Turn Any Loom Recording Into Searchable Text
ChatGPT and other text-based AI chatbots can’t process video files or access recording URLs. ScreenApp works differently. Paste a Loom link, and the tool extracts the audio, identifies each speaker, and returns a timestamped transcript you can search, edit, and export. No downloads, no desktop apps, no waiting.
If you record screen walkthroughs, product demos, or async updates with Loom, you already know the pain of scrubbing through minutes of video to find one detail. A written version of that recording makes everything searchable. You can copy sections into docs, skim for action items, or feed the text into other tools for summaries and follow-ups.
ScreenApp handles this with a few practical advantages over other options:
- Paste any Loom URL directly — no need to download the video first
- Speaker labels so you know who said what
- Timestamps tied to every sentence
- A built-in AI chat that lets you ask questions about the recording
- Export to PDF, TXT, or Word
- Free tier covers videos up to 10 minutes
How It Works
The process takes about 30 seconds for a typical five-minute recording. Here’s what happens after you paste a link.
Step 1 — Import your video. Copy the share URL from Loom and paste it into ScreenApp. You can also upload a file directly if you’ve already downloaded the recording.
Step 2 — Automatic processing. The AI extracts audio, separates speakers, and generates the full text. You’ll see progress in real time.
Step 3 — Review, edit, and export. Read through the output, fix any names or jargon the AI missed, and export in your preferred format. The timestamps stay linked to the original video so you can click any line to jump to that moment.
How ScreenApp Compares to Other Transcription Tools
Choosing the right tool depends on what you’re transcribing, how often, and what you do with the output afterward. Here’s how ScreenApp stacks up against four real alternatives.
| Feature | ScreenApp | Loom (built-in) | Otter.ai | Descript |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Loom URL import | Yes | N/A (native) | No | No |
| Speaker identification | Yes | Business + AI only | Yes | Yes |
| AI chat with transcript | Yes | No | No | No |
| Edit by transcript | No | Business + AI only | No | Yes |
| No desktop install needed | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Free tier | 10 min/video | 25 videos (lifetime cap) | 300 min/month | 1 hr/month |
| Paid plan (annual) | $14/month | $15/user/month | $8.33/month | $16/month |
vs Loom’s built-in transcription — Loom includes basic captions on its Business plan at $15/user/month, but speaker labels, AI summaries, and transcript-based editing require the Business + AI tier at $20/user/month. ScreenApp costs $14/month (not per user) and includes speaker identification and AI chat on every paid plan. If your team has more than one person, the per-user pricing difference adds up fast.
vs Otter.ai — Otter is strong for live meetings and has a generous 300-minute free tier, but it can’t import a Loom URL. You’d need to download the video, convert it, and upload it manually. Otter Pro runs $8.33/month (annual) or $16.99 monthly. ScreenApp handles the import in one paste, which saves a real step if you work with Loom recordings regularly.
vs Descript — Descript is a full video editor that happens to have great transcription. Its transcript-based editing (delete a sentence, and the video cuts automatically) is genuinely unique. But it requires a desktop app, and the Hobbyist plan starts at $16/month for 10 transcription hours. If you only need the text and don’t plan to re-edit the video itself, ScreenApp is simpler and cheaper.
Use Cases
Product and engineering teams record walkthroughs of new features, bug reproductions, and sprint demos. Converting those recordings to text means the whole team can search past demos without rewatching anything. Product managers can paste relevant quotes directly into specs or tickets.
Sales and customer success teams send personalized Loom videos to prospects and customers. Transcribing those recordings helps you pull out objections, questions, and commitments for CRM notes and follow-up emails — without replaying the full video.
Marketing and content teams repurpose video into blog posts, social media threads, and documentation. Starting from a written version is faster than writing from scratch while watching on loop.
Remote and async-first teams rely on recorded updates instead of live meetings. When those updates have written versions, team members in different time zones can skim for what matters to them instead of watching every minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a transcript from a Loom recording?
Copy the share link from Loom, paste it into ScreenApp, and wait about 30 seconds. The tool pulls the audio, processes it, and gives you timestamped text with speaker labels. No account setup or software install is needed for the free tier.
Is the free plan enough for most recordings?
The free tier handles videos up to 10 minutes, which covers most async updates and quick walkthroughs. If you regularly record longer sessions (demos, training videos, webinars), the Growth plan at $14/month removes that cap and adds unlimited recordings.
How accurate is the output?
For recordings with clear audio and one or two speakers, accuracy lands around 99%. Background noise, heavy accents, or overlapping speakers can lower that. You can always edit the result before exporting.
Can I transcribe without downloading the video first?
Yes. ScreenApp imports directly from the Loom URL. You never need to download, convert, or re-upload the file. This also works with other video platforms — just paste the link.
Does Loom already include transcription?
Loom’s Business plan ($15/user/month) includes basic closed captions. For AI-powered features like speaker identification and transcript editing, you need the Business + AI plan at $20/user/month. ScreenApp provides speaker labels and AI chat at $14/month flat, not per user.
What export formats are available?
You can export as plain text (TXT), PDF, or Word (DOCX). All formats include timestamps and speaker labels. The PDF version works well for sharing with stakeholders who want a quick read.
Can I search inside the transcript?
Yes. Once the text is generated, you can use the built-in search to find specific words or phrases. You can also use the AI chat feature to ask questions like “What did the speaker say about the timeline?” and get answers pulled from the recording.
