Keen to make YouTube Shorts with AI but not sure where to start? This practical guide shows exactly how to make YouTube Shorts with AI in 2025 using Descript. Discover three time-saving, results-focused methods for YouTube Shorts creation, all without complicated gimmicks.
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Three Ways to Make YouTube Shorts with AI (Using Descript)
Descript stands out as a powerful business tool for YouTube Shorts in 2025, thanks to its game-changing AI features. Here’s how to use it for three different Shorts workflows:
Fully AI-Generated Shorts
- Select “AI Video Maker” in Descript on any web browser—no extra apps needed.
- Start from scratch: Type a text prompt for the topic, or paste in a full script.
- Assign an AI-generated voice, choosing from presets or training a custom voice.
- Optionally select an AI avatar, or use just a voiceover with on-screen visuals.
- Choose portrait aspect ratio for Shorts and select AI-generated images or stock footage as B-roll.
- Descript’s AI builds the Short in seconds—generating script, voice, visuals, and B-roll automatically.
- Edit any part of the video by changing the text; the AI regenerates voiceover and visuals on the fly.
- Export directly to YouTube or save locally for upload.
- Everything is customizable: script, footage, captions, fonts, colors, and layouts in real time.
AI Editing for Your Own Footage
- Upload pre-recorded footage into Descript.
- Use “AI Video Maker,” set to portrait for Shorts.
- Enhance with AI-generated or stock footage B-roll.
- The AI edits the video: converts widescreen to portrait, removes bad takes, polishes audio, adds titles, and generates chapters automatically.
- For more control, use Descript’s “Underlord Beta” to prompt the AI to use only the best takes, scratch out mistakes, and focus on the cleanest version.
- Easily adjust layouts, branding, or scene order to keep a consistent channel look and feel.
- Export and publish without hours of manual editing.
Repurposing Existing Content into Shorts
- Drop in long-form video (like a livestream or podcast episode).
- Descript’s AI detects speakers and transcribes everything, making it simple to find the best moments.
- Use the “Create Clips” AI action to set the number of Shorts and target durations (e.g., 10 clips at 60 seconds each).
- AI reviews the content, picks out viral-worthy moments, scores them, and suggests compelling titles and descriptions.
- Fine-tune clip layouts, move text and titles, crop footage, and apply branded templates.
- All clips are saved as separate timelines, ready for preview, polish, and export.
Pros
- Incredibly fast—AI handles script writing, editing, and B-roll in minutes.
- Full control: Easily edit text, visuals, voiceovers, and layouts.
- Works in-browser—no installations required.
- Handles everything: voice synthesis, avatars, captions, aspect ratios, stock footage, and automated repurposing.
- Great for systems and processes: save templates, batch-create Shorts, and streamline workflows.
- Offers a 30-day free Creator Plan with Promo Code (YD25UUMA) unlocking all core AI features.
Cons
- AI isn’t perfect—sometimes misses edits or picks the wrong take, so manual review is smart.
- Some avatars are cartoony and may not fit all brands.
- Stock media choices can occasionally be off for niche topics.
- “Underlord” beta features may look different or change as updates roll out.
Pricing (USD)
- Free Plan: Limited AI features and exports.
- Creator Plan: Promo Code (YD25UUMA) for 30-days free trial, unlocks all main AI tools.
- Full pricing details available on Descript’s site.
Tips to Get the Best Results
- Always review and polish AI-generated videos for on-brand messaging—essential for quality control.
- Save time using branded templates and layouts for repeat Shorts creation.
- Use AI to handle the editing pain points, then fine-tune details for the audience.
- For repurposing, set clear criteria or let the AI surprise with hidden gems from existing content.
Level Up Your YouTube Shorts Workflow
Leveraging AI with Descript makes creating YouTube Shorts in 2025 faster, easier, and way more scalable—excellent for any business or creator wanting more impact with less editing. Pick the best workflow for your situation, let AI handle the heavy lifting, and spend your time adding value. Creating Shorts that actually make a difference is simple with Descript’s speed, quality, and control.
