There are heaps of apps out there claiming to offer AI editing, but most just slap on templates or churn out dodgy, cookie-cutter clips. When it comes to actually making your editing process faster and more effective, Descript stands out as an AI video editor that genuinely changes the game for content creators and business owners. Skip the gimmicks—here’s a practical look at how Descript streamlines real editing work using advanced AI video editing features.
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!
Why Most “AI Editing” Tools Miss the Mark
- Many so-called AI editors only handle basic tasks like chopping long videos into shorter ones or applying templates with little control.
- Most don’t offer real video editing—just repurposing or superficial tweaks.
- A big pain for creators: actual editing help is needed, not just automatic reels or highlight clips.
How Descript Handles Real Video Editing
- Descript puts AI functionality at the core, making editing accessible and efficient for all skill levels.
- Record directly into Descript or import footage, and it instantly transcribes everything using AI—no setup needed.
- Edit via the text transcript or in a timeline, letting you work whichever way fits your process best.
- Removing filler words, ums, ahs, silences, and even bad takes is as easy as a click—much smoother than hit-or-miss results from tools like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro.
The Underlord: Your AI Assistant Editor
- Descript’s “Underlord” is an AI assistant editor that reads instructions and understands context.
- Instead of just deleting every “um,” it analyzes what makes sense in your sentences, only cutting what’s truly unnecessary for a natural flow.
- Prompt Underlord with your editing process—step by step—to replicate best practices.
- Underlord can reach 95–98% accuracy on a base edit in minutes, handling filler words, pauses, and repeated takes with context-awareness most tools lack.
- For sections with multiple takes, just tell Underlord to keep the last one—no more sifting manually through piles of timeline clips.
Speed, Flexibility, and Creative Help
- Multiple AI models allow a choice between speed and depth—use a lighter model for quick jobs or a more advanced one for tougher edits.
- Creative suggestions are a breeze: ask Underlord for fast-paced or high-engagement edit ideas, or let it source stock B-roll or generate new images and video snippets on command.
- All additions drop straight into your edit, saving time and reducing back-and-forth with assets.
Bonus Features for Business and Pro Workflows
- Descript isn’t just for editing: “Studio Sound” polishes audio, removing noise and echo to boost your production value—no fancy mic required.
- Multi-camera editing is built-in, with automatic speaker switching for podcasts or interviews and auto-reframing for different platforms.
- For creators focused on short-form, Descript (alongside Opus Clip) excels at repurposing long videos into viral-ready shorts, delivering pro-quality results.
Honest Look at Pricing
- Descript starts at $16/month (USD) for the Hobbyist plan.
- The Creator plan, ideal for regular content producers, is $24/month (billed annually).
- Token usage for AI features is tiered—top up tokens as needed, or upgrade to the Business plan for more demanding workflows.
Quick Pros and Cons
Pros:
- True AI editing that understands context—not just templates
- Text-based and timeline editing for flexibility
- Massive time savings: 95–98% base edit finished in minutes
- Powerful assistant for both technical and creative tasks
- Studio-quality audio clean-up with one click
- Multi-camera and repurposing tools built-in
- Transparent, fair pricing
Cons:
- Token limits can add up for heavy AI feature use
- Five minutes for a full AI pass might feel slow to those expecting instant results
- Might take a mindset shift if accustomed to traditional “pro” editors
Time to Direct, Not Just Edit
Many tools promise lightning-fast “instant” edits but deliver poor results and little control. Descript shifts your role from being stuck in the weeds as an editor to a director overseeing the AI. Bring the strategy, and let Underlord handle the heavy lifting. For lifestyle businesses that value speed, results, and adding value over time-consuming edits, this approach is a game-changer.
Unlock More Time and Creative Freedom
Descript’s AI assistant helps creators shave hours off their editing workflow while still delivering polished, pro-level results. For content that stands out, focus on tools and systems that handle the grunt work. With Descript, editing becomes more efficient and effective—helping you level up your creative output and keep your focus on what matters most.
