How to Use Loom for Writers
Writers can boost productivity with Loom, a screen‑recording tool that captures video, audio, and webcam footage. This guide shows you how to set up Loom, record idea‑maps, give feedback, and share drafts without leaving your writing workflow. Follow the steps, use the screenshots, and start turning words into visual stories.
Table of Contents
- 1. Setting Up Loom
- 2. Recording Your First Video
- 3. Using Loom in the Writing Process
- 4. Editing, Trimming, and Adding Call‑outs
- 5. Loom vs. Alternative Tools
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions
- 7. Final Thoughts
1. Setting Up Loom
1.1 Create a Free Account
Visit loom.com and click “Sign up free”. Use your Google or Microsoft account to skip the password step. The free tier gives you 25 minutes per video and unlimited viewers.
1.2 Install the Desktop App (optional)
The desktop app provides better performance on macOS and Windows. Download the installer, run it, and follow the on‑screen prompts. If you prefer not to install, the Chrome extension works equally well.
1.3 Configure Recording Defaults
Open Loom → Settings → Recording. Choose “Screen + Cam” as the default, set the webcam size to 20 % of the screen, and enable “Show mouse clicks”. These settings let you narrate while you type.
2. Recording Your First Video
2.1 Launch the Recorder
Press the Loom shortcut (Ctrl + Shift + L on Windows, ⌘ + Shift + L on macOS) or click the extension icon. A small toolbar appears with three options: Screen only, Cam only, Screen + Cam.
2.2 Choose What to Capture
Select “Screen + Cam”. Then pick the window that contains your manuscript—e.g., Google Docs or Scrivener. The webcam bubble will appear in the lower‑right corner.
2.3 Record a Sample Outline
1. Open your document.
2. Press Loom shortcut.
3. Choose “Screen + Cam”.
4. Click “Start Recording”.
5. Speak: “Here’s the outline for chapter one…”
6. Stop with the Loom icon in the menu bar.2.4 Save and Name the Video
After you stop, Loom opens the video in a new tab. Click “Rename” and type a clear title such as “Chapter 1 Outline – 2024‑06‑26”. Good titles improve searchability inside Loom.
3. Using Loom in the Writing Process
3.1 Brainstorming Sessions
Instead of typing endless bullet points, record a 5‑minute mind‑map. Use a digital whiteboard (e.g., Miro) and narrate each branch. Later, you can replay the video to recall the exact phrasing.
3.2 Peer Review and Feedback
Share the Loom link with an editor. They can watch the video, pause at each paragraph, and leave time‑coded comments. In Loom’s sidebar, click “Add comment” and type feedback like “Consider stronger verb here”.
3.3 Self‑Editing Walkthrough
Record yourself reading a draft aloud. Listening to your own voice highlights awkward sentences. Use the “Trim” tool to cut silence and keep only the spoken portions.
3.4 Publishing Teasers
Create a 30‑second teaser for a newsletter. Record a screen tour of the manuscript’s first page, add a caption, and embed the Loom link in Mailchimp. Recipients can watch without leaving their inbox.
4. Editing, Trimming, and Adding Call‑outs
4.1 Trim Unwanted Sections
Open the video, click “Edit video”, then drag the start and end sliders. You can remove the first 10 seconds of setup time, saving bandwidth.
4.2 Insert Call‑outs
In the editor, choose “Call‑out” and type a note like “Key theme: resilience”. Call‑outs appear as overlay text during playback, guiding viewers to important points.
4.3 Export Options
Click “Download” to get an MP4 file (max 1080p). You can also copy the embed code for WordPress or Confluence. No external scripts are required; the embed uses an iframe that respects CSP.
5. Loom vs. Alternative Tools
Below is a quick side‑by‑side comparison of Loom and three popular alternatives for writers.
| Feature | Loom (Free) | Vidyard (Free) | ScreenFlow (Paid) | OBS Studio (Free) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max video length | 25 min | 15 min | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Web‑based recorder | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Built‑in trimming | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Watermark | None | Vidyard branding | No | No |
| Price for 8‑hour limit | $8/mo | $15/mo | $199 one‑time | Free |
| Ease of sharing | Link + embed | Link only | Export to MP4 | Manual upload |
For most writers, Loom’s simplicity outweighs the extra features of ScreenFlow or OBS. If you need high‑resolution editing, consider ScreenFlow; otherwise, stay with Loom.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a paid Loom plan to record longer videos?
No. The free plan allows up to 25 minutes per video. Paid plans raise the limit to 8 hours and add password protection.
Can I record my screen and webcam at the same time?
Yes. Choose “Screen + Cam” in the Loom recorder. You can place the webcam bubble anywhere on the screen.
Is Loom compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux?
Loom offers a native app for macOS and Windows, a Chrome extension for any OS, and a web recorder that works on Linux via the browser.
How do I embed a Loom video in a Google Doc?
Copy the share link, then in Google Docs use Insert → Link or Insert → Video (if using the web version). The video will appear as a clickable thumbnail.
Can I add timestamps to a Loom video for easy navigation?
Yes. In the video player click the ‘+’ button next to the timeline to add a marker. Markers appear as clickable timestamps in the description.
7. Final Thoughts
Loom gives writers a fast, low‑friction way to capture ideas, give feedback, and share drafts. With a few clicks you can record, trim, and embed videos without leaving your favorite writing app. Try the free plan today, and see how visual storytelling can sharpen your prose.