Starting a project and assigning speakers in Descript

George Vlasyev·May 2026

Demo summary

The user demonstrates how to create a new video project, name it, and drag-and-drop raw footage into the Descript interface while assigning a speaker name to the transcription.

Step-by-step

Open Projects and click New Project in the upper right corner
Select Video Projects
Enter a detailed name for your project
Drag and drop your raw footage file into the app
Click Add Speaker underneath the project title
Select Create New Speaker, enter the name, and click Create Speaker

Options

Upload a file from your computer
Create a video with the AI speaker
Record live within Descript
Import from the media library
Import from Zoom

Tips

Whenever you upload a new video or audio file, make sure there's a speaker assigned
Delete or rearrange words in the transcription on the left to edit your footage

All demos from “Descript Tutorial for Beginners 2026: Complete Video Editing Guide”

5:441:15Starting a project and assigning speakers in DescriptCurrentThe user demonstrates how to create a new video project, name it, and drag-and-drop raw footage into the Descript interface while assigning a speaker name to the transcription.Descript· AI Video Editor
9:400:45Text-based video editing in DescriptThe creator demonstrates how to edit video by highlighting and deleting specific words in the transcript, which instantly cuts the corresponding video and audio footage.Descript· AI Video Editor
14:120:25Remove filler words with Descript UnderlordThe demonstration shows using the Underlord AI tool to automatically find and remove filler words like 'um' and 'uh' while applying 'avoid harsh cuts' for smooth transitions.Descript· AI Video Editor
14:550:33Shortening word gaps in DescriptThe user demonstrates the 'Shorten word gaps' tool to identify long silences in the recording and batch-reduce them to a specific duration for a punchier edit.Descript· AI Video Editor
16:100:12Applying Studio Sound in DescriptThe creator shows how to toggle on the 'Studio Sound' feature to eliminate background noise and improve voice clarity using AI.Descript· AI Audio Enhancer & Noise Reduction
17:370:15Fixing eye contact with AI in DescriptThe user demonstrates the 'Eye Contact' visual effect which uses AI to shift the speaker's pupils so they appear to be looking directly at the camera.Descript· AI Video Editor
18:461:02Creating scenes and applying layouts in DescriptThe demonstration shows how to use a forward slash to create scenes and apply pre-designed visual layouts like screen recordings to specific sections of the video.Descript· AI Video Editor
20:090:41Adding B-roll via direct media uploadThe user demonstrates dragging and dropping external video files into a scene to act as B-roll and adjusting the playback settings like speed and looping.Descript· AI Video Editor
21:100:24Text-to-media B-roll insertionThe creator shows how to highlight a specific sentence and search the built-in stock library to instantly insert relevant B-roll footage.Descript· AI Video Editor
23:070:43Generating social media highlights in DescriptThe demonstration shows using Underlord to automatically find high-value insights and create a highlight reel as new compositions for social media.Descript· Long Video To Short Video AI
Watch “Descript Tutorial for Beginners 2026: Complete Video Editing Guide” →

AI Video Editor

4:180:32Starting a new video project in DescriptThe creator demonstrates how to start a new video project in the Descript web interface, showing the automatic upload and transcription process.David Alex
4:580:30Text-based video editing in DescriptThe user demonstrates how to edit video by striking out text in the transcript, which automatically removes the corresponding footage from the video timeline.David Alex
5:320:14Exporting subtitles from DescriptThe demonstration shows the process of exporting an SRT subtitle file from a completed Descript project for use on other platforms.David Alex
8:240:30Adjusting video layout and export settingsThe video shows the Descript interface for changing video aspect ratios and the various publishing destinations available, including YouTube and local export.David Alex
5:441:15Starting a project and assigning speakers in DescriptCurrentThe user demonstrates how to create a new video project, name it, and drag-and-drop raw footage into the Descript interface while assigning a speaker name to the transcription.George Vlasyev
9:400:45Text-based video editing in DescriptThe creator demonstrates how to edit video by highlighting and deleting specific words in the transcript, which instantly cuts the corresponding video and audio footage.George Vlasyev
14:120:25Remove filler words with Descript UnderlordThe demonstration shows using the Underlord AI tool to automatically find and remove filler words like 'um' and 'uh' while applying 'avoid harsh cuts' for smooth transitions.George Vlasyev
14:550:33Shortening word gaps in DescriptThe user demonstrates the 'Shorten word gaps' tool to identify long silences in the recording and batch-reduce them to a specific duration for a punchier edit.George Vlasyev
17:370:15Fixing eye contact with AI in DescriptThe user demonstrates the 'Eye Contact' visual effect which uses AI to shift the speaker's pupils so they appear to be looking directly at the camera.George Vlasyev
18:461:02Creating scenes and applying layouts in DescriptThe demonstration shows how to use a forward slash to create scenes and apply pre-designed visual layouts like screen recordings to specific sections of the video.George Vlasyev
20:090:41Adding B-roll via direct media uploadThe user demonstrates dragging and dropping external video files into a scene to act as B-roll and adjusting the playback settings like speed and looping.George Vlasyev
21:100:24Text-to-media B-roll insertionThe creator shows how to highlight a specific sentence and search the built-in stock library to instantly insert relevant B-roll footage.George Vlasyev