How to Use Loom for Freelancers
Freelancers need fast, clear communication with clients. Loom lets you record screen, webcam, and voice in one click. This guide shows how to set up Loom, record a demo, edit it, share it securely, and turn videos into billable assets. Follow each step and you’ll cut email back‑and‑forth by half.
Table of Contents
- 1. Install and set up Loom
- 2. Record your first video
- 3. Edit and polish the footage
- 4. Share, embed, and protect your video
- 5. Loom pricing vs. alternatives
- FAQ
1. Install and set up Loom
1.1 Choose your platform
Loom works on three main platforms:
- Desktop app – macOS (10.13+), Windows 10+
- Chrome/Edge extension – any OS with a Chromium browser
- Web recorder – works on Linux via Chrome
For most freelancers the desktop app offers the smoothest experience because it runs in the background and captures system audio.
1.2 Create an account
- Visit loom.com and click “Sign up”.
- Register with Google, Apple, or email.
- Confirm the verification email.
1.3 Configure default settings
Set recording quality to 1080p for client demos. Turn on “Show mouse clicks” so viewers can follow your actions.
2. Record your first video
2.1 Choose a recording mode
| Mode | When to use | Screen area |
|---|---|---|
| Screen + Cam | Client walkthroughs | Full screen or window |
| Screen only | Technical tutorials | Specific app window |
| Cam only | Personal introductions | Webcam view only |
2.2 Record a demo
# Quick keyboard shortcut (Windows)
Ctrl + Shift + L
# macOS
⌘ + Shift + L
Press the shortcut, select the window you want to share, and click “Start Recording”. Speak clearly and keep the video under 10 minutes to stay within the free plan limit.
2.3 Add a title and tags
After stopping, Loom opens the video in the library. Click “Edit” and fill in:
- Title – e.g., “Landing Page Walkthrough – Client XYZ”
- Tags – “UX”, “Frontend”, “ClientXYZ”
- Description – brief summary for SEO
3. Edit and polish the footage
3.1 Trim the start and end
Drag the blue handles to the first and last seconds you want to keep. Click “Save”.
3.2 Add call‑outs and captions
Click “Call‑out” → choose “Arrow”, “Box”, or “Text”. Position it over the UI element you discuss. Enable auto‑captions for accessibility – they appear as editable text.
3.3 Export or keep online
If the client prefers a file, click “Download MP4”. The free plan allows 1080p MP4 downloads, but the file size caps at 250 MB.
4. Share, embed, and protect your video
4.1 Direct link sharing
Copy the URL from the top bar. By default, anyone with the link can view. For private work, toggle “Require password” in Settings → Security.
4.2 Embed in a portfolio
<iframe src="https://www.loom.com/embed/abc123def456"
frameborder="0"
loading="lazy"
style="width:100%;height:480px;"></iframe>
Paste the iframe into your HTML. The video will automatically resize on mobile devices.
4.3 Use Loom as a billing tool
Record a “time‑tracked” video by turning on “Show elapsed time” in Settings. Export the MP4 and attach it to an invoice. Clients appreciate seeing exactly what was delivered.
5. Loom pricing vs. alternatives
| Feature | Loom Free | Loom Starter ($10/mo) | Vidyard Pro ($15/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly recording limit | 25 min | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Video length per file | 5 min | 30 min | 30 min |
| HD (1080p) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Password protection | No | Yes | Yes |
| Custom branding | No | Yes | Yes |
| Analytics | Basic views | Advanced | Advanced |
For freelancers who need only occasional demos, the free plan is sufficient. If you bill hourly and rely on video as a deliverable, the $10 Starter plan offers unlimited minutes and password protection, making it a better ROI than Vidyard’s $15 tier.
FAQ
Is Loom free for freelancers?
Loom offers a free plan with 25 minutes of recording per month. The Starter plan costs $10/month and removes the limit.
Can I edit Loom videos after recording?
Yes. Loom’s built‑in editor lets you trim, cut, and add call‑outs without leaving the browser.
How do I protect my Loom videos with a password?
In the video settings, toggle “Require password” and set a strong password. Only viewers with the link and password can play the video.
Is Loom compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux?
Loom provides a desktop app for macOS and Windows, a Chrome extension, and a web recorder that works on Linux via Chrome or Edge.
Can I embed Loom videos on my portfolio site?
Yes. Loom gives you an embed code that works on any HTML site, including WordPress, Squarespace, and Webflow.
Using Loom, freelancers can replace long email threads with short, visual explanations. Set up the app, record a clear demo, edit for brevity, and share securely. With the right plan, Loom becomes a low‑cost, high‑impact tool that saves time and impresses clients.