How to Use Loom for Founders
Loom is a fast, low‑friction video tool that lets founders record screen demos, investor updates, and team briefings in minutes. With Loom you can replace endless email threads and scheduled calls with a single, shareable video. This guide shows you how to install Loom, create polished recordings, and embed them in pitch decks or Slack channels—all without leaving your browser.
Table of Contents
- 1. Install Loom on Your Device
- 2. Record Your First Video
- 3. Edit and Polish the Recording
- 4. Share Securely with Investors and Teams
- 5. Integrate Loom with Your Favorite Tools
- 6. Loom vs. Competitors
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Install Loom on Your Device
Desktop extension (Chrome/Edge)
The quickest way to start is the Loom Chrome extension. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Chrome Web Store and search for “Loom”.
- Click Add to Chrome.
- Pin the Loom icon to your toolbar for one‑click access.
Desktop app (macOS & Windows)
If you need higher video quality or want to record system audio, download the Loom desktop app.
# macOS
brew install --cask loom
# Windows (PowerShell)
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "https://cdn.loom.com/desktop/LoomSetup.exe" -OutFile "LoomSetup.exe"
Start-Process .\LoomSetup.exe
Run the installer and sign in with your Google or Microsoft account.
Mobile apps
iOS and Android apps let you record on the go. Search “Loom” in the App Store or Play Store, install, and log in with the same credentials.
2. Record Your First Video
Choose a recording mode
- Screen + Camera: Show your product while appearing on camera.
- Screen only: Ideal for walkthroughs where your face isn’t needed.
- Camera only: Good for personal updates.
Step‑by‑step recording
- Click the Loom icon → select the desired mode.
- Pick a microphone (built‑in or external). Test the audio level in the preview window.
- Press Start Recording. A red timer appears in the corner.
- When finished, click the Stop button or press Esc.
- The video uploads automatically to your Loom library.
3. Edit and Polish the Recording
Trimming
Open the video from your library, click Edit, then drag the start and end sliders to cut dead air.
Adding Call‑outs
Use the Text and Emoji tools to highlight key UI elements. Call‑outs appear as overlay boxes that stay visible for the duration you set.
Export options
- Download as MP4 (1080p max).
- Generate a share link (default).
- Export to Google Drive or Dropbox via the Share menu.
4. Share Securely with Investors and Teams
Link permissions
When you open a video, click Share Settings**. Choose one of:
- Anyone with the link – open for quick demos.
- People in your organization – restrict to your company domain.
- Password protected – add a one‑time password for investors.
Embedding in pitch decks
Copy the embed code from the Share dialog and paste it into a PowerPoint or Google Slides iframe. Example:
<iframe src="https://www.loom.com/embed/abc123" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen style="width:100%;height:480px;"></iframe>
Slack and email shortcuts
Paste the Loom link directly into Slack. Loom will unfurl a video preview, saving everyone time.
5. Integrate Loom with Your Favorite Tools
CRM (HubSpot, Salesforce)
Use Loom’s Zapier integration to attach a video link to a new deal record automatically.
# Zapier trigger: New Loom video
# Action: Update HubSpot Deal → Set “Loom Demo Link” field
Project Management (Asana, ClickUp)
Link a Loom video to a task by adding the URL in the description field. Asana will render a playable thumbnail.
Product feedback (Notion, Coda)
Embed Loom videos in Notion pages to explain feature requests. Notion recognizes the Loom URL and creates an inline player.
6. Loom vs. Competitors
| Feature | Loom (Business) | Vidyard | CloudApp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free tier videos/month | 25 | 10 | 15 |
| Storage (GB) | Unlimited | 5 GB | 20 GB |
| Video length limit | 5 hrs | 30 min | 1 hr |
| Custom branding | Yes | Yes | No |
| Analytics (views, watch time) | Advanced | Basic | Basic |
| Price per user | $10/mo | $15/mo | $12/mo |
For founders, Loom’s unlimited video length and simple pricing make it the most cost‑effective choice when you need to ship frequent updates.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
What is Loom and why should founders use it?
Loom is a video‑recording platform that captures screen, webcam, or both. Founders use it to replace long email threads, give rapid product demos, and keep remote teams aligned without scheduling meetings.
How much does Loom cost for a startup?
Loom offers a free plan with 25 videos per month and 5 GB storage. The Business plan is $10 per user per month and adds unlimited videos, advanced analytics, and custom branding—ideal for early‑stage startups.
Can Loom videos be edited?
Yes. After recording, Loom’s built‑in editor lets you trim the start and end, cut out sections, and add call‑outs, emojis, or text overlays.
How do I share Loom videos securely?
Each video gets a unique URL. You can set the link to “Anyone with the link,” restrict it to your company domain, or add a password for private investor viewings.
Is Loom compatible with Mac, Windows, and Chrome OS?
Loom works on macOS, Windows, Linux (via Chrome), iOS, Android, and as a Chrome/Edge extension. All major platforms are supported.
Use Loom to speed up communication, close deals faster, and keep your team moving. The tool is cheap, easy, and works everywhere you need it.