Loom Review [2024]: Everything You Need to Know

Need a fast, easy way to capture screen recordings and turn them into video presentations or screencasts? There are a lot of options on the market today, and Loom is one of the more popular screen recorders – but is it right for you? Read on for our full Loom software review.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use, intuitive interface

• Instant video-sharing capabilities

• Up to 4K resolution (for paid versions)

Cons:

• Other programs offer similar functionality at lower costs.

• Videos are saved to the cloud and are, by default, public.

• Users report glitches with audio recording.

Overview

Loom is an online screen-recording and collaboration program that allows users to quickly capture and share videos of their displays. It’s a valuable tool for sharing information without the need to schedule real-time meetings. Instead, users can record a quick video and present what they need to share. Collaborators can then watch the video when they have time, and projects can stay on track without the hassle of syncing schedules or trying to get everyone in the same room at the same time. The platform also makes it easy to create tutorials and training videos in minutes instead of hours. File sharing is automatic, and Loom offers unlimited video storage. 

With all that said, our Loom review wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention that Loom videos are automatically saved to Loom’s cloud storage, which is public by default. Sensitive materials and unfinished projects should not be recorded in Loom. Also, some users have reported issues recording audio with the program, as well as challenges with lag (especially if a user’s internet connection is a little slow).

Interface

Loom software is very user-friendly and extremely easy to learn. Users can opt to record their screen or webcam footage, and there are options to capture part or all of the display for any video. You can start and stop recording with a single click, and it’s easy to share videos with a link. It also includes a screenshot tool, but this is perhaps Loom’s weakest point. Loom doesn’t have any tools for annotating or customizing screenshots. Essentially, it’s no better than using your computer or phone’s built-in screenshot function. 

Features

For our Loom video recorder review, we tested out all of the platform’s features and tools. The most interesting and useful features include:

• Recording canvas and virtual backgrounds. When recording their webcam footage, users can blur out their backgrounds or replace them with images or videos of their choice.

• Interactivity tools and features. Loom is designed to be a tool for team collaboration. As such, it includes features that allow users to leave timestamped comments and emojis on videos. It also provides video transcription services and closed captioning.

• Third-party integrations. Along with screen and webcam recording, Loom also integrates with multiple collaboration tools and apps, including Slack, Jira, GitHub, Gmail, and Salesforce.

• Screenshots. As we mentioned above, Loom’s screenshot feature is one of its weakest points. It does capture still images of your screen on the go, but you probably already have this capability built into your system or device.

User experience

Loom is designed to be quick and easy to use. As a result, its user experience is generally smooth and simple. The learning curve is minimal, and users can begin recording and sharing videos with their teammates in just a few minutes. Users trying to polish videos or create a more professional look may have a less positive experience, as Loom isn’t really designed for full video editing and production.

Video editing 

Loom includes some video-editing capabilities, but users who want to create professional-level videos may find it frustrating. Loom has a few useful editing features for users creating quick videos to collaborate with their teams. For example, all versions of Loom, including the free version, include filler word removal. You can also add chapters and transitions to your videos, and closed captioning is also possible within the app. Further editing is very limited, though. And, because videos are saved to Loom’s cloud, it takes multiple additional steps to edit videos in a third-party app.

Sharing

As soon as you’re done recording your video, Loom uploads it to the platform’s cloud storage, and a link is provided to you. Users can opt to change the privacy settings on their videos to restrict access or password-protect their videos. However, by default, videos are public and can be viewed by anyone with a video link. With that said, Loom videos are not searchable, which makes it a little easier to keep your videos private to yourself and your team.

Performance

Loom’s performance is generally fairly reliable. Users have reported some issues with recording audio, but this can typically be fixed by checking that you have the right audio outputs set for your recording. Loom can also automatically cut down on background noise, which is useful for users who have to record in public places or noisy environments. With that said, Loom does tend to lag if you have a slower internet connection or if your computer is using processing power on other functions.

Video and audio quality

Audio quality is fairly consistent across all Loom versions. However, video quality does change, depending on which subscription you choose. The free version will only record up to 720p, but if you pay for one of the premium subscriptions, you can record and export videos up to 4K resolution.

So, what do you get when you opt for the free version of Loom versus a paid subscription? Let’s take a look at a few of the key differences to see where users might get the best value for their money.

• Pricing. Paid versions for Loom start at $12.50/month billed annually, or $15.00/month billed monthly, for the Business subscription. At this level, you get all of the main features of the top-tier subscriptions, with a few exceptions. For the most part, users will get the most value from a Business subscription. Enterprise subscriptions are intended for users with an exceptionally high number of users and videos, and pricing varies based on customization of the subscription.

• Video quality. The free version of Loom only allows users to record and export videos in 720p resolution. Paid subscriptions allow you to record high-resolution 4K videos with higher-quality audio, as well.

• Storage and users. Free subscriptions are limited to 50 creators, 25 video uploads at a time, and videos are limited to less than five minutes in length. All paid versions allow unlimited creators, storage, and video length.

• Branding. The free version includes a branded watermark on all videos and on your Loom account page. With the paid versions, you can remove this branding and customize your experience to match your own brand.

As you consider whether Loom is the right collaborative tool for your team, it might also be helpful to consider whether you really want to replace all of your meetings and messages with videos. In some instances, it’s easier to send a quick voice or video message than try to type out a long text message. At the same time, if you need immediate feedback, nothing beats the instantaneous quality of an actual real-time meeting. And, often, a written message is faster and more straightforward than creating a whole video. 

At the same time, videos and screencasts can be extremely convenient and effective when communicating about technical projects. If you’re working on a new app, you can show your team where a glitch occurs or which features you’ve successfully completed. And screen recordings can help save a lot of time when you’re onboarding new employees or demonstrating how to use specific software. Keep all of these things in mind (both positive and negative) as you consider the best option for your team.

1. Go to Loom.com and download the app for Windows or Mac. You can also go to Google Play or App Store on your phone to get the mobile Loom app and start recording your screen on your phone or tablet.
   Go to Loom

2. Follow the prompts to install Loom on your computer, and then click on the Loom desktop app icon to get started.

3. Create a Loom account using your Google, Slack, Apple, or email account, and sign in to Loom when prompted.

4. Choose the source for your feed. You’ll have the option to record Cam Only, Screen Only, or Screen + Cam. If you’re recording your screen, choose the option to record the full screen, an application window, or a custom area of the screen.

5. Make sure you have the right audio source selected by clicking on the audio indicator. This will let you ensure that your microphone is enabled.

6. When you’re ready, click Start Recording.

7. When you’re done, either click the Stop button or click on the Loom icon on your desktop. Your video will automatically upload to the Loom cloud.

Best for: recording webcam and screen activity in high-quality videos

OS: Windows, macOS

G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5, 50 reviews

Let’s take a look at an alternative option that could work better for some users. Movavi Screen Recorder is a popular alternative to Loom for a range of screen- and webcam-recording needs. Whether you’re screencasting for a webinar or online course, creating a training video for work, or sending a quick video message, Movavi Screen Recorder makes it quick and easy to produce high-quality videos. The software also includes easy-to-use features to enhance your videos, including live drawing, annotations, and webcam overlays. After recording your screen and/or webcam footage, you can also edit your videos before exporting them to your computer or sharing them to your preferred video-sharing platform.

Key features:

• Webcam recording with overlay capability. Users can record their screen and webcam at the same time, and it’s easy to overlay your webcam feed onto your screen recording to include yourself in the screencast.

• Automated screen recordings. Want to record activity on your screen at a specific time? Movavi Screen Recorder lets you schedule recordings to run automatically, whether you’re at your computer or not.

• In-app video editing. Movavi Screen Recorder includes basic video-editing tools with its screen-recording capabilities. Along with live drawing and annotations while you record, you can also cut out unwanted parts from your video after you finish recording – without using a third-party application.