Go to descript.com and sign up free. Download the desktop app (Mac or Windows , you need it for real editing).
Open the app, start a new project, and drag in a video or audio file. You can also record directly in Descript.
Descript automatically transcribes your media. You'll see the transcript on the left and your video/audio on the right.
Here's the magic: edit the text to edit your video. Delete a word from the transcript and it's cut from the recording. Rearrange sentences and the video follows.
Click Underlord (the AI assistant) to auto-remove filler words, shorten awkward pauses, or generate a summary of your content.
Prompt Templates
Remove filler words: Click Underlord ? "Remove Filler Words" , it finds and cuts every "um," "uh," "like," and "you know" automatically. Your recording sounds tighter in one click.
Generate highlight clips: Underlord ? "Create clips" , AI picks the most engaging 30-60 second segments from a long recording. Perfect for social media teasers.
Write show notes: Underlord ? "Write show notes" , generates podcast-style show notes with timestamps and key topics covered.
Draft a script: Underlord ? "Write a script about [topic]" , generates a script you can then record right over in Descript.
Create social posts: Underlord ? "Draft social posts" , writes platform-specific promotional copy for your video or podcast episode.
Pro Tips
Studio Sound makes home recordings sound professional. One click and AI removes background noise, echo, and enhances speech clarity. If you're recording in a home office or kitchen, this is a lifesaver.
Eye Contact fixes where you're looking. AI adjusts your eye gaze so it looks like you're staring at the camera, even when you were reading a script off to the side. Subtle, but it makes a real difference in how polished your videos feel.
Clone your voice for quick fixes. Record a short sample and Descript creates an AI version of your voice. Misspoke? Type the correct word into the transcript and Descript speaks it in your voice. No re-recording needed.
What It's NOT Good For
Browser-based editing. You need the desktop app for anything serious, and it's resource-hungry. Not ideal if you're working from a low-powered laptop.
First-time video editors looking for something quick. The text-based editing approach is clever, but there's still a learning curve if you've never worked with video or audio before. Give yourself a couple of sessions to get comfortable.