LOOM USERS TO USE, AND I ADORE HOW EASY IT MAKES THE PROCESS.
I DISLIKE THAT I CANNOT ACCESS THE TRANSCRIPT TO COPY AND PAST ON MY MOBILE DEVICE.
I WORK BEST WHEN I AM SPEAK TO A GROUP OF PEOPLE, LOOM ALLOWS ME TO DO THAT FROM THE COMFORT OF WHEREVER I AM, THE TRANSCRIPT FEATURE IS A LIFE SAVER IN TERMS OF TIME.
It´s a very useful tool for my team, recording meetings, revisions and presentations helps us keep in mind what each one has to do, it´s a great resource.
It would be good if it could record two desktops at a time since we work with a two-monitor setup, or if we could change the recorded desktop during recording.
User Support helped me a lot when I had a problem with my
It's so easy to use and I can access my library anywhere!
I don;t really have any complaints for how I use it.
It is helping me create great videos for clients and for our development team. We make training tutorials, record our training sessions to send links to clients to revisit previous sessions!
I can quickly communicate to customers, team members, and vendors in a few minutes with a Loom video what would otherwise take much much longer by typing out an email with screenshots. I love that Loom accurately transcribes my voice and removes all of those annoying "filler words" I just can't seem to avoid speaking. ("Um.. er.. Ah..., etc..."). Loom rocks! I also like that I am notified when a video is watched or downloaded, cuts down on the need to follow up.
Not anything I can think of. It is great software. I would recommend Loom to anyone who needs to screen capture or record video. Only once did I have a tech support question, and it was answered within the hour by the Loom team.
Explaining in written words takes too much time. And can be misinterpreted. Syncing up in a live meeting is so much more difficult than just recording a quick video and sending the link.
Loom allows me to create Uninterrupted Audio-Visual Explanations that can be shared with anyone at any time. It makes it possible to communicate (especially those million iterations) across timezones, without having to wake someone up or stay awake. Allows my teams to focus on their tasks without losing their flow to meetings in their already full calendars. Helps them stay calm and focused. Bonus: They can always look up the videos for reference if ever the need arises. Calls are stressful; less efficient in explaining tasks and can carry a lot of unnecessary information. Begin your days with Looms - explain what you want to be done and stay fresh.
I hate that Loom has come 10 years late into my life. My beard is grey from all those video calls I had been forced to be a part of.
Loom allows me to create Uninterrupted Audio-Visual Explanations that can be shared with anyone at any time.
Ease of use and ramping to the software, as well as how quickly I can collaborate and get feedback on my programs.
Knowing how to best store the videos in a "shared" location and having the ability to default my videos to a specific location of my choosing.
Collaboration and feedback. Specifically it's not the easiest to communicate context over written word - very lengthy and dense - so verbal + visual is amazing!
Playback speed. and anyone can access the link. I dont need to download the video and upload everytime.
Nothing. i only wana know who watches the video :p
Being an SQA, and reporting issues to my team, Loom resolves all my problems regarding screen recording and sharing.
timecode comments, hight quality, videos, sharing opportunity
don't know, I'm not using it for too long
do not need to schedule meetings for every task
