Item: Descript
Rating: 10
Author: Monico Candelaria, Monico Photography

Overall Satisfaction with Descript

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I use Descript to create a script for video interviews / personal profiles that the client can highlight important content with a simple interface and powerful options. Descript allows me to save time and look professional.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Removing filler words is a click of button and get rid of 'ums' and 'a's"
Fine tune your edited script in a timeline to adjust timing
Import and export Final Cut Pro or Premier XML video speeding up the editing process

Cons

Creating versions was a little confusing to me but it looks like the updated layout of compositions has now made it very clear. I use this to start with a master and save versions as not to disturb the original recording and timeline.
I like the simplicity of the layout, but I also like the use of colors for an easier visual menu. Since it is so "black & white" it can also be too simple. I think colors help direct.
I'm not sure if it allows you to delete anything that you have not highlighted. I think that would be a great feature.

Return on Investment

Descript saves me hours building a script - just from transcription, if I only used video editing software.
Descript allows my client to show me what is important to them by allowing them to comment or highlight key moments. This invaluable tool saves me time assuming that I know what is important.
Clients really think that Descript is amazing and helpful. Most don't expect such a valuable tool.

Usability

I really think the interface is very clean and straightforward. I think possibly an option for a personalized version that had some color in the tabs or menu would be a nice upgrade.

Alternatives Considered

Rev.com (Rev)

Descript just had so many more options and constantly growing. But what I really like is that the company doesn't assume you know everything so they have a lot of support for you to understand and use the software with tutorials.

Key Insights

Do you think Descript delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Descript's feature set?

Yes

Did Descript live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Descript go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Descript again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Taskade, Trackabi, BIGVU

Likelihood to Recommend

I've recommended Descript many times as it has really helped me in my video production.

In my experience, Descript is well suited for importing multi-cam footage and creating a script from the video / audio. Sharing the project file and having the client highlight key moments or sound bytes of interest. Exporting XML files to be opened up by video editing software and speeding up the process of finding files to creating a rough edit.

If you are just using Descript for transcription, I think that is where it is less appropriate since there are many other services that offer this.
Where Descript shines is:
- adding content that sounds just like the original
- being able to build the actual file with an editor
- use AI to help clean-up words or add to
- and more

Comments

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This gem is worth it