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Loom vs Screencastify

Loom vs Screencastify

Loom and Screencastify both started as Chrome extensions that record and share a link, and both still work best in a browser. Loom grew toward teams, with desktop and mobile apps and comments on the video page. Screencastify grew toward classrooms, with Google Drive hand-off and a teleprompter. The free plans differ, and neither edits beyond the basics.

Loom and Screencastify side by side

Verified on the vendors' own pages. Prices as of November 2026.

	Loom	Screencastify
Best for	Quick async team messages shared by link	Classroom recording in Chrome with a teleprompter and Drive hand-off
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android	Web, Chromebook
Pricing	Free tier; paid from $18/user/month	Free tier; paid from $7/user/month (billed annually)

	Loom	Screencastify
General
Recording, editing and export stay on your computer
Recording
Record the whole screen, a window or an area
Record camera and microphone
Speaker notes while recording
Editing
Automatic zoom animations on clicks
Cursor smoothing
Change the cursor size and style after recording
Move and resize the camera after recording
Background, padding and rounded corners
Automatic transcript
Subtitles rendered into the video
Split screen, camera overlay and fullscreen in one video
Camera shrinks during zooms
Exporting
Landscape, portrait and square from one project
MP4 export to disk
GIF export

Loom covers 5 of 16, Screencastify covers 6 of 16 categories in this comparison.

When Loom is the better fit

You record for colleagues and want comments, reactions and view counts on the page.
You want desktop and mobile apps as well as the extension.
You use Atlassian tools; Loom integrates with Jira and Confluence.
You accept that MP4 download is paid-only.

When Screencastify is the better fit

You teach on Chromebooks and share through Google Drive and Classroom.
You want a teleprompter while recording.
You want a free plan that allows a set number of videos with a watermark rather than a per-video cap.
You never leave the browser.

The third option: Rapidemo Our pick

Both tools are for sending. When a recording is going to be published, a lesson students rewatch for a semester, a demo on a landing page, it needs more than a trim. Rapidemo records on Windows 10 and 11 and adds the zoom on clicks, a smooth cursor, subtitles and a camera layout automatically, then exports the MP4 to your disk up to 4K. You still get a share link. The difference is that the video looks made, not sent.

Try Rapidemo Windows 10 and 11

Free to record and edit. License unlocks export.

Rapidemo is built for Windows

Get a download link sent to your email for when you're back at your computer.

Just one email, no spam. Download for Windows.

Recording

Both record the screen, a tab or the camera from a Chrome extension and upload as you record.

Loom adds desktop apps for Windows and Mac and mobile apps.

Screencastify adds a teleprompter and runs on Chromebooks and in Edge.

Editing

Screencastify’s editor is browser-based: trim, cut, text and simple tools.

Loom trims and stitches on its hosted page.

Neither places zooms automatically; Loom lists auto zoom as coming soon.

Sharing and storage

Loom hosts the video with comments, reactions and view counts.

Screencastify hosts the video and hands it to Google Drive and Classroom.

Both keep the master copy in the cloud; downloads depend on the plan.

Free plans and price

Loom’s free plan caps recording length and does not download MP4s.

Screencastify’s free plan allows a set number of videos up to 30 minutes each, watermarked. Paid plans on both are per user.

The table above shows the prices on the day we verified them.

More on these tools

Loom vs Rapidemo Best screen recorders for Windows 11 and 10 in 2026 Best Screencastify alternatives in 2026 Best screen recorder for product demos in 2026 Loom vs Camtasia (2026): which one to pick Loom vs Vidyard (2026): which one to pick

Loom vs Screencastify: FAQ

Common questions about choosing between Loom and Screencastify.

Is Screencastify better than Loom for teachers?

Screencastify is built for classrooms: Chromebook support, Google Drive hand-off and a teleprompter. Loom is built for teams, with comments and integrations. Both record in the browser; both free plans have limits.

Which has a better free plan, Loom or Screencastify?

They limit different things. Loom’s free plan caps recording length and does not download MP4s. Screencastify’s free plan allows a set number of videos up to 30 minutes each with a watermark. Check the table above for the current limits.

Can either edit the video?

Both trim and add simple effects. Neither has a full timeline, automatic zoom or subtitles in the downloaded file. Screencastify’s editor is browser-based; Loom edits on its hosted page.

Where are the videos stored?

In each vendor’s cloud. Screencastify saves to and imports from Google Drive. Loom keeps the video in your Loom account. For a local MP4 first, record with a desktop tool such as Rapidemo.

Can I try Rapidemo for free?

Yes. Download Rapidemo and use every feature for free. You only need a license to export your finished video or GIF.

How much does Rapidemo cost?

Rapidemo starts at $9/month billed annually, with a monthly plan and a one-time lifetime license also available. See the pricing page for full details.

Can I get a refund?

Yes. Lifetime license purchases are refundable within 7 days. Subscriptions and lifetime renewals are non-refundable.

Keep exploring

Loom vs Vidyard (2026): which one to pick

Two link-first recorders for messages and sales outreach, compared on sharing, tracking and downloads.

Loom vs Rapidemo

Take your screen recordings to the next level. Rapidemo is a privacy-focused alternative to Loom that automatically zooms in when you click and creates polished, published-ready videos.

Best Loom alternatives for Windows (2026)

Loom is built for quick messages. These eight Windows tools are for video you publish, compared on polish, storage and price.

How to record your screen as a GIF on Windows

A GIF that plays everywhere and still looks polished. Zoom and a smooth cursor are added for you.

What Rapidemo users are saying

950+ creators record their screen with Rapidemo. Here is what they say about it.

Harry Symons

I've been really enjoying using Rapidemo – it's incredibly easy to use and makes creating videos quick and straightforward. The interface is intuitive, and I was able to get started right away without any learning curve. Highly recommend for anyone looking for simple, effective video software.