Learn how to use Descript AI to edit your videos as easily as you would edit a document, using its text-based editing features.
In this explainer tutorial, we’ll walk through how to use the Descript video editor in a way that’s easy for anyone to understand, including beginner creators that are new to video editing.
When editing your Video Project in Descript, you have multiple ways to bring in your content into the workspace. You can upload a video file, import from YouTube, upload from Zoom, or record directly in Descript.
From the Descript dashboard, click “New Project” and “Video Project.” Enter your new workspace and name your project.
2. Add or Create Your Video in Descript
Create your video directly within Descript by clicking the “Record” button. Select your screen or webcam, and start capturing your content directly within the app.
Upload Your Video – drag and drop video clips into the project workspace, or click “Upload” to select a file from your computer.
Import from YouTube – copy the video URL and paste it into Descript to import the video and begin editing.
Upload from Zoom: If you recorded a meeting or webinar on Zoom, Descript lets you upload Zoom recordings directly. Simply click “Import from Zoom” and connect your account to pull the video into your project.
Once your video is in Descript, the AI tool will automatically generate a transcription, allowing you to make edits by simply updating the text around.
3. How to Use Text-Based Video Editing
You can edit videos by editing text. The video editing tool connects each word in the transcription to a section of your video. Want to delete a section of the video? Just delete the text in the transcription, and Descript will automatically adjust the video to match.
Descript AI Automatic Transcription
How do I edit out parts of a video?
Export Your Edited Video: Once satisfied with the edits, click on the “Export” button to save your edited video.
Open Descript: Launch the Descript video editor on your device.
Import Your Video: Click on the “Import” button to upload the video you want to edit.
Transcribe the Video: Descript automatically transcribes your video into text. Wait for the transcription process to complete.
Review the transcription to make sure it’s accurate. You can correct mistakes by clicking and typing directly into the text.
Select the Text: Locate the section of the transcription that corresponds to the part of the video you want to edit out. Highlight the text.
Rearrange the order of the video, cut and paste sections of the text. Descript will automatically re-order the video to match.
Delete the Segment: Press the delete key or click on the trash icon to remove the highlighted text. This action will also remove the corresponding video segment.
Review Edits: Play back your video to ensure the edits flow smoothly and there are no awkward jumps.
Descript Video Editing Screen
How do I delete part of a video in Descript?
Descript is a powerful video editing tool that offers unique text-based editing features, making it easy to edit videos by editing text. If you’re looking to remove a section of your video, follow this simple tutorial.
Steps to Delete Part of a Video
Your video will automatically update, and the selected section will be gone.
Open your project in the Descript video editor.
Locate the part of the video you want to remove. You can easily find this by using the transcription feature, which displays the audio as text.
Select the corresponding text that represents the section you wish to delete.
Press the Delete key on your keyboard or right-click and choose Remove.
4. Add or Replace Dialogue with Overdub
Sometimes, you may need to correct a mistake or add extra dialogue after a video has already been recorded. With Overdub, you can generate new audio in your own voice (or a stock voice) and insert it into the video.
Step 1: Highlight the part of the transcription where you want to add or replace dialogue.
Step 2: Type in the new words you want to include. Descript will generate the audio using Overdub to sound just like you (or choose a stock voice).
Descript AI Overdub Panel
Example: Let’s say you mispronounced a word. Instead of re-recording the whole section, just type the correct word using Overdub, and Descript will insert the new dialogue into the video.
5. Add Captions to Your Video
Descript makes it easy to add captions or subtitles to your video, which can help improve accessibility and engagement, especially on social media.
Step 1: Once you’ve finished editing your transcription, click the “Captions” button on the toolbar.
Step 2: Descript will use your transcription to generate perfectly synced captions. You can customize the font, size, and placement to fit your video style.
Descript Captions
Pro Tip: Use captions if you’re planning to post your video on platforms like Instagram or Facebook, where many viewers watch videos without sound.
6. Enhance Your Audio with Studio Sound
If your video has background noise or uneven audio quality, Descript’s Studio Sound feature can automatically clean it up.
Step 1: Select the audio track in the timeline.
Step 2: Click on “Studio Sound” in the side panel, and Descript will automatically enhance the clarity and remove background noise.
Descript AI Studio Sound
Example: Imagine you recorded a video in a noisy environment. With one click, Studio Sound can remove background hums and make your voice crisp and clear.
7. Preview and Export Your Video
Now that you’ve made all your edits, it’s time to preview your final video and export it.
Step 1: Hit the “Play” button to preview your edited video. This will give you a chance to see if everything flows smoothly.
Step 2: Once satisfied, click on the “Export” button in the top-right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Choose your export format (e.g., MP4 for video) and resolution. You can also export your transcript as a text file or subtitles if needed.
Descript Export Panel
Pro Tip: Descript allows you to export your video in different formats, including social media-ready versions like square or vertical video.
8. Share Your Video
Descript also offers built-in sharing options, allowing you to directly upload your video to platforms like YouTube, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
Step 1: After exporting your video, click the Share button.
Step 2: Select the platform you want to upload to, or generate a shareable link to send the video to your team or clients.
Best Tips for Editing Videos with Descript Video Editing Software
Editing videos can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, you can create captivating video content. Descript video editor offers a unique approach to video editing that combines audio and video functionalities.
Using AI Features
One of the standout features of the Descript video editor is its AI capabilities. You can use AI tools for transcription, which transcribes your audio and video files automatically, making editing text-based video editing a breeze. This feature is particularly useful for creating subtitles for your videos or podcasts.
Text-Based Editing
Descript’s text-based editing allows you to edit videos by editing the text. This means you can easily remove filler words or sync audio and video seamlessly. It’s a game-changer for beginners looking to learn how to use the software effectively.
Collaboration and Team Features
For those working in teams, Descript video editing software offers great collaboration features. You can share projects, allow team members to make edits, and utilize advanced editing capabilities like multitrack editing.
Exporting and Pricing Plans
When it comes to exporting your projects, Descript provides various options depending on your subscription plan. Understanding the pricing can help you choose the best plan that suits your video production needs.
Video Editing Tutorial
If you’re new to Descript, consider following a video editing tutorial or an AI video editing tutorial to familiarize yourself with the editing tools. These tutorials can guide you through the editing process, from recording your screen to adding audio voiceovers.
Advanced Features
Descript offers advanced features like AI voice cloning and audiograms, making it a powerful video editing tool. Whether you’re editing a YouTube video or creating an explainer video, the editing features available will enhance your video and audio editing experience.
Final Verdict – to Buy Descript or Not to Buy Descript?
When it comes to video editing, the Descript video editor stands out as one of the best tools available. With its text-based editing capabilities, users can edit videos by editing text, making the editing process intuitive and accessible for beginners and pros alike.
Descript offers a range of AI features, including AI voice cloning and seamless sync of audio and video content. This video editing software not only allows you to create compelling video content but also simplifies the transcription of your audio and video files.
For those who are looking for an efficient way to produce video or audio projects, Descript provides an excellent editing tool with features like multitrack editing and collaboration options for teams. The pricing plans are competitive, making it a viable choice for anyone serious about video production.
In terms of editing capabilities, Descript excels with its advanced features such as hotkeys and shortcut functionality, which enhance the overall user experience. The video editing tutorial and guide provided by Descript help users learn how to use the software effectively.
So, should you buy Descript? If you value a great video editing tool that leverages AI tools for audio and video editing, then Descript is definitely worth considering. Its advanced AI features and user-friendly interface make it an ideal choice for both video editing and podcast creation.
Conclusion: Video Editing Made Simple with Descript
Descript‘s text-based editing makes the process modifying videos as easy as typing.
Whether you’re removing mistakes, adding dialogue with Overdub, or enhancing audio quality, the text-based editing makes the process as easy as typing.
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