Swap a meeting for a video. Get your afternoon back.
What async video is, when it works better than a meeting and how to record one people actually watch.
An async video is a short video of your screen and face that replaces a meeting. Everyone watches when they can, at their own speed, and replies with a comment.
It works for updates, demos, feedback or explaining a bug. To decide something through debate, a meeting is better.
Before you record
When to use it and when not
- Sharing the week's or a project's updates.
- Showing a demo, a design or a website.
- Explaining a bug with what's on your screen.
- Giving feedback on a document.
- Explaining something you'll repeat, like onboarding.
- Deciding something that needs debate between several people.
- A sensitive conversation or a conflict.
- The first meeting with a client.
5 min5 steps
How to record it in 5 steps
- Start with what you need: “I need your OK on the design before Friday.”
- Show, don't tell: have what you're explaining open on screen.
- Show your face: in a small bubble, so your tone comes across.
- Under 5 minutes. If it's longer, split it or add chapters.
- End with a specific question, so people reply.
⌘⇧H
From meeting to linkWith Hilo, from meeting to link in one shortcut
- Press ⌘ ⇧ H and record your screen, face and mic.
- When you stop, the link is copied: paste it into Slack, email or WhatsApp.
- Everyone watches when they can and comments at the exact second.
With Pro (€24/month), AI adds a title, summary and chapters, plus subtitles in 6 languages. And you see who watched and how far, without asking.
Meeting or video, compared
| 30-min meeting | 5-min video | |
|---|---|---|
| Time per person | 30 minutes | 5 minutes, whenever they can |
| Aligning calendars | Needed | Not needed |
| Watching it again | Only if it's recorded | Always, with its link |
| Knowing who got it | Whoever attended | Who watched and how far |
| Debating and deciding | Better | A meeting is better |
Frequently asked questions
What is an async video?
A video you record for others to watch when they can, instead of meeting at the same time. It's usually your screen with your face in a corner.
How long should it be?
Under 5 minutes. If you need more, add chapters so everyone can jump to their part.
How do I know if my team watched it?
With Hilo you see every view: who, how far and on which device.
How do people reply to a video?
With a comment at the exact second of the video, or with another video.
Which app should I use for async video?
On a Mac, Hilo records your screen and face and gives you the link when you stop. Loom does something similar and also runs on Windows. The 6 best screen recorders for Mac.