Descript
AI VideoText-based video editor with AI voice cloning for content repurposing
Overview
Descript changes video editing by treating multimedia content like text documents. Founded by former Groupon CEO Andrew Mason in 2017, the platform makes video and podcast editing accessible through automatic transcription and text-based editing workflows. Instead of timeline scrubbing and precise cuts, users edit by modifying transcripts — deletions, rearrangements, and additions automatically sync with the underlying media.
The platform's standout feature is Overdub, an AI voice cloning technology that generates synthetic speech matching a user's voice. This enables content creators to fix mistakes, update information, or create new segments without re-recording. Combined with automatic transcription and collaborative editing tools, Descript has carved out a unique position between traditional video editors and modern AI content tools.
Descript competes directly with Adobe Premiere and Final Cut for video editing, but targets a different workflow philosophy. While those tools excel at visual effects and complex compositions, Descript optimizes for speed, accessibility, and content iteration — making it particularly valuable for content marketing teams, podcasters, and creators focused on information delivery over visual sophistication.
Key features
Text-Based Video Editing
Edit video by editing the transcript, making cuts and adjustments as easy as editing a document. Changes to text automatically sync with the video timeline.
Overdub Voice Cloning
Train an AI voice model on your speech to generate new audio that sounds like you. Replace words, fix mistakes, or create entirely new segments without re-recording.
Automatic Transcription
AI-powered speech-to-text with speaker detection and industry-specific vocabulary training. Accuracy improves over time with user corrections.
Multi-Track Timeline
Traditional timeline editor with support for multiple audio and video tracks, effects, transitions, and collaborative editing workflows.
Screen Recording
Built-in screen capture with automatic transcription and editing capabilities. Record presentations, tutorials, or demos directly within the platform.
Content Repurposing Tools
Extract clips, generate social media snippets, and create multiple formats from long-form content. Export optimized versions for different platforms.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 1 hour transcription/month, watermarked exports, basic editing |
| Creator | $24/mo | 10 hours transcription/month, HD exports, screen recording, Overdub voice cloning |
| Pro | $40/mo | 30 hours transcription/month, 4K exports, collaboration tools, API access |
| Enterprise | Custom | Unlimited transcription, advanced security, priority support, custom integrations |
FAQ
How accurate is Descript's automatic transcription?
Descript achieves 95%+ accuracy on clear audio with trained speaker models. Accuracy improves with custom vocabulary and user corrections over time.
Can I use Overdub voice cloning commercially?
Yes, but only with explicit consent from the voice being cloned. Descript requires verification for commercial Overdub use and maintains strict ethical guidelines.
Does Descript work for podcast editing?
Descript was originally built for podcast editing and excels at it. Text-based editing makes removing filler words, cutting segments, and collaborative editing much faster than traditional audio editors.
How does Descript compare to traditional video editors?
Descript trades advanced visual effects for speed and accessibility. It's faster for content creation, editing dialogue, and making rough cuts, but lacks the advanced compositing of tools like Premiere or Final Cut.
Can I export video optimized for SEO platforms?
Descript exports standard video formats and provides transcripts that can be used for video SEO, closed captions, and content repurposing across platforms.
How does Descript compare?
View all comparisons →Review Sentiment
980 reviews across 2 sources
Bottom line
At $24/mo, Descript is an easy recommendation for video marketers who need revolutionary text-based video editing. Its 4.6/5 rating is well-deserved, though starting at $24/mo, costs add up for teams needing multiple seats.
People love
- +Revolutionary text-based video editing — edit video by editing the transcript
- +AI voice cloning and filler word removal save hours of post-production time
- +Screen recording, transcription, and publishing all in one platform
Common complaints
- –Starting at $24/mo, costs add up for teams needing multiple seats
- –AI transcription accuracy drops significantly for non-English or accented speech
- –Export quality and format options are more limited than dedicated video editors like Premiere
Last updated Feb 2026