Descript stands out as a YouTube video editor for beginners and pros alike. Its text-based workflow reshapes how videos are produced, bringing scriptwriting, recording, transcription, editing, and direct YouTube publishing together in one place.
Get started
These companies use Descript. Not bad!
01
Set up a new video project
In a new Descript project, begin drafting your video script with the AI-powered text editor. Or, simply upload any resources you need by dragging them in. Click Record to capture content right in your project, or use the Media icon to find royalty-free music and other assets in our large stock media library.
02
Edit your YouTube video
Descript automatically transcribes as you work. Adjust the text to cut, trim, or reorganize the timeline in your video. Use ‘/’ to create new scenes that line up layers and transitions at the right moment. Press the Actions button to easily add sound effects, images, captions, and animations wherever you need them. You can also use the canvas and timeline for more detailed edits.
03
Publish directly to YouTube
When your video is ready, click Publish to upload it straight to YouTube. Enter your title, description, categories, and tags, then publish from Descript to make it live. You can even rely on AI Actions to write your description and build chapters automatically.
Save time with text-based editing
Editing your video timeline feels as intuitive as a text doc with Descript’s text-based interface. Trim, cut, rearrange, or insert elements without opening the timeline—though it’s there if you want extra precision.
Collaborative editing made for YouTubers
Add editors, writers, guests, and more to your Descript project for real-time collaboration. They can leave comments, review your video, or access project files whenever they need.
Built-in AI assistant so you never work alone
Ask AI for support at any stage in your workflow, from writing scripts to refining YouTube descriptions and locating the best clips for YouTube shorts. AI Actions handle tasks in a click, from deleting filler words to clearing background noise with Studio Sound.
Descript is an AI-based video editor that makes editing as straightforward as working in a document.
Chapter generator
Identify, label, and create automatic YouTube chapters for your video.
Eye Contact
Read your script as you record, then use AI to direct your eyes toward the camera.
Studio Sound
Reduce background noise and enhance voice quality in a single click with AI.
Record remote interviews with up to 10 guests, then transcribe, edit, and publish directly to YouTube.
Remote recording
30 minutes / month of dubbing in 20+ languages
Which video editor do YouTubers use?
Plenty of YouTubers choose Descript for part or all of their editing because it supports timeline exports to top YouTube editing apps like Adobe Premiere Pro or Apple Final Cut Pro.
Can I edit YouTube videos for free with Descript?
Descript’s free plan includes one hour of recording and transcription per month plus one watermark-free export. You can upgrade starting at $12 per month for unlimited watermark-free exports.
What types of YouTube videos can I make with Descript?
Descript’s features allow you to record, edit, and create many styles of YouTube content, such as tutorials, video essays, voice-only channels, travel vlogs, gaming videos, webinars, demos, branded channels, and more.
