In the world of content creation, finding the right editing tool is important. In this Descript review, we’ll see if it’s still the best choice for creators in 2024. We’ll discuss its best features, how much it costs now, and look at the good and bad points.
We’ll also check out other options to help you decide if Descript is still the best tool for your editing. Let’s see how it compares!
Table of Contents
What is Descript?
Descript is an all-in-one audio and video editing software that makes editing easier. You can edit media content by transcribing audio and video files into text and editing them like a document. You can also cut, reorder, and modify content by editing the transcript.
Descript also has advanced features like multi-track editing, screen recording, podcast production tools and Overdub, a feature to create AI generated voiceovers.
It’s loved for its user friendly interface and powerful tools making it the top choice for podcasters, video creators and content editors.
Descript Features
Underlord
The Underlord AI feature in Descript works as your personal editing assistant. It helps with boring tasks so you can focus on being creative.
Instead of controlling everything like a bossy, AI Underlord quietly helps out by getting rid of filler words like “uh” and “um ” cleaning up background noise and giving you transcriptions and basic edits.
This lets creators concentrate on the important and creative parts of their projects while the Underlord AI takes care of the tedious work behind the scenes.
It strikes a balance between automation and human input making editing easier and more efficient without completely taking control.
Video Editing
Descript’s video editing tool changes the way videos are edited by using a special text-based method along with regular editing tools.
When you add a video to Descript it changes the spoken words into written text. Editing the video is easy because you can edit the text directly – if you delete a word from the text that part of the video will be removed.
This makes it simple to cut move around or change parts of the video. Descript also lets you edit multiple layers of video audio and screen recordings at the same time.
You can easily add titles transitions and captions to your videos by dragging and dropping them in. You can also fix any mistakes in your spoken words using the Overdub tool which creates AI voiceovers.
Studio Sound improves the sound quality of your audio. Descript provides simple templates and includes stock media to help you create high-quality videos without the hassle of complicated software.
Podcasting
Descript’s podcasting tools make it easy for podcasters to record edit and publish their episodes all in one place.
With this software, you can record clear audio right on the platform so you don’t need extra recording equipment.
After recording Descript changes your audio into text automatically. This lets you easily edit your episodes by editing the text like removing extra words or pauses.
The multi-track editing feature in Descript lets podcast teams work together easily. It can handle multiple speakers smoothly which is great for podcasts with more than one person.
Overdub is another useful tool that helps podcasters correct errors by creating voice segments using AI technology.
Studio Sound is a feature that improves the quality of audio by reducing background noise and making voices clearer.
Descript also allows users to publish episodes directly to popular podcast hosting platforms making it a great all-in-one tool for creating high-quality podcasts without the need for complex software.
Short clips that pop
Descript’s new tool makes it simple to turn long videos or podcasts into short fun clips that are great for sharing on social media.
This tool uses Descript’s AI-powered transcription to quickly find the best parts of your content by reading through the text.
You can easily move around video or audio parts copy and paste text to make short clips without needing advanced editing skills.
It’s as easy as editing a Word document—when you delete text the media linked to it is automatically removed.
Descript also has tools like Overdub to correct small errors and you can add captions transitions or stock media from the platform.
This smooth process allows anyone even if they’re not tech-savvy to create polished clips quickly. It’s great for sharing on social media making teasers or highlighting important parts.
Transcription
Descript’s transcription tool is very important and basic as it changes audio and video into text that you can edit quickly.
When you put a podcast interview meeting or video into Descript it creates a transcript using advanced speech recognition.
The transcript is not only very precise but you can also edit the text and media at the same time.
For instance, if you delete something from the written transcript it will automatically be removed from the audio or video which makes editing easier and faster.
You can also fix any mistakes in the transcript by hand or by labelling speakers for better organization.
Descript can work with different languages and allows you to save transcripts in different formats like Word PDF or subtitles.
This is incredibly beneficial for podcasters, content creators, journalists, and businesses in need of accurate transcripts for editing, accessibility, or documentation purposes.
Remote Recording Studio
Descript’s Remote Recording Studio feature lets people record good audio and video from different places which is great for interviews podcasts and group projects without having to be in the same room.
With this feature, participants can join recording sessions from wherever they are using their own devices.
Descript makes sure that the audio and video quality stays clear and professional. The recordings are saved in the cloud so all the files are easy to find and organized in one spot.
Descript’s remote recording feature captures each person’s audio separately so it’s easier to edit adjust volume levels and add effects without any interference.
The Studio Sound feature also helps improve audio quality by reducing background noise and making voices clearer even if people are in different places.
With Descript’s real-time collaboration tools, multiple team members can work together on editing, leave comments and make the remote production process smoother and more efficient.
Screen Recording
Descript’s Screen Recording tool lets you easily record your screen webcam and microphone at the same time.
This is great for creating tutorials, presentations, product demos, or webinars. You can start recording with just a few clicks either capturing your whole screen or just certain windows.
While recording your webcam video can be shown on the screen at the same time which helps talk about what’s on the screen.
After you finish recording Descript changes the audio into written words so you can edit the video by changing the text.
This makes it simple to fix errors move parts around or delete extra words without needing to be an expert at video editing.
Descript also has features to make your recordings better such as adding notes titles transitions and subtitles.
You can save the finished video in different ways or share it directly on websites like YouTube or social media.
This makes the screen recording tool a fast and effective way to make high-quality videos.
Captions & Subtitles
Descript’s Captions & Subtitles feature makes it very simple to add and change text for your videos which helps make them easier to understand and more interesting.
When you upload your video Descript automatically changes the spoken words into text which can then be used to create accurate captions that appear at the right time.
You can easily edit these captions by adjusting the text or timing through the transcript to make sure they match the spoken words exactly.
Descript gives you the option to change how your captions look by picking different font sizes colors and where they show up on the screen.
You can include captions in the video itself or save them as separate files for platforms like YouTube or Vimeo that allow external subtitles.
Using automation saves time and helps you adjust and style captions to make your videos easier to understand for a wider range of people like those who can’t hear well or watch without sound.
Subtitles also make your content easier to find and can help you get more people interested, especially on social media where many users watch videos without sound.
AI speech
Descript’s AI Speech feature especially the Overdub tool lets users make voiceovers and edits that improve audio content without needing to record everything again.
Overdub uses advanced artificial intelligence to make a fake voice that sounds like yours. After you give a sample of your voice Descript can make voice parts that sound real so you can fix errors or add new content easily.
This tool is really helpful for people who make podcasts videos and other content. It lets you easily make changes to your recordings without having to re-record everything.
For example, if you need to change a word or sentence you can just type it into the script and the tool will create new audio that fits right in.
It can also help with making voiceovers for new parts of your content which saves time when you’re editing.
You have complete control over the final audio output with Overdub which helps you create a polished and professional result.
This feature makes editing easier and allows for quick changes and improvements while keeping the original voice authentic.
Integrations
Descript’s connections with other platforms make it more powerful and help content creators work smoothly.
A great feature is the option to share projects directly on YouTube, Vimeo and popular podcast-hosting services like Anchor and Libsyn.
This makes it easy for users to share their finished audio and video projects with their audience.
This combination makes it easier to put content on the internet which saves time and makes sure everything looks the same on different platforms.
Also, Descript works with cloud storage services like Google Drive Dropbox and OneDrive so users can easily bring in and take out files without having to do it manually.
This connection makes sure that media is always in order and easy to get to no matter where the user is.
Plus Descript works with professional editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro so you can export their projects for more advanced editing if they want.
This flexibility is very helpful for creators who want to use different tools in their work.
Translate video
Descript’s Translate Video tool helps you reach more people by changing the spoken words in your video into different languages.
When you upload a video Descript changes the spoken words into text. Then using advanced AI technology it can change this text into many languages quickly and accurately.
Once the translation is finished you can add captions in the new language so that viewers can understand even if they don’t know the original language.
Descript not only provides subtitles but also has a feature called Overdub that can create voiceovers in different languages.
This feature lets you replace the original audio with a more natural-sounding voiceover which can make your content more interesting for people who don’t speak the original language.
The Translate Video feature is especially useful for creators teachers and businesses who want to reach global audiences without having to re-record or hire new voice actors.
With Descript you can easily make videos in multiple languages making it easier to connect with different people and make your content more accessible.
AI Eye Contact
Descript’s AI Eye Contact feature changes how you look in videos. It helps you seem like you’re making eye contact even if you’re reading from a script or slides.
This way you can keep your audience engaged without them feeling like you’re not looking at them.
The software adjusts where you’re looking in real time so it appears like you’re looking right at the camera even if you’re reading from something off to the side.
This small change makes your videos look more professional and helps you connect better with your viewers.
It’s useful for making educational videos virtual meetings and presentations. With AI Eye Contact you can focus on your content without losing the important visual connection with your audience.
This feature helps you avoid looking away too much so you can deliver more interesting and effective content.
Text-To-Speech
Descript’s Text-To-Speech feature is a helpful tool that changes written words into spoken words.
It’s great for making audio for videos, podcasts, or presentations without having to speak out loud.
The tool uses advanced AI technology to create natural-sounding speech in different voices and accents giving you options for how your content sounds.
To use this feature all you have to do is type or paste your text into Descript. Then choose the voice and language you want.
The software will make the audio for you. You can also change things like pitch speed and tone to fit the mood of your content.
This is great for people who want to add voiceovers in different languages or don’t want to use their own voice.
You can easily add audio to your videos or audio projects to make them sound professional and polished.
Overdub
Descript’s Overdub feature is an amazing tool that lets you make AI-generated voiceovers that sound like you.
You just need to give a sample of your voice for training. Overdub learns how you talk including your tone and speed so it can copy your voice accurately.
After training you can type any text and Overdub will create audio that blends in perfectly with your existing content. This is great for fixing mistakes or adding new parts without recording again.
Overdub is very helpful for people who make podcasts videos and other content and want to save time and energy while editing.
If you need to fix something in your script or audio at the last minute Overdub can create a new voice clip that matches perfectly with the original recording.
You can also use this feature to work in different languages or try out different voices for your projects.
AI Green Screen
Descript’s AI Green Screen feature lets you change backgrounds in your videos without needing a green screen.
The AI technology in Descript finds and separates the main subject in your video so you can easily switch or blur the background.
This feature is great for people who make videos teachers and marketers who want to improve their video presentations by adding special backgrounds logos or virtual scenes without having to buy costly equipment or use complicated editing tools.
The AI Green Screen tool separates the subject from the background in videos by analyzing each frame. After removing the background you can replace it with images videos or solid colors.
This helps you create high-quality content that matches your brand or theme. The tool is great for remote presentations interviews tutorials or any content where you want to control the visual setting without distractions from the real environment.
Descript’s AI Green Screen is simple to use and produces impressive results. It helps you improve your videos making them more interesting and visually attractive without much work.
Regenerate
Descript’s Regenerate tool uses advanced AI technology to fix and improve audio quality for a polished result.
Whether you want to correct different tones make dull dialogue better or get rid of background noise Regenerate can help easily.
The tool looks at your audio and adjusts sections smoothly to match the rest making edits blend in naturally and fixing any rough cuts or weird transitions.
This tool is very useful for people who make podcasts videos and edit recordings. It helps fix small mistakes and improve the overall quality of the audio without having to re-record everything.
Regenerate makes sure that your audio sounds smooth and consistent like no edits were done.
It gets rid of background noise and improves the dialogue so your project sounds professional and high-quality.
Studio Sound
Descript’s Studio Sound feature uses AI technology to make your audio sound better with just one click.
It gets rid of background noise like hums and echoes and makes your voice clearer. It can make your recording sound like it was done in a fancy studio. Studio Sound is great for fixing audio that isn’t perfect or needs some help.
This tool is great for people who make podcast videos or work from home and want to improve their audio quality without having to be an expert at editing sound.
Studio Sound makes your voice sound better and gets rid of any background noise so your recordings sound clear and professional making it more enjoyable for your listeners.
Descript Customer support
Descript provides thorough Customer Support to make sure you have a good experience using the platform.
They offer detailed online guides video tutorials and a helpful centre with answers to common questions and instructions on how to use different features.
If you need more specific help you can email their support team and get personalized assistance.
Descript has a community forum where you can share tips ask questions and get advice from other users and staff.
Depending on your subscription plan you can also use live chat for faster support. This makes it easier to get help right away.
Whether you’re new to Descript or need help with advanced troubleshooting the support team is there to help you through every step. They are ready to handle any technical problems or questions efficiently.
Descript Pricing
Descript’s pricing plans:
Hobbyist Plan
- Cost: $12 (monthly rate) or $19 (billed monthly)
- Features:
- Transcription: 10 hours of transcription per month
- Export Quality: 1080p video exports without watermarks
- AI Features: 20 uses per month of the Basic AI suite, which includes tools like Filler Word Removal, Studio Sound, Draft Social Posts, Create Clips, and more
- AI Speech: 30 minutes of AI speech per month
Creator Plan
- Cost: $24 (monthly rate) or $35 (billed monthly)
- Features:
- Transcription: 30 hours of transcription per month
- Export Quality: 4k video exports without watermarks
- AI Features: Unlimited use of both the Basic and Advanced AI suite, including Eye Contact, Translate Captions, and over 20 additional AI features
- AI Speech: 120 minutes of AI speech per month
- Stock Library: Unlimited access to a royalty-free stock library
Business Plan (Most Popular)
- Cost: $40 (monthly rate) or $50 (billed monthly)
- Features:
- Transcription: 40 hours of transcription per month
- Collaboration: Ability to add free Basic seats for team collaboration
- AI Features: Unlimited access to the full Professional AI suite, including Translate Captions with correction
- AI Speech: 300 minutes of AI speech per month
- Support: Priority support with a Service Level Agreement (SLA)
Free Plan
- Cost: $0
- Features:
- Get started with text-based editing and experiment with Descript’s AI tools without any cost.
Enterprise Plan
- Cost: Custom pricing
- Features:
- Tailored solutions with enterprise-grade security for large or growing teams, designed to meet specific business needs.
This pricing structure allows you to choose a plan that best fits your needs based on the level of features and support you require.
Descript Pros and Cons
Pros
- User-Friendly Interface: Descript has a simple and easy-to-use interface that is great for both beginners and experienced users.
- Powerful Editing Features: With tools like text-based editing Overdub and AI Green Screen you can edit audio and video content easily even if you’re not a tech expert.
- AI-Powered Tools: Descript has special AI tools like removing filler words improving sound quality and helping with eye contact to make audio sound better and presentations more engaging.
- Versatile Transcription: The platform helps you change audio and video files into text easily by providing accurate transcription services.
- Collaboration Tools: Descript allows team members to work together on projects at the same time which is helpful for businesses and content teams.
- Rich Export Options: You can save projects in different formats such as high-quality videos (up to 4k) which is great for professional work.
- Stock Library Access: More expensive plans come with unlimited access to a stock library without copyright restrictions which can improve video content.
Cons
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While simple features are easy to use some more advanced tools might take some time to learn and become really good at using.
- Limited Free Plan Features: The unpaid version doesn’t have all the fancy tools and options that the paid versions have so it might not be very useful for people who make things professionally.
Descript Alternatives
1. Adobe Premiere Pro
A professional video editing software widely used in the industry, Adobe Premiere Pro offers advanced editing tools, extensive format support, and powerful integration with other Adobe products, making it suitable for filmmakers and content creators who need comprehensive features.
2. Camtasia
Camtasia is an easy-to-use screen recording and video editing software ideal for beginners. It provides a drag-and-drop interface, built-in templates, and interactive features, making it great for creating tutorials and presentations quickly.
3. Audacity
Audacity is a free, open-source audio editing software that offers multi-track editing and a variety of effects. It’s a powerful tool for podcasters and musicians looking for an accessible way to enhance their audio without any cost.
4. Wave.video
Wave.video is a user-friendly video editing platform focused on social media content creation. It offers templates, stock footage, and easy sharing options, making it a great choice for marketers and creators looking to produce engaging short videos quickly.
Descript Review Conclusion
To put it simply Descript is a helpful tool for editing audio and video. It makes production easier with its easy-to-use interface and special features like text editing and AI improvements. It’s great for people who make content podcasts and market products.
Descript has different price options to fit different needs. Even though it has some drawbacks the advantages of simple editing and strong support make Descript a great option for improving your content creation process.
Whether you’re new to creating or have a lot of experience Descript can assist you in making high-quality projects quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Descript
Is Descript Still the Best Editing Tool?
Descript is still a top choice in the editing software industry because it has special features like text editing and advanced AI tools.
Can I access stock media in Descript?
More advanced plans like the Creator and Business plans give you unlimited access to a stock library without needing to pay royalties. This library gives you extra materials to use for your projects.
What is Overdub, and how does it work?
Overdub is a tool that lets you make AI-generated voiceovers that copy your voice. By giving the AI your voice recordings you can type any text and Overdub will make audio that sounds just like you.
Does Descript provide customer support?
Descript provides thorough customer assistance with guides instructional videos email help and a forum where users can ask questions. Premium plans also come with priority support.
What audio and video formats does Descript support?
Descript can work with many different types of audio and video files when you bring them in or send them out so you won’t have to worry about whether your media files will work with the program.