Descript Tutorial for Beginners - Learn Descript in 20 Minutes

Video Mastery with Ross
24 Jun 202417:38

TLDRThis tutorial introduces beginners to Descript, guiding them through creating a video project, recording, transcribing, editing, and adding effects like Studio Sound and eye contact. It covers scene management, layer adjustments, and publishing to web links or YouTube, aiming to turn viewers into Descript masters.

Takeaways

  • 😀 The Descript platform is used for creating and editing video projects.
  • 🎥 To start, create a new video project by clicking 'New Project' and then 'Video Project'.
  • 📂 You can upload a file or record directly through the platform using the 'Record' button.
  • 🔊 Descript automatically transcribes spoken words and displays them for editing.
  • ✂️ The interface includes a 'Scenes' section for organizing different parts of the video.
  • 📝 The 'Canvas' shows the video content, while the 'Properties' bar allows for adjustments to the video layers.
  • 🔍 Zoom in and out on the timeline for detailed editing using keyboard shortcuts or trackpad gestures.
  • 🎚️ Adjust the volume and speed of the video, and apply audio effects like 'Studio Sound' to clean up the audio.
  • 🗑️ Use 'Ignore' to remove parts of the video without deleting them permanently, allowing for easy restoration.
  • 🤖 Utilize AI features like 'Edit for Clarity' to automatically remove filler words and improve the script.
  • 👀 Apply 'Eye Contact' to make it appear as if the speaker is always looking at the camera.
  • 🖼️ Create 'Scenes' to segment the video and apply different effects or changes to each segment.
  • 🌟 Add text or other elements to the video to enhance the visual presentation.
  • 💻 The 'Green Screen' effect allows for the removal of the background, enabling the addition of different scenes or images.
  • 🔗 Once complete, publish the project to a web link, download it, or publish to platforms like YouTube.

Q & A

  • What is the first step to start a new project on Descript?

    -The first step is to log in to your Descript account, navigate to the workspace, and click on the 'New Project' button in the top right corner. Then, choose 'Video Project' to start.

  • How can you upload a file to your Descript project?

    -You can either drag and drop the file into your project or click 'Upload a file' and browse through your computer to find the project you want to add.

  • What is the purpose of the 'record' button in Descript?

    -The 'record' button allows you to record your voice or video directly within Descript, which can be used as the basis for your project.

  • How can you ensure that your recorded video is transcribed accurately?

    -Descript automatically transcribes your recorded video. Ensure your microphone is set to the correct input and that you speak clearly to improve transcription accuracy.

  • What is the 'Untitled' button for and how do you use it?

    -The 'Untitled' button is used to rename your project. You can click on it and type in a new name to identify your project more clearly.

  • How do you edit the video to start exactly when you begin speaking?

    -You can adjust the boundary of the selected portion by clicking and dragging the corner of the selection on the timeline. Tighten the gap between the sound waves to ensure the video starts as soon as you start speaking.

  • What is the purpose of the 'Studio Sound' audio effect in Descript?

    -The 'Studio Sound' effect cleans up your audio by removing background noise such as air conditioning or traffic sounds, enhancing the clarity of your voice.

  • How can you remove unwanted parts from your script in Descript?

    -You can either manually highlight the text in the transcript and press delete, or use the 'ignore' feature which strikes through the text in the transcript but removes it from the timeline and video.

  • What is the 'edit for clarity' feature in Descript and how does it work?

    -The 'edit for clarity' feature uses AI to automatically remove filler words, digressions, and blather, making the script more concise and clear. It processes the script and suggests edits, which you can apply or ignore.

  • How can you adjust the pacing of your video by editing the timeline?

    -You can click on a word or section in the transcript and drag it left or right to tighten or extend pauses, adjusting the pacing of your video accordingly.

  • What is the 'green screen' effect and how do you apply it in Descript?

    -The 'green screen' effect uses AI to remove the background from your video, allowing you to replace it with any other background. You can apply it by selecting the effect from the layer properties and choosing a new background from Descript's media section.

  • How do you add text elements to your Descript project?

    -You can add text elements by going to the 'Elements' section, choosing 'Text', and typing in your desired text. You can then drag and position the text on the canvas and adjust its properties such as color, size, and font.

  • What are the options for publishing a Descript project?

    -You can publish your project as a web link, which generates a URL that can be shared, or you can download the project directly to your computer. Additionally, you can publish to platforms like YouTube or podcast hosts.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Starting a New Video Project on Descript

This paragraph introduces the process of starting a new video project on Descript. The user is guided to the Descript website and shown how to navigate to the workspace where all projects are managed. They are instructed to click on the 'New Project' button and select 'Video Project'. The user can either upload a file or record a new video directly through the platform. The assigned task is to create a 1 to 3 minute video introducing oneself, which will be used throughout the tutorial. The user is encouraged to start recording and to make the first edit by trimming the beginning of the video to start as soon as they begin speaking.

05:00

🎧 Editing Audio and Utilizing AI Features

The paragraph focuses on audio editing within Descript, highlighting the use of the 'Studio Sound' feature to clean up audio by removing background noise. The user is shown how to adjust the intensity of the effect and is advised to experiment with different settings to achieve the desired audio quality. The paragraph also covers the process of manually editing the script by deleting or ignoring unnecessary parts. Additionally, the user is introduced to the 'Edit for Clarity' AI feature, which automates the removal of filler words and retakes, and shortens word gaps. The importance of the 'ignore' function is emphasized, allowing for easy restoration of previously removed content.

10:01

👀 Enhancing Video with AI and Scene Management

This section delves into video editing techniques available in Descript, starting with the 'Eye Contact' feature that uses AI to ensure the speaker appears to be looking at the camera. The concept of 'scenes' is introduced, where each scene is likened to a slide in a PowerPoint presentation. The user learns how to create scenes by adding forward slashes in the transcript, which allows for independent editing of each part of the video. The paragraph also covers how to add text elements to the video, adjust their properties, and manage layer order to ensure the speaker appears in front of the chosen background.

15:02

🌐 Publishing and Sharing the Completed Project

The final paragraph guides the user through the process of publishing their completed project. They are shown how to export the project or publish it to a web link, with instructions on setting the resolution and access permissions. The user is encouraged to share their project link with the instructor to receive a discount on a Descript Mastery course. Alternatively, they can download the project directly to their computer or publish it to platforms like YouTube or podcast hosts. The paragraph concludes by thanking the user for watching and celebrating their progress towards becoming proficient in Descript.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Workspace View

The workspace view is the initial page users see after logging into Descript. This is where all the user's projects are displayed, allowing easy access and management. It sets the foundation for organizing and starting new projects.

💡New Project

The new project button allows users to create a new project in Descript. By clicking this button, users can start a new video project and either upload existing files or create new recordings. It is the first step in beginning any editing work in Descript.

💡Record Button

The record button in Descript enables users to record video and audio directly within the application. This feature allows users to create new content on the spot, such as an introductory video, which can be immediately edited. It is crucial for capturing new footage without needing external tools.

💡Timeline

The timeline in Descript is where users can see and edit the sequence of their video and audio clips. It displays sound waves aligned with the transcribed words, helping users to make precise edits. Zooming in and out of the timeline allows for detailed control over the content.

💡Transcript

The transcript feature in Descript automatically converts spoken words in a video into written text. This allows users to edit their videos by simply modifying the text, making the editing process more intuitive. It plays a central role in navigating and making changes to the content.

💡Layers

Layers in Descript represent different elements in a video, such as text, audio, and video clips. Each layer can be individually edited, allowing for complex compositions. Managing layers is essential for controlling the visual and audio aspects of a project.

💡Studio Sound

Studio Sound is an audio effect in Descript that cleans up background noise and enhances audio quality. By applying this effect, users can improve the clarity of their recordings, making them sound more professional. It is particularly useful for removing unwanted ambient sounds.

💡Ignore Feature

The ignore feature allows users to mark sections of the transcript to be excluded from the final video without deleting them entirely. This helps in maintaining awareness of the omitted parts, enabling users to easily restore them if needed. It is a recommended method for making non-destructive edits.

💡Edit for Clarity

Edit for Clarity is an AI-powered feature in Descript that automatically removes filler words, retakes, and digressions to make the video more concise. This function streamlines the editing process by suggesting obvious cuts, helping to enhance the overall clarity and flow of the video.

💡Green Screen

Green Screen is an effect in Descript that removes the background from a video, allowing users to replace it with any image or video. This feature uses AI to isolate the subject, enabling creative backgrounds and visual effects. It is crucial for creating professional and engaging visuals.

Highlights

Introduction to Descript and setting up a new video project.

How to upload a file or record a new video project using Descript.

Assigning a project to create a 1-3 minute self-introduction video.

Using the record button to start and stop video recording.

Processing the recording and transcribing the spoken words.

Navigating the workspace view and understanding the interface.

Editing the video by tightening gaps and removing unwanted sections.

Using the ignore function to omit parts of the transcript from the video.

Applying audio effects like Studio Sound to clean up the audio.

Adjusting the intensity of the Studio Sound effect.

Using the AI feature 'Edit for Clarity' to remove filler words and retakes.

Manually editing the script for a rough cut.

Creating scenes to segment the video into different parts.

Adding text elements like titles to the video.

Using the green screen effect to remove the background.

Changing the layer order to place the subject in front of a new background.

Publishing the project with options for export, web link, or platforms like YouTube.

Promotion of the Descript Mastery course for further learning.