Cap vs Screenity
Self-host pick — both replace Loom (Async video messaging).
Both Cap and Screenity self-host as a replacement for Loom (Async video messaging). Pick Screenity if you want the lighter footprint — Browser extension only — no server, $0 (host the resulting mp4s anywhere — s3, r2, your own nginx). Pick Cap if you need teams that want the Loom flow (record → instant link → comments) end-to-end on their own infra — 30min (Cap Web — Next.js app + Postgres + S3-compatible store) and $10 vps for the web app + an s3 bucket for video storage.
| Capopen-source | Screenityopen-source | |
|---|---|---|
| License | AGPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Setup time | 30min (Cap Web — Next.js app + Postgres + S3-compatible store) | Browser extension only — no server |
| Monthly cost | $10 VPS for the web app + an S3 bucket for video storage. | $0 (host the resulting MP4s anywhere — S3, R2, your own NGINX). |
| GitHub | CapSoftware/Cap | alyssaxuu/screenity |
| Replaces | Loom | Loom |
Good fit for
Cap
Teams that want the Loom flow (record → instant link → comments) end-to-end on their own infra.
Weak at:AI transcripts/chapters need wiring up to a Whisper service yourself.
Screenity
Solo creators who want recording without running any server.
Weak at:No hosted viewer page; you provide that yourself.
In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli loom prints Loom's self-host options including both —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Which is easier to self-host, Cap or Screenity?
Cap: 30min (Cap Web — Next.js app + Postgres + S3-compatible store). Screenity: Browser extension only — no server.
What does each cost to run?
Cap: $10 VPS for the web app + an S3 bucket for video storage.. Screenity: $0 (host the resulting MP4s anywhere — S3, R2, your own NGINX).. Both projects are free and open source.
Do Cap and Screenity replace the same SaaS?
Yes — both are open-source alternatives to Loom.