Easily Create Video Tutorials for Free with Loom
What do you do when you're on a budget, but need to record a good video tutorial?
Not all video recording tools are created equal: some don't allow screen recording (and screen recordings are really helpful for software tutorials).
You'll want a tool that's affordable, easy to use, has screen recording capabilities, and sharing features.
There's a free video recorder on the market that has all of these capabilities: Loom*.
Loom* allows you to record:
Yourself
Your screen
Yourself and your screen simultaneously
It has a variety of sharing options and is oh-so-easy to use, making it perfect for those just getting started with video.
Let's go over ways you can use video in your business, and how to use Loom* video recorder, and the limitations you should be aware of. There's also a Loom* review and video tutorial down below.
Why You Should Create Video Tutorials for Your Creative Business
Video is a good way to take care of your clients and your team.
Screen recordings are extremely helpful for walking your clients and team members through a process. It's often much easier to be shown how to do something than read about how to do it (which is why I've also created a video tutorial for this blog post).
Also, video can help you stick out of the crowd in a good way. It's a great opportunity for you to show your personality and elevate your client experience at the same time.
This is especially important if you work remotely. Your clients and team want to connect with you and video feels more personal that email.
There's a lot you can do here. Add videos to your pitches or to your digital proposals and welcome kits, etc.
Think about how much more polished and professional your clients will perceive you when you put a little extra effort in making your client experience unique.
How to Make Video Tutorials for Free with Loom
Download this free cheatsheet to get started with Loom.
Keyboard shortcuts, pre and post-recording checklists, and more.
1. Use Chrome
Loom* is a Google Chrome extension which means you'll need to use Chrome as your web browser (not Mozilla, Internet Explorer, Safari, etc.).
August 2018 update: Loom* now has a desktop version available.
2. Add Loom to Your Browser
Here's where you can get Loom.
Once you're done installing it, it will appear in the upper right corner of your browser.
3. Pre-Recording Prep
Decide if you'll be doing a screen recording, recording yourself, or both.
Hook up your microphone and camera (if recording yourself).
If using recording yourself, make sure you have a good source of light on both sides of your face and behind you. Natural daylight is best if you're just getting started.
Hide your bookmarks bar if doing a screen recording.
Go to the three dots in the upper right of your browser // “Bookmarks” // then untick “Show Bookmarks Bar”
Adjust your settings in Loom:
View (yourself, screen, or both)
Camera source
Microphone source
Show / hide start / stop button
Show / hide control menu
Recording countdown
Pro tip: Avoid using your computer’s built-in camera and microphone because they won’t be good quality. If you can’t afford the investment, that’s okay. However, if you can spend as little as $75 on a mic and camera combined, it’s well worth the investment. Your videos will drastically change -- I speak from experience.
4. Go Full-Screen
You don't have to do this step, but if you're recording your screen, I recommend it. It's a much cleaner look.
Pro tip: If you don’t go full-screen, at least close all the tabs you don’t need. It looks far more professional to record a video that doesn’t have 20+ tabs on top.
5. Begin Recording
Hit the start button and it's "Lights, camera, action!" time.
Loom* will count down "3, 2, 1" so you know when to begin. I recommend waiting another second or two before speaking. I’ve noticed there’s a little bit of lag time and failing to wait an extra 2 seconds might mean your first few words aren’t recorded.
Pro tip: Don’t speak when switching tabs. Loom* takes about 1 second to adjust recording between tabs. Otherwise, your voice might get cut off.
6. Post-Recording Process
Title the video
Put it in the appropriate folder or sub-folder
Edit the video
Optional: add timestamps or notes
Share the video link or embed the video somewhere (Using Dubsado* for client management? Learn more about embedding code here.)
Loom Limitations
While Loom* is a great tool for video tutorial and recordings, it does have some limitations. After all, it's free, so one shouldn't expect to make a Steven Spielberg movie here.
Every time you load a new page or switch tabs while recording, Loom* needs 1 or 2 seconds to get going again. Be sure to pause for a second or you risk getting your voice cut off.
You cannot currently add text overlays, intros, or outros.
You cannot splice videos. This means you can't record multiple videos and edit them together. You can only edit one recording at a time with Loom*.
You need to make sure you have a strong internet connection when recording with the online version. The fewer devices on your wifi at one time, the better.
If you’re just getting started with video or on a budget, Loom* is the perfect solution for you. It’s incredibly user-friendly, offers screen recording capabilities, and is easy to share. Video is a great way to connect with your audience and to take client experience to the next level. Loom's easy and free to use, so if you've been waiting for a good time to get started with video, you've arrived.
What do you think of Loom? Share in the comments below.
