How to Use Loom

Loom records your screen, your face, or both, and turns it into a shareable link in seconds, no editing software required. It's built to replace the meeting or the long written explanation: instead of scheduling a call to walk someone through something, you record it once and send the link.

Step 1: Install Loom

Go to loom.com and get either the desktop app (Windows or Mac) or the Chrome extension. The desktop app can record anything on your screen; the Chrome extension is lighter and enough if you mainly record browser tabs.

Step 2: Choose your recording mode

• Screen Only — for walkthroughs, demos, and bug reports
• Screen + Cam — your face appears in a small bubble over the recording, good for anything that needs a personal touch
• Cam Only — just your webcam, closer to a quick video message

Step 3: Record

Pick which screen, window, or browser tab to capture, click Start Recording, and you'll get a short countdown before it begins. Talk through what you're doing as you go; the resulting video is meant to feel like someone looking over your shoulder, not a polished production.

Step 4: Trim and share

Loom's built-in editor lets you trim the start and end, stitch multiple clips together, and add text, arrows, or callout boxes if something needs emphasis. Once you're happy with it, share the instant link directly, over email, or embedded in a doc or website.

Where the free plan runs out

The free Starter plan caps you at 25 videos total and a 5-minute limit per recording. That's fine for the occasional quick clip, but if you're using Loom daily for team updates or async standups, you'll hit both limits within your first couple of weeks and need a paid plan.

Frequently asked questions

Do people need a Loom account to watch my video?

No, anyone with the link can watch without signing up. An account is only needed to record and manage your own videos.

Can I record just my webcam without my screen?

Yes, Cam Only mode records just your face, useful for a quick personal update without showing your screen at all.

Does Loom automatically transcribe videos?

Yes, Loom generates an automatic transcript and a short AI summary for recorded videos, which also makes them searchable later.