How to create your first screen recording on Loom

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

To create your first screen recording on Loom, install the Loom extension or desktop app, click the Loom icon, select your recording preferences (screen + camera), and click Start Recording. After recording, Loom automatically processes and provides a shareable link.

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Prerequisites

Computer with camera and microphone
Chrome browser or Loom desktop app installed
Loom account (free or paid)
Stable internet connection

Step-by-Step Instructions

Install and set up Loom

Go to loom.com and sign up for a free account. Install the Loom Chrome extension from the Chrome Web Store or download the desktop app. Once installed, you'll see the Loom icon in your browser toolbar or desktop.

The desktop app offers more features and stability for longer recordings.

Launch Loom and grant permissions

Click the Loom icon in your browser toolbar or open the desktop app. When prompted, grant permissions for camera access, microphone access, and screen recording. These permissions are required for Loom to function properly.

If permissions are blocked, check your browser settings under Privacy & Security > Site Settings.

Choose your recording type

In the Loom recording panel, select your recording mode:

Screen + Camera: Records your screen with your webcam overlay
Screen Only: Records just your screen
Camera Only: Records just your webcam

For your first recording, choose Screen + Camera for the best experience.

You can adjust the camera bubble size and position after starting the recording.

Select your screen area

Choose what to record:

Full Screen: Captures your entire screen
Current Tab: Records only the active browser tab
Desktop App: Records a specific application window

Select Current Tab for your first recording to keep it focused.

Current Tab is perfect for software demos and tutorials without showing other open applications.

Test your audio and camera

Before recording, check that your microphone shows green audio levels when you speak. Ensure your camera preview looks good with proper lighting. Click the microphone icon or camera icon to toggle them on/off if needed.

Use a headset or external microphone for better audio quality in your recordings.

Start recording

Click the large red Start Recording button. Loom will show a 3-second countdown, then begin recording. You'll see a small recording control panel with options to pause, restart, or finish your recording.

Take a moment to compose yourself during the countdown - it helps create a more professional start.

Record your content

Speak clearly and demonstrate what you want to show on screen. Use the drawing tools in the control panel to highlight important areas. Click Pause if you need a break, or Finish when you're done recording.

Keep your first recording short (2-3 minutes) to get comfortable with the process.

Review and share your recording

After clicking Finish, Loom automatically processes your video and opens it in a new tab. You can trim the beginning/end, add a title, and copy the share link. The link is automatically copied to your clipboard for easy sharing.

Videos are private by default - use the sharing settings to control who can view your recording.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Loom won't start recording or shows a black screen

Refresh your browser tab and try again. Make sure you've granted all permissions for camera, microphone, and screen recording. Try disabling other screen recording software that might conflict.

Audio is not being recorded or sounds muffled

Check your system's microphone settings and ensure the correct input device is selected. Close other applications that might be using your microphone. Test speaking louder or moving closer to your microphone.

Camera shows a black screen or wrong camera

Go to your browser settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and ensure Loom has access. If you have multiple cameras, click the camera settings in Loom to select the correct one.

Recording is choppy or has poor quality

Close unnecessary browser tabs and applications to free up system resources. Check your internet connection stability. Consider using the desktop app instead of the browser extension for better performance.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official Loom website before purchasing.

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