Video content has exploded in popularity over the last few years, especially with the rise of remote work and social media marketing. Screen recordings and camera captures have become essential for creating all types of engaging video content, from software tutorials to product demos, team presentations, social posts, and more.
Having the right video messaging tools makes it quick and easy to record your screen and webcam footage to communicate ideas effectively. But with so many options available, it can be tricky to determine which app best fits your needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we have hand-picked the top 8 video messaging apps to record your screen and camera for business, personal and creative uses:
1. Loom
Loom is a favorite for easily capturing screen recordings, webcam video, and voice narration with no complicated editing required. Some key benefits:
- Chrome extension and desktop apps for Mac & Windows
- Simple one-click recording
- Generate sharable video links
- No video size limits
- Free basic version available
Loom is fantastic for quickly capturing processes, sharing explanations and updates, and connecting remote teams. The unlimited recording time on free plans makes Loom stand out from competitors.
2. Vmaker
Vmaker enables recording screen and webcam footage in up to 4K quality. Key features include:
- Annotate videos
- Trim/merge capabilities
- One-time video viewing option
- Integration with meeting tools
- Unlimited cloud storage
Vmaker stands out for its one-time video viewing mode, which essentially makes content "self-destruct" after being viewed – perfect for sharing confidential product demos or financial data safely.
3. Screencast-O-Matic
Screencast-O-Matic offers much more than just screen and webcam recording. Other capabilities:
- Video editing tools like text overlays, green screen effects, zooming
- Browser-based recording
- Stock media library
- GIF creation
- 25GB free video storage
Whether you need to level up basic recordings with professional editing or easily host videos for sharing, Screencast-O-Matic has you covered with it‘s suite of tools.
4. Movavi Screen Recorder
Movavi stands out with features tailored specifically for power business users:
- Schedule automated recordings
- Hide mouse clicks/movements
- Separate audio recording
- Customizable capture modes
- Video editing bundled
If you need to standardize screen recordings across teams or heavily edit content, Movavi provides the advanced controls to handle complex video creation workflows.
5. Vidyard
Vidyard was designed for enterprise-scale video messaging needs. Benefits include:
- Email integration in Outlook/Gmail
- Secure video hosting options
- Detailed analytics/reporting
- Interactive embeds and SEO optimization
- Team collaboration features
- Automated captions
For large companies regularly communicating via video, Vidyard is the best choice. Marketing, sales and product teams will find the most utility leveraging data, tracking ROI on videos, and streamlining workflows.
DemoCreator enables both robust editing and screen recording. Unique features include:
- Animated character creators
- Green screen/dynamic backgrounds
- Zooming/spotlight modes
- Embedded sharing
- Telestrations
- Automated subtitles
For personal users, vloggers, teachers and creative professionals, the expansive effects and editing toolkit within DemoCreator unlock tons of possibilities for instructional, entertaining and informational videos.
7. Kommute
Kommute stands out as the only solution purpose-built for recruitment:
- Custom branding
- Candidate management
- User permissions
- Analytics
- Cloud storage
- 2-way video messaging
Any HR professional hiring remotely needs to consider Kommute for streamlining the screening and interview process at scale while keeping consistent branding.
8. Camtasia
Camtasia remains an industry leader with powerful editing capabilities like:
- Multi-track timeline
- Transitions
- Animations
- Zooming/panning
- Voice narration tools
- Quizzing/surveys
- Meticulous color correction
For creating highly produced, polished videos, Camtasia is hard to beat. But the robust editor comes at the cost of a steep learning curve. However, small business owners to established enterprises leveraging video heavily gain the most value.
Key Feature Comparison
| App | Free Version | Mobile App | Browser-Based | Video Hosting | advanced editing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loom | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| Vmaker | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| Screencast-O-Matic | ✅ | ✅ | 25GB free | ✅ | |
| Movavi | ✅ | ||||
| Vidyard | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| DemoCreator | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| Kommute | ✅ | ✅ | |||
| Camtasia | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Creating Effective Videos: Tips & Best Practices
The right software is key, but quality video content starts with an effective strategy behind it. Keep these best practices in mind:
1. Identify your audience and goals
Get clear on who needs to view and take action on your video content to determine the appropriate length, style and production value required.
2. Write a loose script
Even if you want a casual vlog-like style, having talking points ensures you cover what‘s needed.
3. Use strong visuals
Viewers process images 60,000x faster than text. Use graphics, on-screen text, product shots or PowerPoint slides to reinforce topics.
4. Break content into chunks
Segments under 10 minutes are ideal for short attention spans. Have a clear start, middle and final summary.
5. Refine pacing and tone
Review and edit clips so you have smooth transitions between ideas and appropriate energy level.
Integrating Video Messaging Into Work Tools
To maximize usage across your organization, seamless integration with existing systems is key for adoption.
Here are top apps that interoperate well with other platforms:
- Loom: Embed videos directly into collaboration platforms like Slack or Asana
- Vidyard: Integrate seamlessly with marketing, sales and recruiting stacks; Zapier connectors
- Screencast-O-Matic: Share instantly to YouTube or CMS platforms; embed codes
- Kommute: Built specifically for talent acquisition workflows; single sign-on capabilities
As video becomes a primary means of working for globally distributed teams, being able to record, manage and share video content across the tools employees use daily is tablestakes.
Prioritizing integrations will improve consistency in communications and cut down on video content chaos.
Video Trends You Need to Know
As video technology and internet speeds improve, some notable shifts in user behavior and preferences we will see over the next 5 years include:
- Short video consumption soaring: From TikTok to YouTube Shorts, quick videos optimize mobile use.
- Interactive video: Viewers can influence direction or get info on demand through hotspots and branching.
- Video overlays and augmented reality: Blending digital effects and enhancements with real footage will create more dynamic viewing experiences.
- Ephemeral messaging: For privacy reasons, temporary viewing limits will likely expand beyond personal into professional video sharing.
- Mobile-first: Shooting video natively from smartphones rather than needing bulky equipment removes barriers to adoption.
Keeping pace with video innovations presents opportunities to craft more compelling content that builds genuine connections with audiences and drives better results.
Accessibility: Making Video Inclusive for All
With video being used so ubiquitously in remote work, extra care should be taken to ensure corporate communications and public-facing content meets accessibility standards.
Some built-in features in popular apps that help:
- Automated closed captions and transcripts: Available in Vidyard, Screencast-O-Matic, DemoCreator, Camtasia and more
- Hotkeys and keyboard shortcuts: Support motor disabilities needing alternatives to mouse controls
- Screen reader support: Allows visually impaired users to navigate with audio assistance
- Text and graphics adjustments: Customize text size and background colors to aid readability
- Speed control: Playback videos at slower or faster speeds catering to different needs
Checking that video messaging apps have robust accessibility features baked in makes for more inclusive experiences and helps avoid excluding team members or customers from crucial information.
Security and Privacy
Especially when dealing with internal data in videos, keeping content protected should be a priority for any business.
Here are top things to evaluate with prospective tools:
- User access controls set viewing permissions and editing ability
- Authentication like single sign-on to prevent unauthorized usage
- Video encryption for any footage containing sensitive materials or data
- Reporting to track views and spoofing attempts
- Device restrictions that block recording downloads locally
- Remote wiping capabilities in case a device is lost or stolen
- Compliance standards like SOC2, GDPR, etc. independently validated
Establishing prudent security measures and policies prevents slip ups that could expose confidential information unnecessarily.
The Best Video Messaging App Depends on Your Needs
At the end of the day, identifying the priorities and use cases for your video content are the ultimate determinants for choosing a platform.
For fast and easy screen and webcam recording to share updates or processes, Loom, Vmaker and Screencast-O-Matic offer plenty of value for free.
Those wanting advanced professional editing capabilities are better served with DemoCreator or Camtasia.
Vidyard and Kommute stand out for enterprise-grade video communications scalable across large teams with security, governance and specialized analytics.
Movavi strikes a nice balance empowering business users to schedule automated recordings, make quick edits and share via links easily from one dashboard.
Test out the array of options covered here to discover the best fit for your video messaging and screen recording needs today plus having room to grow as your strategy evolves.
