Artificial Intelligence introducing... Descript
Updated: Aug 10
In our latest post, we’re introducing a new AI tool that creates video, audio, and podcasts: Descript.
What is Descript?
Descript is an all-in-one AI tool that helps you to create podcasts, videos and audio. With everything from editing, transcription and collaboration options this is the tool you can use to create professional recordings without being an expert.
How does it work?
Descript takes the complexity out of the creating process. What you need to know is what you want to make, who it’s for and how you want to share that knowledge or information. Then Descript can help you take that idea and turn it into something using step by step tools and templates.
There are six main ways of using Descript.
1. Video editing
2. Podcasting
3. Screen recording
4. Transcription
5. Clip creation
6. Publishing
Along with editing what you create, it gives the option to collaborate with others while you work.
When can businesses benefit from adopting AI tools like Descript?
Freelancers and businesses can use Descript to create videos to welcome, train or introduce new ideas or personnel. From a freelancer creating a video to showcase their work, to businesses welcoming new team members, to recording new training tools or updates can help save time or ease logistical issues. For example, bridging the gap for remote working or when shift patterns mean it’s hard to get everyone together.
If video’s not your thing then the podcasting option is really useful to create audio and as all spoken audio files can be transcribed it means that a written article can be made from the audio file creating a second piece of content in a different format that can be used on a website blog or posted to social media.
Who can use Descript?
There’s a theme here because like the other AI tools we talk about in this series everyone can use it. Descript means that you don’t need to be an editing, podcasting, videographer expert to be able to share your ideas and information in an audio/visual format.
Is Descript free?
Yes, there is a free option, but the free option does have limitations.
There are also upgrade options.
Creator is $12 per month, which works out to about £9.40 in the UK.
Pro is $24 per month, which works out to about £19 in the UK.
There’s also an Enterprise custom option which is price available on request.
Pros of Descript:
Automatic transcription: Descript automatically transcribes your audio into text, which makes it easy to edit and search your videos.
Collaborative editing: Multiple users can collaborate on the same Descript project at the same time, making it great for teams.
Cloud-based storage: Your Descript projects are stored in the cloud, so you can access them from anywhere.
Easy to use: Descript has a simple interface that makes it easy to learn and use, even for beginners.
Powerful features: Descript has a variety of powerful features, such as filler word removal, audio mixing, and video effects.
Cons of Descript:
Can be expensive: Descript's paid plans can be expensive, especially for small businesses or individuals.
Not as powerful as some other AI transcription tools: Descript's AI transcription tool is not as powerful as some other tools on the market, and it can sometimes make mistakes.
Can be slow for long audio files: Descript can be slow to transcribe long audio files, especially if you are using the free plan.
Not as customizable as some other tools: Descript is not as customizable as some other video editing tools, and you may not be able to create the exact look and feel you want.
Can be buggy: Descript can sometimes be buggy, and there have been reports of crashes and data loss.
Does Descript have competition?
Yes, there’s many alternatives to Descript, some do everything Descript does, others specialise in a part of what Descript does, some examples of transcription AI are shown below.
Otter.ai: Otter.ai is a popular AI transcription tool that offers a variety of features, including automatic transcription, collaborative editing, and cloud storage.
Rev: Rev is another popular AI transcription tool that offers a variety of features, including human transcription, unlimited revisions, and a satisfaction guarantee.
Sonix: Sonix is an AI transcription tool that offers a variety of features, including automatic transcription, speaker identification, and custom keywords.
Trint: Trint is an AI transcription tool that offers a variety of features, including automatic transcription, human transcription, and a satisfaction guarantee.
Audacity: Audacity is a free and open-source audio editing software that offers a variety of features, including audio recording, editing, and mixing.
Fathom: Fathom is a cloud-based video editing software that offers a variety of features, including automatic transcription, collaborative editing, and video effects.
HeyGen: is a new AI transcription tool that offers a variety of features, including automatic transcription, speaker identification, and custom keywords.
These are just a few of the many competitors or alternative AI tools to Descript. The best tool for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Final thoughts… overall, Descript AI is a powerful video editing tool with a variety of features. However, it can be expensive and not as powerful as some other AI transcription tools. If you are looking for a simple, easy-to-use video editing tool with collaborative features, Descript is a good option. However, if you need a more powerful AI transcription tool or a more customizable video editing tool, you may want to consider other options.
I use Descript because I am creating a podcast (it’s how I found it and as a non-expert in podcasting who needs an easy-to-use tool to help me convey my ideas without needing to be a professional editor/transcriber/audio-guru Descript really helps me out). But, if you want to specialise in particular areas then there are other tools that would potentially be a next-level fit.
Alcea Consulting Limited is a boutique consultancy helping businesses find the right words and tools to connect their teams and customers. Contact us to see how Alcea can support your teams and business today.