TLDR: Loom’s simplicity comes at the cost of missing key features, like custom branding and advanced functionality. Modern alternatives provide the customization and polished results that Loom lacks.
Here’s what today’s screen recorders can offer:
I’m guessing you’re all familiar with Loom, the screen recorder that skyrocketed during the pandemic. It seemed like everyone was using this screen recorder, from coworkers to clients. Its simplicity was undeniable – a few clicks, and you're recording your screen with a tiny webcam overlay. While Loom excels at ease of use, it falls short when it comes to professionalism. The basic screen recording with a floating webcam feels, well, basic. It lacks the polish and customization options that are essential for creating engaging and impactful videos. So, why is it still so popular?
Its success mainly comes from how intuitive it is. Once installed, either as a Chrome plug-in or desktop app, you can record anything you want to show your audience in just a few clicks. Whether it’s a tutorial, a product demo, a presentation, a bug report, or anything else, Loom is the go-to tool for creating quick and simple videos without any hassle.
While Loom excels at its simplicity, it falls short in delivering polished and visually impressive results. The basic screen recording with a floating webcam feels, well, basic. It lacks the polish and customization options that are essential for creating engaging and impactful videos. And as we've become more accustomed to remote work, Loom's limitations have become increasingly apparent.
What Loom Could Improve:
1. Customization and branding options:
Loom falls short in offering customization and branding features, which are vital for maintaining a consistent visual identity—especially when sharing videos externally. Features like the ability to add custom backgrounds with a company logo or brand colors could greatly improve the experience for businesses aiming to reinforce their branding.
2. Enhanced webcam overlay options:
Loom only offers two webcam overlay sizes, which limits customization. Being able to adjust the size, change the shape, or even remove the background for better integration into your presentation would be a major improvement. For instance, Canvid, which uses advanced AI technologies developed by VCam, its sister company, offers professional-grade overlays with precise outlines and background replacement options.
3. Local download and storage:
Currently, Loom requires users to store their videos in the cloud. While this simplifies sharing, it can raise privacy concerns. Offering an option to save videos locally, along with a shareable link when needed, would be a much-appreciated feature.
4. Social media-ready formats:
Loom doesn’t allow exporting in specific formats like vertical 9:16 for TikTok or 1:1 for Instagram. Being able to crop and resize a video directly within the tool would make it far more versatile. Also, using presets is a common practice in social media marketing and helps save time when producing videos.
5. Advanced features like zooming:
Lastly, adding features like zooming during recording would make it easier to highlight key details. This type of tool significantly improves clarity and impact in demonstrations. Another useful feature would be leveraging AI to greatly enhance audio quality for a more professional result.
Loom may have been the king of screen recorders during the pandemic, but in today’s world, it’s starting to feel like the VHS of video tools—functional but painfully outdated. If your goal is to create videos that look like they belong in this decade, it’s time to swipe left on Loom.