Descript: A Podcast Editing Tool That Functions Like a Word Doc

By podcast | May 17, 2024

If you want to produce great podcast episodes, you’ll need to know how to effectively record, edit, and mix your audio.

Since it can be so challenging to do this on your own, it’s a good idea to make use of easy to use tools that can get the job done at a high level, such as Descript.

Since Descript is so new, very few people understand how powerful it is, and how it can improve their podcast editing workflow

To make things easier for you, I’ve written a guide that breaks down everything you need to know about using Descript for podcast production. Keep reading if you want to learn more!

What Is Descript?

Descript is a cutting-edge audio editing application that has been specifically designed to meet the needs of podcast editors and content creators.

What makes it unique?

It functions like a word document. When an audio file is uploaded into a session, Descript automatically transcribes it. To make edits to the audio you simply edit the transcript. This edits corresponding audio. It’s incredibly easy to delete, or rearrange sections of audio.

The software also provides advanced audio editing and mixing capabilities, including the ability to adjust levels, reduce background noise, add eq, compression, and limiting.

In addition, Descript integrates seamlessly with other popular Digital Audio Workstations. This is why it’s an ideal choice for podcast editors who need to produce high-quality audio content quickly and efficiently.

Who Descript Is For?

Whether you’re a new podcast editor who is looking to learn some basic editing and mixing techniques, or an experienced podcast producer, there’s likely several aspects of Descript that you can incorporate into your workflow.

It’s possible for newbies to create polished, high-quality audio content because Descript is so easy to use. Anyone whose used Microsoft Word, or a Google Doc will quickly understand Descript’s functionality.

For more seasoned podcasters and podcast editors, Descript offers advanced audio editing and mixing capabilities. You can fine-tune audio frequencies, remove unwanted background noise, and mix to podcast loudness standards.

If you’re looking to promote your podcast on social media, Descript is great for cutting clips and snippets together. It’s easy to create sharable audiograms which will help you reach a wider audience, and allow you to promote your content in new ways.

*As a Descript Affiliate I may earn a commission if you sign up for their service through my links.*

How Do You Use Descript?

Using Descript is straightforward and easy. This is why it’s a great choice for both beginners and experienced podcasters. You can either record audio directly into Descript from within the software, or upload pre-recorded audio files.

To record with Descript, simply click on the “Record” button. The software will then automatically start capturing your audio.

Uploading pre-recorded audio files is just as simple. All you need to do is drag and drop the file into the software. Descript will automatically begin transcribing it, and then separate speakers by name. After this, you’ll be ready to start editing, adding in music, SFX, and mixing it all together with some killer audio production tools.

Descript supports a wide range of audio file formats, but for podcasting we recommend using Wav or MP3 files.

How Descript Is Different Than Other Audio Editing Software

It’s different because it edits audio by editing text. It functions like a word document. Users can write scripts, highlight sections and leave notes for their teams, search for verbal crutches and automatically cut them, auto level clips, add one click audio processing, quickly shorten or extend gaps between words, and much much more. This is all saved within Descript’s cloud and updated in real time. There’s no need to worry about forgetting to save something.

But what might take the cake as Descript’s differentiator is a powerful feature called, “Studio Sound“. This feature uses advanced audio processing algorithms to improve the sound quality of your audio.

Consider using this feature if you want your sound to be more polished. It doesn’t even matter if the audio was recorded in a noisy environment or with a low-quality microphone.

Studio Sound automatically analyzes audio and uses AI to apply de-noise, de-reverb, eq, compression and leveling. You no longer have to be an audio engineer to get your tracks sounding great.

Recording with Descript

It’s easy to record right into Descript. Simply select the record icon at the top of your session. A drop down menu will appear. Now, click on audio or video. Yes, you can also record video.

Finally, select your microphone from the drop down menu. If you have a microphone plugged in, make sure it’s selected and that you’re not recording into your computers built-in microphone.

Now the magic happens. Descript will automatically transcribe your voice as your record.

Pretty rad!

You can literally record your podcast right into Descript, the audio quality is that good. Or, you can use the recording feature to do some re-tracking, or record a few pick-up lines, and insert them into your session.

Descripts Overdub

Another component of Descript’s recording features is “Overdub”. You can use Overdub to clone your voice and add pick-up lines to your session. Yup, you heard that correctly. If you forgot to record something, instead of re-recording it, you can type in what you wish you would have said.

Descript will the generate a clone of your voice and insert it into your session. It’s text to speech at it’s finest.

Pretty nuts, right?

This makes it easy to add additional content to your podcast or to make changes without having to re-record.

If you need advice on what audio equipment to buy for recording a podcast, check out our articles:

Editing with Descript

Editing in Descript is a straightforward process. It makes creating and launching a podcast easier than ever.

Text Transcript

Descript generates a text transcript of your audio recording. You can use this transcript to edit your podcast. When you make changes to the text, the software will automatically update the audio to match.

Posting the transcripts of your podcast episodes can help your shows SEO. Here’s some more info on why you should transcribe your podcasts.

Non-destructive Editing

Descript uses non-destructive editing, which means that you can make as many changes as you like without affecting the original recording.

This gives you the freedom to experiment and make changes to your podcast without worrying about losing your original audio.

Detect Transcription Errors

This is a great way to make sure that your podcast is accurate and that your text transcript reflects what is actually being said in your audio recording. You will save a lot of time by using this feature.

Adding Music In Descript

Many first-time users of Descript don’t realize how easy it is to add music to their podcasts. It’s even possible to shift where the music starts and ends in relation to your shows dialogue.

Descript also makes it easy to adjust the volume of your music. You can use the built-in volume slider to control the volume of the music.

Additionally, you can use the built-in fade-in and fade-out sliders to control the length and intensity of the fade.

When you’re adding music to your podcast, make sure that you’ve properly licensed it. You could get into legal trouble if you do not do this.

Other Great Descript Features

1. Multi-Track Screen Recording

Descript now offers multi-track screen recording, allowing you to capture your screen, webcam, and microphone simultaneously on separate tracks. This feature is perfect for podcasters who want to include video content or create tutorials and presentations.

2. Storyboard

Descript’s Storyboard feature enables you to visualize and plan your podcast episodes like never before. You can arrange audio clips, text, and visuals on a timeline, making it easier to see the flow of your content and make adjustments on the fly.

3. Auto-Leveling

Auto-Leveling automatically adjusts the volume levels of your audio tracks to ensure consistent loudness throughout your podcast. This feature saves time and ensures a professional sound without manual adjustments.

5. Filler Word Detection and Removal

Descript has improved its filler word detection capabilities, making it even easier to identify and remove common filler words like “um,” “uh,” and “like.” This feature helps create a cleaner, more polished final product.

7. Improved Collaboration Tools

Descript has added new collaboration features, allowing multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. You can leave comments, assign tasks, and track changes in real-time, making it easier for teams to collaborate on podcast production.

8. Cloud Syncing

Descript’s cloud syncing ensures that your projects are always up-to-date across all devices. This feature allows you to start editing on one device and continue on another without missing a beat.

How to Use These New Features

Multi-Track Screen Recording
- Open Descript and select “Record” from the main menu.
- Choose the screen recording option and enable multi-track recording.
- Start recording your screen, webcam, and microphone simultaneously.
Storyboard
- Access the Storyboard feature from the main interface.
- Drag and drop audio clips, text, and visuals onto the timeline.
- Rearrange and edit your content as needed to plan your episode.
Auto-Leveling
- Import your audio tracks into Descript.
- Enable the Auto-Leveling feature in the audio settings.
- Descript will automatically adjust the volume levels for consistent loudness.
Voice Cloning with Overdub
- Select the Overdub tool and train it with samples of your voice.
- Type in the text you want to add or replace in your transcript.
- Overdub will generate a natural-sounding voiceover.
Filler Word Detection and Removal
- Import your audio and transcript into Descript.
- Use the filler word detection tool to highlight common filler words.
- Remove or replace the filler words with a single click.
AI-Powered Studio Sound
- Import your audio into Descript.
- Enable the Studio Sound feature in the audio settings.
- Descript will automatically enhance the audio quality.
Improved Collaboration Tools
- Share your project with team members via Descript.
- Use the commenting and task assignment features to collaborate.
- Track changes and updates in real-time.
Cloud Syncing
- Save your project in Descript.
- Access your project from any device with Descript installed.
- Continue editing seamlessly across devices.

By integrating these new features into your podcast production workflow, you can create high-quality content more efficiently and effectively. Perhaps one of the coolest things about Descript is that they are continuously innovating. So, you can bet that they will add even more features in the future.

Sharing Finalized Episodes

Sharing an edited podcast episode is an important step in getting your podcast to your audience. Descript makes this process simple and straightforward. Here are several ways to share finalized episodes.

Export to MP3 or WAV

One of the simplest options for sharing an edited podcast episode is to export it as an MP3 or WAV file.

Descript provides a range of export settings that allow you to control the quality and file size of your exported audio.

Once you’ve exported your audio, you can upload it to a hosting platform.

Share Directly on Social Media

Descript also integrates with a range of social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. This makes it easy to share your edited podcast episode directly to these platforms.

Simply upload the audio file to your social media account and share it with your followers.

Publish to Your Website

If you have a website for your podcast, you can also publish your edited episode directly to your site. Descript provides a range of options for integrating with your website, such as the ability to embed audio players.

Export Your Timelines

It’s easy to export your editing timelines. Descript offers one-click options for sharing them with programs such as Adobe Audition, Adobe Premiere Pro, Pro Tools, and Final Cut.

This is a great to option to have if you like to do some editing in Descript and then finalize your mix in a DAW.

Descript Pricing

Do you want to try Descript out? If so, understand that Descript has a free plan. This plan will allow you to transcribe one hour of audio per month and export one watermark-free video.

Descript also has a plan that costs $12 a month. With this plan, you can transcribe up to 10 hours of audio per month and export an unlimited number of watermark-free videos.

With the Pro plan, you can transcribe up to thirty hours of video per month. You will also have unlimited use of their Sound Studio, AI Green Screen, and Stock Library features. This plan costs $24 a month.

Why Use Descript for Podcast Editing?

There are many great reasons to use Descript for your podcast editing needs. Not only is it easy to use. It also has a wide range of features that will help you quickly produce professional-sounding podcast episodes.

Are you looking for somebody to help you launch, edit, and market your podcast? If so, The Podcast Haven has got you covered. Don’t hesitate to visit our Services page to get started today!