Loom is a cloud-based screen and video recording tool that lets you capture and share recordings of your screen, face, or both in a single, embeddable link. Designed for asynchronous communication, Loom helps teams replace lengthy emails and meetings with short, viewable recordings that can include live or edited commentary, captions, and drawing tools. It integrates with platforms such as Slack, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365, enabling fast feedback, clearer instructions, and more efficient updates across product, sales, support, and education contexts.
How Loom Works and Key Features
Loom operates as a web app, browser extension, and desktop app, making it easy to record from almost any device. The core flow is simple: click record, choose screen, webcam, or both, then stop and share a generated link. Loom stores recordings in the cloud, provides basic editing like trimming, and adds captions powered by speech recognition. It supports adjustable recording quality, custom backgrounds, and calls-to-action that viewers can click. Permissions and expiration controls help manage privacy and access.
Core Capabilities
- Screen recording with or without webcam
- Cloud storage and link sharing
- Automatic captions and search within recordings
- Drawing tools and click effects for emphasis
- Integration with communication and productivity tools
Practical Use Cases and Best Practices
Loom is commonly used for onboarding, product demos, bug reporting, code reviews, customer support, and internal updates. To get the most value, keep recordings short and focused, add clear titles and timestamps, and use captions to improve accessibility. Combining visuals with concise verbal explanations reduces follow-up questions. Respect viewer time by trimming unnecessary content and including only relevant clips. When sharing externally, review privacy settings and link permissions.
Best Practices for Effective Recordings
- Plan a brief outline before recording
- Close unnecessary apps to reduce distractions
- Speak clearly and use captions
- Use drawing or click effects to highlight actions
- Trim and organize recordings into sections
Loom Integrations and Platform Support
Loom connects with tools that teams already use, allowing recordings to live within workflows. Integration with Slack lets you share video updates in channels or direct messages. Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive support automatic saving, while project tools like Jira and Asana let you attach recordings to tasks. Loom also offers an API for teams that want to automate storage or embed recordings into internal dashboards and knowledge bases.
Supported Integrations at a Glance
| Integration | Use Case | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Slack | Share quick video updates | Available |
| Google Drive | Save and organize recordings | Available |
| Microsoft OneDrive | Sync recordings to cloud storage | Available |
| Jira | Attach recordings to issues | Available |
| Asana | Link recordings to tasks | Available |
Pricing and Plans Overview
Loom operates on a freemium model with a free tier that supports basic recording and sharing, making it accessible to individuals and small teams. Paid plans add features such as longer recording durations, advanced analytics, custom branding, and admin controls for businesses and enterprises. Organizations can choose tiered plans based on team size, required storage, and administrative needs. It is generally advised to review the latest pricing on the official site and test which plan aligns with your collaboration and compliance requirements.
Typical Plan Features
| Plan | Core Inclusions | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Basic recording and sharing | Individuals and small teams |
| Starter | More storage and integrations | Growing teams |
| Business | Admin controls and advanced analytics | Established teams |
| Enterprise | Security and compliance controls | Large organizations |
Privacy, Security, and Compliance Considerations
Loom includes security measures such as encryption in transit and at rest, SSO support, and admin-managed permissions. Organizations concerned with compliance should review Loom’s documentation for SOC 2 and GDPR alignment, data residency options, and retention policies. When recording calls or meetings, it is good practice to inform participants, respect consent requirements, and limit access to recordings to those who need it. External link settings can be configured to restrict viewers and prevent downloads when necessary.
Common Questions and Troubleshooting
Users often ask about recording length, storage limits, and how captions work. Free accounts typically have shorter maximum recording times and limited storage, while paid plans raise those caps. Captions are generated automatically and improve over time but may require manual review for accuracy. If a recording fails, check your internet connection, update the app or extension, and confirm that the correct audio and video sources are selected. Clearing cache and reinstalling the desktop app can resolve persistent issues.