How to Create Recordings with Zoom Clips (Can it Replace Loom?)

Zoom Clips is a free built-in screen recording tool in the Zoom desktop app that lets you record your screen, camera, or both and instantly share via link—no meeting required. It's Zoom's direct competitor to Loom.

What is Zoom Clips and why should I use it?

Zoom Clips is a screen recording feature built directly into the Zoom desktop application. Released in recent updates, it allows users to create asynchronous video messages without starting a Zoom meeting.

Key reasons to use Zoom Clips:

• Already included with your Zoom subscription (no extra cost)
• Replaces paid tools like Loom ($12.50-20/month)
• Records screen, webcam, or both simultaneously
• Instant sharing via link (viewers don't need Zoom accounts)
• Built-in annotation and editing tools
• Professional appearance settings (touch-ups, virtual backgrounds)

If you're currently paying for Loom or similar tools and already have Zoom, Clips can eliminate that subscription.

How do I find and enable Zoom Clips?

Step 1: Update to the latest Zoom version

• On Mac: Click Zoom menu → "Check for updates"
• On Windows: Follow similar update process

Step 2: Locate Clips in your Zoom app

• Look for the "Clips" icon in your Zoom home screen toolbar
• If not visible, click the "More" tab to find it

Step 3: Enable if missing

• Contact your IT admin if you're on an enterprise plan
• If Clips doesn't appear, check your Zoom admin panel
• Ensure the Clips feature is enabled in your account settings

What can I record with Zoom Clips?

Zoom Clips offers three recording modes:

1. Screen + Camera (Picture-in-Picture)

• Records your screen with your webcam overlay
• Camera appears in a movable bubble
• Three display styles: circular, rounded border, or borderless
• Position your camera anywhere on screen

2. Screen Only

• Full screen recording
• Specific window recording
• Portion of screen (select exact area)
• Ideal when you don't want to appear on camera

3. Camera Only

• Direct-to-camera video messages
• No screen share
• Perfect for personal updates or greetings

The "Portion of Screen" option is particularly useful for privacy—it lets record only a portion of your screen that you get to select and modify as you record.

How do I actually record a Zoom Clip?

Starting your recording:

1. Open Zoom desktop app
2. Click "Clips" (or find it under "More") on the top bar.
3. Click "Record Clip" button
4. Select your recording mode (screen, camera, or both)
5. Choose which window or screen area to record
6. Position your camera bubble if using webcam
7. Click the red "Record" button
8. Recording starts after a countdown timer

During recording, you can:

• Pause and resume at any point
• Add colored annotations and drawings
• Highlight or point to specific elements
• Restart completely if you make mistakes
• Discard the recording

Ending your recording:

• Click "Stop" when finished
• Video automatically saves to your Clips library
• Processing begins immediately

What advanced settings and features are available?

Appearance Settings:

• Beauty filters and touch-ups
• Virtual backgrounds
• Low-light optimization
• Camera positioning controls

Audio Settings:

• Background noise suppression
• System audio capture (records computer sound, not just microphone)
• Microphone selection

Annotation Tools:

• Real-time drawing and highlighting
• Multiple color options
• Clear and undo functions
• Pointer tools for emphasis

How do I record just a portion of my screen?

This is one of Zoom Clips' most valuable privacy features:

1. In the recording setup, click the screen selection dropdown
2. Choose "Advanced" tab
3. Select "Portion of Screen"
4. Click and drag to select the exact area you want to record
5. Preview shows exactly what will be captured
6. Position your camera overlay within that area if desired
7. Click "Start Recording"

Where are my Zoom Clips stored and organized?

Storage Location: All recordings are stored in the Clips section of your Zoom desktop app.

Organization Features:

• Library view (left sidebar) shows all your clips
• Playlist functionality to group related videos
• "Shared with me" section for clips others have sent you
• Search and filter capabilities
• Thumbnail previews of each clip

Processing: Videos process immediately after recording. Once processing completes, full editing and sharing options become available.

How do I share a Zoom Clip?

Sharing Process:

1. Wait for video to finish processing
2. Click the "Share" button on your clip
3. Choose your sharing options:
   • "Anyone with link can view" (recommended for most cases)
   • Optional: Require email addresses from viewers
   • Control viewing permissions
4. Copy the generated link
5. Share via email, Slack, text, or any communication channel

Important: Recipients do NOT need a Zoom account to view your clips. The link works for anyone.

Sharing Options:

• Direct link sharing (most common)
• Email address collection (optional tracking)
• View analytics (depending on your Zoom plan)

Can I edit my Zoom Clips after recording?

Yes, basic editing is available once processing completes.

Editing Capabilities:

• Trim beginning and end
• Cut sections from middle
• Add descriptions and titles
• Simple adjustments

Limitations: Editing features are basic compared to dedicated video editors. For most asynchronous communication (client updates, team tutorials, quick demos), the built-in tools are sufficient.

For polished marketing content, you may want to export and edit in professional software.

Zoom Clips vs Loom: Is it a true replacement

Direct Comparison:

Zoom Clips Advantages:

• No additional cost if you have Zoom
• Integrated with tool you already use for meetings
• Same core features (screen + camera recording, instant sharing)
• No separate account or login needed
• Annotation tools built-in

Loom Advantages:

• More advanced editing features
• Better analytics and engagement tracking
• Established video library if you're already invested
• Some unique features like emoji reactions

Cost Comparison:

• Zoom Clips: Included with Zoom (free or paid plans)
• Loom Business: $12.50-20/month per user

Migration Consideration: If you have extensive Loom video libraries, moving everything to Zoom takes time. However, for new recordings moving forward, Zoom Clips can completely replace Loom for most users.

Do I need a paid Zoom account for Clips?

Zoom Clips is available on both free and paid Zoom accounts.

Potential Differences by Plan:

• Recording length limits
• Storage capacity
• Advanced features availability
• Number of clips you can create

Check your specific Zoom plan details for exact limitations. Most users find even the free tier sufficient for regular clip creation.

Bottom Line: Should You Use Zoom Clips?

Use Zoom Clips if:

• You already have Zoom (free or paid)
• You're currently paying for Loom or similar tools
• You send lots of explanatory emails that would work better as videos
• You work with clients, customers, or teams remotely
• You create educational or training content
• You want to reduce unnecessary meetings

Consider Alternatives if:

• You need advanced video editing features
• You've heavily invested in Loom's ecosystem
• You require sophisticated analytics
• You don't use Zoom for anything else

For most professionals, consultants, coaches, and business owners, Zoom Clips is a no-brainer replacement for paid screen recording tools. It's already there, it works well, and it costs nothing extra.

Last Updated: November 2025