I first used Loom several years ago to create training videos. The basic idea made sense: I could record my screen, explain each step and give people instructions they could watch again.
At the time, however, I was not particularly impressed. It did the job, but it was not a tool I felt excited about or used much beyond those training recordings.
Recently, I took another look. Loom has developed into something much broader, with uses extending beyond formal training to client explanations, feedback, handovers, onboarding, and quick answers that would otherwise require a lengthy email or another meeting.
What is Loom?
Loom is a screen-recording and video-messaging tool. It allows you to record your computer or phone screen, your camera, or both at the same time.
Once the recording is finished, Loom creates a link that you can send to the person who needs to watch it. You do not have to attach a large video file to an email or arrange a live call.
The viewer can watch the recording when it suits them. Depending on the settings and plan, they may also be able to leave comments or reactions, read captions and revisit the recording later.
Why might it be more useful now?
Many of us spend a surprising amount of time trying to explain what we can see on our screens.
We take several screenshots, draw arrows, write a lengthy email and hope the person receiving it understands what we mean. Sometimes a short recording would be clearer.
Loom has also developed well beyond basic screen capture. Its current features include screen and camera recording, captions and transcripts, viewer reactions, comments, privacy controls, and integrations with other work tools. More advanced editing, branding, and AI features depend on your plan.
That broader range of features is what made it more interesting when I returned to it.
How could a small business use Loom?
One of the most obvious uses is answering a client question.
Instead of writing a long email explaining where to click, you can open the relevant website or document, start recording and talk the client through it. They can pause the recording, replay part of it and return to it later.
It can also help with enquiries. A consultant, web designer, virtual assistant or marketing professional could record a quick overview of a proposal, audit or document, giving the recipient more context than an email attachment alone.
Create training videos and instructions people can revisit
Loom can be very useful if you need to delegate work.
If you ask an assistant or colleague to complete a process, you can record yourself doing it correctly. That recording then becomes part of your handover material and can be watched again and again whenever necessary.
This could work for tasks such as uploading a blog, updating an event listing, organising files, preparing a newsletter, or using a particular piece of software.
However, do not rely entirely on video for an important process. A short written checklist alongside the recording makes the instructions easier to follow and update.
Reduce unnecessary meetings
Not every update needs a meeting.
A short Loom recording can replace a call when you need to explain progress, demonstrate a problem or request feedback. The other person can watch it at a convenient time rather than trying to find another space in the diary.
This can work well for people or clients working across different schedules or time zones. It also gives the recipient time to consider the information before responding.
There are limits, of course. A recording should not replace a conversation when a subject is sensitive, complicated or likely to require immediate discussion.
Give clearer feedback
Written feedback can sometimes be difficult to follow, particularly when it refers to a design, document, spreadsheet or website.
With Loom, you can move through the work on screen and explain what you mean as you go. You can highlight the exact section you are discussing instead of relying on descriptions such as “the box near the bottom of the second page”.
This could be useful for reviewing a website draft, giving feedback on a social media design, commenting on a presentation or explaining changes to a document.
Could it help Costa Women members?
The possible uses will depend on the type of business.
A coach or trainer could explain a workbook or exercise. A real estate agent could talk through a listing or area map. A designer could present a first draft. A translator could explain the layout of a document without discussing confidential details.
An event organiser could show exhibitors where to find essential information. A membership business could create short welcome videos showing new members how to use its website or community platform.
It could also be useful outside business. You might use it to show a family member how to complete an online process or to demonstrate a technical problem better than the official technical support.
What is included in the free version?
Loom’s current Starter plan allows up to 25 videos per person, with a maximum recording time of five minutes for each screen recording. It also includes screen and camera recording, captions, transcripts, comments, reactions and basic privacy controls.
I find five minutes is enough for most explanations. Actually, the time limit might encourage people to keep their instructions more focused.
The paid plans offer longer recordings, more videos and additional editing, branding, analytics and privacy features. Loom’s plans and features could change, so check the current Loom pricing page before deciding whether to upgrade.
For many solopreneurs, the free version should be enough to test whether Loom fits naturally into their work.
The drawbacks to consider
Video is not always faster for the recipient.
Someone may prefer to scan a short set of written instructions rather than watch a five-minute recording. If the information is straightforward, a short email or checklist could still be the better option.
Long, unplanned recordings can also become annoying. Before pressing record, decide what you need to show and what the viewer should do afterwards.
A growing video library can become difficult to manage as well. Give each recording a clear title and organise reusable instructions into folders where your plan allows.
Be careful with private information
Screen recording can capture more than you intend.
Close unrelated tabs, turn off notifications and check the screen for email addresses, customer details, financial information, passwords and private messages before recording.
You should also review the sharing settings before sending the link. Loom allows different access settings, but a recording shared as “anyone with the link” can be viewed by anyone who receives that link. More restricted access options are available. However, password protection is listed as a paid feature.
Loom explains the available access choices in its official video-sharing guidance.
Do not record confidential client, medical, legal or financial information unless you have a clear reason, appropriate permission and suitable security arrangements.
Loom should support communication, not replace it
Loom works best when showing something is easier than describing it.
It should not become an excuse to send five-minute recordings for questions that could have been answered in two sentences. Nor should every personal conversation be replaced by an asynchronous video.
The useful question is not “Could I record a Loom for this?” It is “Would a recording make this clearer or save us both time?”
For me, it is useful for training videos that can be used by multiple assistants over time. They can be updated as necessary. They can almost form part of a working handbook for various tasks.
Is Loom worth another look?
For me, yes.
I didn´t see enough value when I first tried it. It didn´t seem worth the effort. But the current version feels more useful for client explanations, feedback, training, and handovers.
The free plan gives small-business owners enough room to test it without immediately committing to another subscription. Start with one real task, keep the recording short, and ask the recipient whether it helped.
That response will tell you more than any list of features.