AI video editing has come a long way, and with the right tools, anyone can streamline a workflow fast. Looking for a step-by-step approach to AI-powered, beginner-friendly video editing? This practical guide covers how to edit videos using Descript—a tool that’s changing the game for fast, efficient content creation across Mac, Windows, Linux, or any web browser.
Below is an AI-assisted summary of the key points and ideas covered in the video. For more detail, make sure to check out the full time stamped video above!
Getting Started with Descript for AI Video Editing
- Visit the official Descript website to sign up and log in.
- Descript runs on Mac, Windows, Linux, and in web browsers, with a downloadable version available.
- Start new projects, record directly in the app, or import footage from a device, Zoom, or YouTube.
- Create AI avatars as presenters for videos—useful for those who want to stay off camera.
Core Features and Workflow
Transcription and Text-Based Editing
- Upload a video, and Descript instantly transcribes it, letting users edit video by editing the text transcript.
- Remove mistakes or retakes by striking through text—no content is permanently deleted.
- Rearrange dialogue chunks to refine the story, just like cutting and pasting text.
Powerful AI Actions: Automate Tedious Edits
Descript’s AI Actions menu is packed with tools to save time and cut down manual work:
- Shorten Word Gaps: Cuts out silences or long pauses. Adjust thresholds for gap detection and set target pause duration.
- Filler Word Removal: Instantly removes “ums,” “uhs,” repeated words, and other verbal clutter. Choose which words to keep or cut.
- Remove Retakes: AI finds and excises failed takes, keeping only the best shots—changes are non-destructive.
- Edit for Clarity: One click removes filler words and digressions. The AI can rewrite awkward phrases for smoother delivery, though customization here is limited compared to manual edits.
Meet Underlord: Your AI Editing Agent
- Enable the “Underlord” beta in Descript’s Labs settings for advanced, prompt-driven editing.
- Enter specific instructions (like “remove all gaps over 1s, keep only final takes, leave ‘so’ unless awkward”), and Underlord applies them across your project.
- Underlord can automate adding B-roll, change layouts, and reformat videos for different social platforms, boosting workflow efficiency.
Tweaking Visuals and Audio
- Work with “scenes,” each offering a unique layout or look. Split, zoom, apply layouts, or add B-roll with clicks or keyboard shortcuts.
- Add and animate static titles, captions, and subtitles. Built-in presets speed up the process.
- Bring in stock footage, adjust clip length, and re-arrange the timeline—similar to pro video editors.
- Visual effects include blurring or removing backgrounds, chroma key, color adjustments, and even fixing eye contact with AI.
Audio Made Easy
- Add music and sound effects from Descript’s library or import your own.
- Automatic audio ducking: AI lowers background music when dialogue plays and brings it back during pauses.
- Studio Sound: One click boosts voice clarity, reduces background noise, and rescues problematic recordings—no audio expertise required.
Exporting and Reformatting
- Export as local video files, subtitles, or directly to YouTube and Google Drive.
- Share projects with Descript web links for easy feedback or review—similar sharing power as Loom, but with built-in editing.
- For Shorts, TikTok, or Reels: duplicate the project, switch orientation, and let AI actions assist with auto-centering, scaling, and more.
Pros
- Intuitive for beginners—no tech overwhelm
- Web-based or downloadable and cross-platform
- Edit video via the transcript for speed and convenience
- AI features: filler removal, retake cleaning, one-click clarity, and Underlord for advanced tasks
- Rich library of stock assets and audio
- Export directly to YouTube or cloud drives
- Frequent updates and new AI features
Cons
- AI automation isn’t flawless—manual tweaks may be needed occasionally
- Advanced users might seek deeper timeline control
- Most powerful features (like Underlord) require a paid plan
- Rendering AI effects (like background blur) can take longer on larger projects
Pricing (USD)
- Free Plan: Limited AI features and basic editing
- Creator Plan: Promo Code (YD25UUMA) for 30-days free trial, unlocks all main AI tools.
- Full pricing details available on Descript’s site.
Take Your Video Editing to the Next Level
AI video editing is now within reach for beginners and experienced creators alike. Dive into Descript’s tools, play with AI actions, and experiment with custom prompts for quick, polished results. Every improvement adds up, so focus on progress—batch your work and watch video editing become a true business asset.
