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New Loom Integration in Messages Makes Communication Easier

VladimirG
Community Manager

We’d like to share a new integration that has been added to Upwork Messages, it’s called Loom. It’s a tool that allows users to record their screen and add a voice-over in the recording. You can quickly send recordings to others in Upwork Messages to make sharing work and collaborating easier.  Many of you are already familiar with Loom and have requested we add this integration. Even if you’re new to Loom, we think you’ll appreciate it as an efficient and engaging communication tool.

 

Why we love the new Loom integration

 

Sometimes it’s easier to communicate a message verbally, especially when dealing with complex projects, but we don’t always have the bandwidth or ability across time zones to meet. With Loom’s screen-recording video capability you can capture a screen recording and include a voice-over, making it easier to communicate a message about the work you’re doing. And you can do it directly in Upwork Messages - so freelancers and clients can more seamlessly collaborate on projects! It's free to use for all users in any membership plan.

 

You’ll notice a “Record with Loom” option displayed in the top of the room in Messages. 

 

Loom1.png

 

Choose the recording that works for you: record your (1) screen and camera, (2) screen only, or (3) camera only (Tip: you’ll be asked to select camera and/or microphone).

  • Once the recording starts, you can pause or delete 
  • To save, click “Stop”and copy the link provided into the message composer or use the “Insert recording” option to insert the recording into the message composer
  • The recipient will be able to watch the video directly in the room or by opening it in a separate window
  • Make sure you’re signed in to make edits to your recordings
  • It's also possible to trim the recording for users who signed in to their Loom account

    Loom2.png

     

As added good news, when using Loom in Upwork Messages, there is no limit to the recording length or the number of recordings if you're signed into your own Loom account, even if you have a free Loom account (Free Loom accounts typically contain limitations).

 

Are you a Loom newbie or an experienced user? We’d love to hear from everyone as you use this new tool to learn about the ways it’s helped streamline your communication and enhance outcomes with project partners.

 

If you'd like to learn more about the Loom integration, check out the recording of our recent Loom event!


Update November 9, 2021: This post has been updated to reflect that Loom in Upwork Messages is now available to all users! Please continue to share how you're using Loom in the comments below.

Update November 17, 2021: The post was updated to include a link to the recording of our recent Loom event.

24 Comments
donfak
Community Member

This is a GREAT one! Bravo Upwork! 🥳

wescowley
Community Member

Vladimir, this looks interesting.

 

Can you share what the experience looks like for the receiver?

How are they notified?

Does it autoplay?

Can it be replayed, paused, backed up, etc?

Can the recordings be downloaded?

kochubei_valeria
Community Member

Thanks for sharing your interest, Wes!

The recording is essentially inserted into a message and it appears in the Message room as a regular message would. Whether or not the recipient is notified about it depends on their own notification settings. It doesn't auto-play, but there is a play button that the recipient can click to view the recording directly in the room. Alternatively, they can open it in a separate window. Yes, it can be replayed, paused, backed up. Let me double-check with the team about downloading though, I'll provide an update here once I know more about that.

 

Update: I've confirmed that you won't be able to download the video directly from within the Upwork Message room. However, there is an option to download it after opening it in a separate window.

Here is a screenshot of what a message with a recording would look like in a message room:
Screenshot from October 5, 2021 4_33 PM.png 

 

wlyonsatl
Community Member

Loom takes some getting used to and verbose clients or freelancers can chew up a lot of wasted time with these messages, but it is a good tool for clients and freelancers who are in widely different time zones.

 

 

ccade23
Community Member

I'm so excited to use this feature! Way to go UpWork!!

bundie702
Community Member

It looks like these Loom recordings cannot be used to apply for work, correct?

NikolaS
Moderator

Hi Bettye,

 

Yes, the way this integration works is through Messages. So it's only available once the interview is active and a message room is created. Currently, it's not possible to use the integration in a proposal.

 

Would a loom integration be something you'd find useful in proposals? We're interested to learn more about how you'd like to use it.

 

bundie702
Community Member

Nikola wrote:

"Would a loom integration be something you'd find useful in proposals? We're interested to learn more about how you'd like to use it."

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Not necessarily in a proposal, but it might be nice to record a message for my profile to help sell my services. Don't know if any clients would be interested in listening to it, though, but you never know...

AveryO
Community Manager

Hi Bettye, 

You can add a video overview to your Profile to market your relevant experience and expertise to prospective clients. 

To add a video to your Profile

  • Go to Find WorkProfile
  • Scroll down to the Overview section and click the Place video link
  • Paste your YouTube video link into the box, choose a video type and click Submit

This article in Upwork Help has additional information on adding a video overview to your Upwork Profile. I have also added links for tips on how to create an excellent video overview: 

I hope this helps!

04b3b57d
Community Member

this is amazing feature! I love it.