Create more engaging videos with advanced recording features in Loom
10 min
Beginner
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to:
- Present information using the canvas feature
- Focus attention using the drawing tool and mouse click highlights
- Add some fun with music and confetti
Engaging your viewers is critical in asynchronous video
In today's fast-paced digital world, capturing and maintaining viewer interest is more crucial than ever, especially in asynchronous videos. Asynchronous video saves time and reduces the need for live meetings. However because video lacks real-time interaction, it’s essential to employ strategies that keep your audience engaged from start to finish. Engaging videos not only enhance the viewing experience but also ensure that your message is effectively communicated and retained.
By leveraging advanced recording features and best practices, you can create compelling content that captivates your viewers, encourages active engagement and collaboration, and ultimately leads to better outcomes. Let's dive into how you can use Loom's powerful tools to make your videos more engaging and impactful.
Present information visually with the canvas feature
The canvas feature in Loom allows you to present information in a more structured and visually appealing way in videos where you aren’t showing something specific on your screen, such as a webpage or application. It acts as a slide or digital whiteboard where you can add text, shapes, images, and more to enhance your video content.
👉 For example: John is recording a Loom video to update his team on a project's progress. He uses the canvas to list the project's milestones and deadlines, highlighting the most critical tasks. By visually emphasizing these key points, John ensures his team understands the priorities and stays focused on the essential aspects of the project.
To add a canvas to your Loom:
- Open the desktop app or Chrome extension and click Canvas in the recording panel.
- Select a background or template, and add a text layout to customize the text on your canvas.
- When you’re satisfied with your canvas, click Start Recording.
👇Watch this video to see how to use the canvas feature.
The canvas feature is available in the Loom desktop and Chrome extension recorders.
Call attention to specific areas with the drawing tool
Sometimes it can be difficult for a viewer to follow along with a video if there’s a lot on the screen, or the video creator is moving quickly. The drawing tool in Loom allows you to draw directly on your screen during a recording. This feature helps you focus your viewers' attention on specific parts of your screen, such as by drawing a line, arrow, or circle around something on the screen. Whatever you draw will disappear automatically after 5 seconds to keep your screen clear and clutter-free.
👉 For example: Sven is recording a Loom video to walk through a new feature his team developed. He uses the drawing tool to circle and underline key segments of code, making it easier for viewers to understand the changes and follow along with his explanations.
To use the drawing tool:
- Start recording in the Loom desktop app.
- Hover over the 'start-stop' icon and click on the drawing tool, indicated by a pen icon.
- Adjust your pen color and thickness to your liking.
- Draw directly on your screen. Your drawing will disappear automatically after 5 seconds.
👇Watch this video to see how to use the drawing tool.
Help viewers follow along with mouse click highlights
Another way to focus viewers' attention is using the “highlight mouse clicks” feature in Loom. Toggling on the highlight mouse clicks recording setting visually emphasizes your mouse clicks with a yellow circle during a recording. This makes it easier for viewers to follow your actions on the screen, especially during demonstrations or tutorials.
👉 For example: Praya is creating a Loom video to demonstrate how to use a new software tool to clients. She enables the highlight mouse clicks feature to ensure that every click she makes is clearly visible. This helps clients easily follow her step-by-step instructions and understand how to navigate the software.
To use the highlight mouse clicks feature:
- In the Loom desktop app, click the *** in the top-right corner of the recording panel and select Settings.
- Click on the Video & audio tab and toggle on the Highlight mouse clicks setting. This preference will be saved for all future recordings unless you change it.
👇Toggle the Highlight mouse clicks feature on in your Settings.
The drawing tool and ability to highlight your mouse clicks are only available in the Loom desktop recorder.
Set the mood with music
Incorporating elements of fun to your Loom videos can enhance the viewing experience, making your content more dynamic, enjoyable, and celebratory. Music can set the tone and mood of your video.
👉 For example: Janine is creating a Loom video to announce the launch of a new product. She adds upbeat background music to create excitement and enthusiasm among her viewers. The music helps set a positive tone and keeps the audience engaged throughout the announcement.
👇Watch this video to see how to use add music to your Loom.
Throw confetti to celebrate special moments
Confetti can be used to highlight achievements and create a feeling of celebration. Click on the confetti icon within the recording controls bar during your recording to throw a burst of confetti in your video. You can also use a keyboard shortcut to throw confetti: Control+Alt+C on Window, or Control+Command+C on Mac.
👉 For example: Vivek is creating a Loom video to congratulate his sales team for hitting a significant milestone. He uses the confetti feature at the moment he announces the achievement, adding a visual element of celebration. This makes the announcement more memorable and fun for his team.
👇Watch this video to see how to throw confetti in your Loom.
The confetti tool is only available in the desktop recorder.
Try it yourself
Open Loom and follow along.
If you haven’t already, download the Loom desktop app and Chrome extension from loom.com/download. Then open the Loom desktop app to practice.
👇 Click the tabs below to follow the instructions to practice what you’ve learned in this lesson.
First, select your screen, camera, and microphone inputs in the capture mode options window.
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next lesson
Edit a Loom video
- Trimming and stitching videos in Loom
- Trim by waveform
- Edit by transcript
- Stitch multiple video clips together
- Use the Live Rewind feature in the Chrome extension
- Achieve your video’s goals with call-to-action (CTA) buttons
- Fix your video transcript
- Try it yourself