How to Download a Loom Video (and Why You Sometimes Can't)

Downloading a Loom video takes two clicks when everything's allowed. The confusing part is that a lot of the time it isn't, and Loom doesn't always say why. Whether you can download depends on the video owner's settings, your workspace, your role and your plan. Here's how to download, and how to work out which of those is in your way.

How to download a Loom video

1. Open the video on loom.com or in the Loom app.
2. Look for the download option, usually in the three-dot menu or the options next to Share.
3. Choose Download.
4. The video saves to your computer as an MP4 file.

Can't see the download option? Here's why

Reason	What's happening	What to do
Downloads are off for that video	The owner hasn't allowed downloads	Ask the owner to switch on Allow downloads
Your plan doesn't include downloads	The Starter free plan can't download	Upgrade, or ask the owner to send the file
Your role doesn't allow it	Creator Lite and Viewer roles can't download	Ask a workspace admin
Your workspace blocks downloads	An Enterprise admin has switched them off	Ask your admin
The video is still processing	New recordings take a moment	Wait, then refresh

The catch: the free plan can't download

Loom's help is clear that users on the Starter free plan can't download videos, even their own. That surprises a lot of people who record on the free plan, assuming the MP4 is theirs to keep. If you're on Starter and need a file, you'll need a different plan, or someone on a plan that allows downloads will have to share it. Plan for this before you rely on Loom for anything you need to keep offline.

How to allow downloads on your own video

1. Open your video.
2. Go to its Settings.
3. Switch on Allow downloads.
4. Refresh the page. The download option now appears for people who can download.

Turn this off for internal recordings you'd rather didn't circulate as files, and on for videos clients need to keep, such as training or handover walkthroughs.

Roles and downloads on business plans

On Business and Business+ AI plans, only Admins and Creators can download videos. People with Creator Lite or Viewer roles can watch but can't download on any plan. On Enterprise, admins can also switch off downloads for the whole workspace. When they do, nobody can download videos or transcripts, but sharing still works within the workspace's sharing rules.

Why a new video won't download yet

Straight after you finish recording, Loom needs a little time to process the video. During that time the download may not be available. Give it a minute, refresh the page and try again. Longer recordings take longer.

Alternatives if you can't download

• Share the link: most people only need to watch, and a link keeps view tracking and comments.
• Embed it: put the video on a web page or help document.
• Ask the owner: they can switch on downloads or send you the MP4.

Avoid screen-recording someone else's Loom to get around a block. If the owner switched downloads off, they had a reason, and copying it can break their trust or their company's rules.

What to do with the MP4

• Upload it to your course platform, website or video host.
• Add it to a client handover folder.
• Edit it in a video editor to trim or add captions.
• Keep a backup copy of important training videos.

Downloading the transcript instead

Sometimes you don't need the video at all, just what was said. Loom creates a transcript for many recordings, and copying that text into a document is often more useful for notes, instructions or a blog post than an MP4. The same rules apply, though: if an Enterprise admin has switched off downloads for the workspace, transcripts can't be downloaded either.

Keeping a library of your own Looms

If Loom is where your training and walkthrough videos live, download the important ones regularly while your plan allows it, and store them in a shared drive with clear names. If you ever change plans or tools, you won't be left with a library of links you can't export. A simple naming pattern, such as client, topic and date, makes them easy to find later.

If you're comparing screen recorders, my roundups of Screencastify alternatives and webcam recording software cover other options, including ones that save files locally.

My verdict

Open the video and choose Download for an MP4, if you're allowed. If the option's missing, check in order: is it still processing, has the owner turned off Allow downloads, are you on the Starter free plan, or does your role or workspace block it. Owners can switch downloads on per video in Settings. For sharing your recordings more widely, see screen sharing software.

Frequently asked questions

Can I download someone else's Loom?

Only if the owner has allowed downloads and your plan and role permit it.

Do downloaded Looms keep view tracking?

No. Tracking and comments only work when people watch through the Loom link.

Can I download a Loom transcript?

Often, yes, unless an Enterprise admin has turned off downloads for the workspace, which blocks transcripts too.

What format do Loom downloads use?

Loom videos download as MP4 files.

Can I download Loom videos on the free plan?

No. Users on the Starter free plan can't download videos.

Why can't I download a Loom someone sent me?

The owner may have switched off downloads, or your role or plan doesn't allow it.

How do I let people download my Loom?

Open the video, go to Settings and switch on Allow downloads.

Who can download videos on Loom business plans?

Admins and Creators. Creator Lite and Viewer roles can't.

Why isn't my new Loom ready to download?

It's still processing. Wait a moment and refresh.