Descript is an AI-powered video and audio editing platform founded in 2017, headquartered in San Francisco. Its defining innovation is text-based editing — transcribing recordings into text and letting users edit the media by editing the transcript, rather than working with a traditional timeline. Users can delete a word in the transcript to delete that section of audio or video, making the editing process faster and more accessible for spoken-word content. The platform serves podcasters, YouTubers, marketing teams, educators, and agencies producing interview-based, tutorial, or screen-recorded content.
In September 2025, Descript underwent a significant pricing restructure, replacing the previous “transcription hours” model with a “Media Minutes and AI Credits” system. The restructure drew substantial user criticism for making costs less predictable and moving previously unlimited AI features behind metered credit pools.
Four plans currently: Free (60 media minutes/month, watermarked exports, very limited AI credits — primarily useful for initial evaluation). Hobbyist at $16/user/month (annual) or $24/month — approximately 10 hours of transcribed media, basic AI tools. Creator at $24/user/month (annual) or $35/month — approximately 10 hours, full AI feature access including Underlord co-editor, 4K export, 800 AI credits. Business at $50/user/month (annual) or $65/month — approximately 30 hours, Brand Studio, multi-language dubbing, priority support, higher AI credit allocation. Enterprise is custom-priced for organizations needing SSO, dedicated support, and security reviews.
A central point of user frustration: uploading multiple camera angles for the same interview consumes media minutes for each file. AI-intensive features like video regeneration, dubbing, and Studio Sound consume AI credits that deplete quickly, and top-up purchases are required when credits run out before month-end. Monthly credits do not roll over.
Descript’s standout features include Underlord (its AI co-editor that suggests and makes edits with a prompt), Studio Sound (background noise removal and audio enhancement with one click), Green Screen (AI background replacement without physical green screen), Eye Contact correction, filler word removal, and screen recording. It competes primarily with CapCut Pro ($19.99/month), Adobe Premiere Pro ($22.99/month), and Riverside.fm Pro ($24/month) — and is generally considered to offer the broadest AI feature set in the category at the Creator price point.