Have you ever found yourself writing a ridiculously long email trying to explain something that you could have demonstrated in about two minutes?
Or perhaps you’ve scheduled a 30-minute Zoom meeting simply because showing someone what you mean is easier than trying to explain it in writing.
There’s a better way.
It’s called Loom.
Loom is a remarkably simple video-messaging tool that allows you to record your computer screen, your voice, your webcam—or your screen and webcam simultaneously—and then instantly share the recording with someone through a link.
Think of it as the missing link between email and Zoom.
Suppose you’re trying to explain a spreadsheet to a colleague. Instead of writing, “Go to column H, scroll down to row 37, and notice the formula…” you simply open the spreadsheet, turn on Loom, and talk your colleague through it while your screen is being recorded.
Done.
Or perhaps you want to demonstrate a website, provide feedback on someone’s presentation, explain how to use a piece of software, give instructions to an employee, walk a client through a proposal, or show a student how to complete an assignment. Loom lets you show rather than merely tell.
And here’s the beauty of it: nobody has to be available at the same time.
You record the message when it’s convenient for you. The recipient watches it when it’s convenient for them. No calendars. No scheduling gymnastics. No “Are you free Tuesday at 2:30?”
Loom automatically creates a shareable link when you’re finished recording. Send the link by email, text, Slack, or wherever you communicate. The recipient clicks it and watches. Loom also supports comments, emoji reactions, captions and transcripts, making the video more interactive than simply sending someone a traditional video file.
There are some surprisingly sophisticated features as well. Depending upon the plan, Loom offers editing tools, viewer and engagement information, privacy controls, high-definition recording, and AI features that can automatically generate such things as titles, summaries, chapters, and calls to action.
Best of all, you can start for free. Loom’s Starter plan currently allows up to 25 videos per person, with screen recordings of up to five minutes each—more than enough to determine whether Loom deserves a permanent place in your productivity toolbox.
I particularly like the philosophy behind Loom: Don’t hold a meeting when a message will do. And don’t write three paragraphs when a two-minute demonstration will do it better.
Sometimes the fastest way to explain something is simply to say, “Here—let me show you.”
Loom lets you do exactly that.
