Verdict: Descript is an excellent tool for podcast makers looking for an all-in-one solution. It is well-designed, affordable, and offers a range of features that make podcast-making easier. The transcription offering is a significant advantage, eliminating the need for manual speech-to-text transcription. All in all, Descript is an excellent option for anyone looking for an easy and efficient podcasting tool.
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| Generous free tier | Overdub only available to Pro users. |
| User interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. | Only available in English. |
| Offers a range of audio editing tools, including equalizers, noise reduction, spectral analysis and more. | Transcription not 100% accurate. |
| The cloud-based platform makes it easy to access and share your recordings and edits with anyone. | Limited ability to duplicate image and text overlays. |
| Detailed and selective batch exports of audio clips | Limited ability to apply custom templated branding to text overlays. |
| Has several automation features that make the editing process easier and faster. | Some features aren’t that intuitive for beginners. |
| Allows multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. | Difficult to add multiple recordings to a single composition. |
PROS
CONSCreating a podcast episode can be a time-consuming process. From cutting audio tracks to trimming clips and arranging them in a way that makes sense, many steps are involved in producing a successful episode. Introducing Descript, the revolutionary audio editing tool that revolutionizes how podcasts are created. To help you decide if Descript is the right audio editing option, we’ll go over its features.
What Is Descript?
Descript is a comprehensive audio and video editing platform offering users various features to assist in creating professional-grade projects. It began as a transcription program but has since evolved into a podcast editing tool tailored to those with minimal expertise. This application focuses on text editing within an audio file, allowing users to create their own recordings or import preexisting audio.
It also provides a comprehensive workflow with the necessary tools and features to help complete projects from start to finish. It includes transcription, screen recording, complete multitrack editing, AI tools, remote recording, filler word removal, and overdub editing.
Both an online web-based platform and a desktop application are available, making the program convenient and accessible for all users.
Descript editor offers free and paid plans, which are cost-effective for casual and professional users alike. No credit card is needed to try out the service, making it accessible.
Main Features Of The Software
Filler Word Removal
Descript offers podcasters a convenient way to remove filler words like “um,” “like,” and “you know” from their recordings. The program transcribes the audio, scans the document, and detects and deletes unnecessary fillers with a single click. This makes it easy for podcasters to avoid cringing when they listen back to themselves.
Podcast Transcriptions & Text Editing
Descript Transcription enhances the accessibility of your audio content for your listeners. The app lets you transcribe your podcast episodes and then time-align each word with the track, making it possible to adjust and enhance your audio like a blog post or essay.
If you need the highest accuracy and quality, White Glove transcription services can provide verbatim transcripts with up to 99% accuracy in just 4 hours at a rate of $2.00 per minute. This software will ensure that you get the perfect transcript for all your audio/video needs.
Overdub
Descript AI offers an incredible tool, Overdub, that allows you to insert words into an audio recording. It comes with a selection of AI voices, or you can even teach the AI to imitate your voice. With Overdub, you can add words to your recording that you missed while you were speaking, and it will be seamlessly inserted into your audio with incredible accuracy and your own voice.
Multitrack Editing & Sequences
If you’ve ever done any multitrack editing for a podcast with multiple-people talking, you are probably familiar with the process. Descript’s multitrack editor has some special features that simplify editing and refining a podcast. For example, if you are recording with a remote-capture program like Zoom, it will likely give you two audio files.
In Descript, you can just drag those into a new project, where it will acknowledge that you have a multitrack recording and ask for the names of the speakers associated with each track. It will then create a single transcript combining both tracks. You can then edit the transcript just like a single-track recording.
The main editor will also display a combined timeline featuring both audio tracks, but you can also work on each track separately through what Descript calls Sequences. If your pup starts barking during your guest’s speech, you can edit it out without altering the guest’s track.
AudioGrams
Creating an audiogram with Descript is a breeze! All you have to do is select the text you want to highlight, customize your template, and hit Publish. This will give your listeners a great visual representation of your content.
There are two straightforward ways to make audiograms. The first option is to duplicate the podcast and edit it to the desired length for the audiogram. Alternatively, you can take the edited version and select the audio you want to use for the audiogram, which can be done with a single click.
The Limitations
Of
Descript Software
Overdub are only available to Pro users. |
Only those on the Pro plan or Enterprise account can access Overdub custom voices. This feature requires manual voice identity verification, which limits its accessibility to those with access to the Pro and Enterprise accounts. |
Only available in English |
Lack of availability in languages other than English. This limits the accessibility of the tool and would be greatly improved by providing the product in multiple languages. |
Transcriptions are not 100% accurate |
The accuracy of the transcriptions is not always perfect. Minor errors are common and require a human to go back and edit the transcript. Additionally, British accents can be complicated for the software, as it may misinterpret words or put the wrong punctuation in the wrong places due to the rhythm of the speaker’s speech. Automated transcription services can be helpful to save time, but if you want to publish a transcript, then it is usually better to re-write the whole thing. |
Limited ability to apply custom templated branding to text overlays |
Lack of ability to customize with one’s branding. While the Pro version of Descript does allow users to remove the Descript watermark, it does not provide the option to replace it with a personalized logo. |
Difficult to add multiple recordings to a single composition |
This can be an issue for users creating complex compositions with multiple audio layers. The software only allows for one audio track to be added at a time, which can be time-consuming and difficult to manage if multiple recordings need to be added to a single composition. |
How Much is Descript?
Descript offers a free basic account with screen recording, collaboration features, and 3 hours of transcription. Formore features, the Creator account costs $12 per editor per month, the Pro account costs $24 per editor per month, and larger teams of 10+ users can contact Descript for a custom pricing plan. Prices depend on the number of user teams and features available.
Final Verdict
If you’re just getting into podcasting and want to make your editing process easier, Descript app is an ideal choice! It offers a streamlined method of cleaning up and organizing your audio recordings into an episode.
