AI tool Descript for beginners: edit video by editing text
Descript is a video and podcast editor that works like a document. It transcribes your recording, and you cut the video by deleting words. The free plan covers 60 minutes of media a month and exports at 720p with a watermark. Paid plans start with Hobbyist, listed at $16 a month billed annually or $24 month to month.
- What it is
- Video and audio editor
- Free media
- 60 minutes a month
- Free exports
- 720p with watermark
What makes it different
Most video editors show you a timeline. Descript shows you the words. Delete a sentence from the transcript and that piece of video is gone. If you can edit a document, you can make a first cut of a video.
What the free plan includes
From Descript's pricing page:
- 60 minutes of media a month, with unlimited projects.
- 100 AI credits, given once and not refilled.
- Video export at 720p with a watermark.
- 5 GB of cloud storage and 1 user.
- 2 hours of recording a month.
- Limited access to the AI tools, including Studio Sound, Green Screen and Eye Contact.
What the paid plans cost
| Plan | Billed annually | Billed monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | $0 |
| Hobbyist | $16 a month | $24 a month |
| Creator | $24 a month | $35 a month |
| Business | $50 a month | $65 a month |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom |
Prices are per person, from Descript's pricing page on Nov 11, 2026.
What to try first
- Record two minutes of yourself talking. Your phone is fine.
- Delete the stumbles in the transcript. Watch the video follow along.
- Export it. You'll see the 720p watermark version, which tells you whether the free plan is enough for what you're making.
Your 100 free AI credits don't come back. Try the regular text editing first, and save credits for the one AI feature you're most curious about.
When paying makes sense
The watermark decides it for most people. If the video is for practice or for yourself, Free is fine. If it's going on a business page or a client will see it, you'll want a paid plan to remove it.
See also AI tools for video and voice.
Frequently asked questions
Is Descript free?
Yes. Descript's pricing page lists a Free plan with 60 minutes of media a month, unlimited projects, 5 GB of cloud storage and one user.
Does the free plan put a watermark on videos?
Yes. The pricing page lists local video export on Free at 720p with a watermark.
How do AI credits work on the free plan?
The Free plan lists 100 AI credits, given once. They aren't refilled monthly and you can't buy top-ups on Free.
How much are Descript's paid plans?
On Nov 11, 2026 the pricing page listed Hobbyist at $16 a month billed annually or $24 billed monthly, Creator at $24 or $35, and Business at $50 or $65, per person.
How do we know this?
We check every plan, price and limit on this page against the company's own pages, and re-check on a schedule. Spot something out of date? Tell us.