What is Descript?
Descript is an AI-powered audio and video editor for Mac, Windows and the web that lets you edit recordings by editing their transcript. Deleting words cuts the footage. It includes the Underlord AI co-editor, Studio Sound noise removal, filler word removal, AI voice clones, screen recording, remote recording, clips, captions and translation dubbing.
Traditional timeline editors make simple podcast and talking-head edits slow. Descript transcribes your recording and turns the transcript into the edit: remove a sentence and the video follows, move a paragraph and the clip moves. Underlord, its AI co-editor, can take instructions and produce a rough cut. Studio Sound, filler word removal and AI voices fix audio problems that would otherwise need a reshoot or a separate audio tool.
Main Features
- Text-based editing where deleting or moving transcript text edits the video.
- Underlord AI co-editor turns raw recordings into edited cuts from instructions.
- Studio Sound removes background noise and enhances voices in one click.
- Automatic removal of filler words such as um and uh.
- AI voice clones and stock AI voices for fixing or adding narration.
- Screen recording and Rooms for remote interview and podcast recording.
- Automatic clips, captions, and translation dubbing into other languages.
- Desktop apps for Mac and Windows plus a web editor.
How to Get Started with Descript
- Sign up free at descript.com; no credit card is needed.
- Record in the app or import audio or video files.
- Edit the automatic transcript to cut and rearrange the recording.
- Apply Studio Sound or captions, then export or publish.
Descript Pricing
The free plan includes 1 media hour per month, 100 one-time AI credits and 720p watermarked exports. Paid plans start with Hobbyist at $16 per month billed annually, with Creator and Business tiers adding media hours, AI credits and 4K export.
Who Should Use It?
- Podcasters editing audio and video episodes
- YouTubers cutting talking-head and tutorial videos
- Marketing teams producing webinars and social clips
- Educators recording screen-based lessons
- Interviewers who need transcripts and edits in one place
Descript Alternatives
- Riverside: better for high-quality remote recording
- Opus Clip: focused on auto-cutting long videos into shorts
- Clipchamp AI: free timeline editor, no transcript editing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Descript free?
Descript has a free plan with 1 media hour per month, 100 one-time AI credits and 720p exports with a watermark. Paid plans start at $16 per month on annual billing and remove the watermark.
What is Descript Underlord?
Underlord is Descript's AI co-editor. You give it instructions, such as removing retakes or tightening pacing, and it edits the recording for you. The pricing page lists it on the Creator plan and above.
Does Descript work on Windows and in the browser?
Yes. Descript runs on Mac and Windows desktop apps and in a web browser, so you can record, edit and publish from any of them with the same account and projects.