AI Video Editing: A New Era Begins
Creating professional videos using AI is reshaping video editing for both amateurs and professionals. This technology makes the video editing process not only faster but more intuitive. Reshaping the video production and creative industries, each AI video editor offers its unique set of features and advantages.
Descript is widely recognized due to its user-friendly interface, but it may not meet all needs, particularly in advanced areas like multi-language translation video options and customizable AI avatars. Here are the top 10 Descript alternatives you might find more suitable.
Alternatives Best for Key Features Pricing Languages HeyGen Custom avatar creation Translation, customizable AI avatars, text to video Starts free for 3 videos/month 170+ Riverside.FM Podcasters Podcast transcription, remote recording, AI meeting transcription Starts free for 2 hours 100+ Synthesia Training videos Translation video, customizable AI avatars, video templates Starts free for 1 editor 140+ CapCut Social media videos Mobile video editing, AI effects, translation dubbing Starts free with limited editing 27+ Pictory YouTube creators AI voices, video templates, large media library Starts at $25/month for 200 mins 29 VEED Collaboration across teams Collaboration tools, customizable AI avatars, text-to-speech video Starts at $24/month/editor 125+ Speak AI Transcription Transcription, translation video, data analysis Starts at $19/month for 10 hours 99 Reduct.Video Video redaction Video redaction, text-to-video editor, translation video Starts at $30/month/editor 90+ Otter.AI AI meeting transcription AI meeting transcription, automatic action items, transcription Starts free for basic features No translation Piktochart Adding design elements AI-generated design, video-to-text conversion, video templates Starts free for 50 AI credits 60+
1. HeyGen
Best for: Custom avatar creation
HeyGen is a top choice for creating customizable AI avatars and translation video content. It allows you to transform text to video effortlessly, expand your reach with over 170 languages, and personalize your videos on a budget. This user-friendly platform supports video collaboration tools essential for remote teams.
HeyGen transcends Descript by offering superior importance of translation for effective communication, facilitating wider audience access. It balances affordability with robust features ideal for businesses of varying scales.


Features
HeyGen’s strength lies in its speed and accessibility:
- Translation video: Supports 170+ languages with local accents.
- Text-to-video: Cost-effective rapid content creation.
- Customizable AI avatars: Either choose from existing or create new ones from your photo.
- API capabilities: Smooth integration for enhanced user experience.
- Platform distribution: Social media optimized video sharing.
How does HeyGen compare to Descript?
Despite both focusing on improving video editing, HeyGen outshines Descript in translation prowess with a wider linguistic range. Its unique approach towards text to video streamlines the content creation process.
Cost
HeyGen's flexible pricing caters to various user needs:
- Free: Up to 3 videos/month, max 3 minutes each.
- Creator: $29 per month, unlimited 5-minute videos.
- Team: $89 per seat/month, unlimited 30-minute videos.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing.
2. Riverside.FM
Best for: Podcasters
Riverside.FM specializes in high-quality video and audio capture, serving podcasters with AI transcription services. This fully browser-based tool simplifies the production process by streamlining recordings across devices with easy editing options.
While it excels in quality audio for podcasting, it lacks the customizable AI avatars which are standard in other platforms.


Features
Riverside.FM is geared towards podcast production with features like:
- AI podcast transcription
- Remote recording
- Background noise reduction
How does Riverside.FM compare to Descript?
Riverside.FM excels in recording and live-streaming, essential for podcasters, while Descript offers a more holistic editing suite. Choose Riverside if simplicity in podcast recording is key.
Cost
Riverside.FM's plans include:
- Free: 2 hours/month.
- Standard: $15/month for 5 hours.
- Pro: $24/month for 15 hours.
- Business: Unlimited access, priced on demand.
3. Synthesia
Best for: Training videos
Synthesia enhances video creation by transforming text into videos with customizable AI avatars, supporting over 140 languages. It's particularly powerful for creating training videos and marketing content.


Features
Synthesia’s key capabilities:
- Advanced video translation options
- Customizable AI avatars
- A variety of video templates
How does Synthesia compare to Descript?
Synthesia shines in training video production and content localization. Descript is primarily a tool for direct editing. Synthesia’s advanced capabilities make it a significant AI video editing software option.
Cost
Synthesia offers comprehensive pricing based on organization size:
- Free: 1 editor.
- Starter: $29/month for 1 editor + 3 guests.
- Creator: $89/month for an editor and 5 guests.
- Enterprise: Tailored plans.
4. CapCut
Best for: Mobile videos
CapCut offers straightforward mobile video editing with supportive AI effects and translation dubbing capabilities. It thrives on ease-of-use, making it ideal for quick social media video editing.


Features
CapCut stands out for its:
- Mobile video editing capabilities
- Diverse AI effects
- Translation dubbing features
How does CapCut compare to Descript?
CapCut targets social media content creation, while Descript's robust AI features cater to larger projects like corporate videos. For mobile-focused quick edits, CapCut is superior.
Cost
CapCut pricing offers:
- Free: Basic editing.
- Pro: $9.99/month with expanded features.
- Commerce: $25.99/month for additional enhancements.
5. Pictory
Best for: YouTube creators
Pictory offers AI tools to YouTubers, rapidly creating content from scripts. It supports personalized branding and offers a vast media library for creative video production.


Features
Pictory emphasizes valuable tools such as:
- Extensive media library
- AI-powered video templates
- AI voice capabilities
How does Pictory compare to Descript?
Pictory is great for personal creators and YouTubers, while Descript suits professionals needing intricate editing. Pictory lacks entry-level pricing and offers a limited library compared to others.
Cost
Pictory’s cost plans are:
- Starter: $25/month for 200 mins.
- Professional: $49/month for 600 mins.
- Teams: $119/month for 1800 mins.
- Enterprise: Custom rates apply.
6. VEED
Best for: Collaboration across teams
VEED supports team collaboration with customizable AI avatars and streamlined editing processes. Its simple interface fosters teamwork with real-time project sharing.


Features
VEED's collaborative strengths include:
- Collaboration tools
- Customizable AI avatars
- Text-to-speech video capability
How does VEED compare to Descript?
VEED focuses on collaborative efforts, offering easier adjustment for team edits than Descript. It's a go-to for teams engaging in social media advertising.
Cost
VEED pricing includes:
- Lite: $24/editor/month.
- Pro: $55/editor/month for full AI capabilities.
- Enterprise: Tailored plans.
7. Speak AI
Best for: Transcription services
Speak AI offers excellent speech-to-text and translation video functions. Its use of AI meeting transcription makes it a popular choice among businesses seeking data insights.


Features
Key features include:
- High-quality transcription
- Translation video
- Detailed data analysis
How does Speak AI compare to Descript?
Speak AI is optimized for transcription and analysis, whereas Descript excels in editing tasks. For businesses focusing on transcription, Speak AI is optimal.
Cost
Speak AI's pricing includes:
- Individual: $19/month for 10 hours.
- Team: $68/month for 25 hours.
- Custom: Unlimited, price varies.
8. Reduct.Video
Best for: Video redaction and compliance
Reduct.Video specializes in safeguarding video content, perfect for law and regulatory industries, by removing sensitive content effectively.


Features:
Reduct.Video offers:
- Effective video redaction
- Text-based video editing
- Multilingual translation video options
How does Reduct.Video compare to Descript?
While Reduct.Video is a leader in redaction, Descript provides a wider range of editing features. Reduct.Video's specialization makes it unique in compliance needs.
Cost
Reduct.Video's pricing includes:
- Standard: $30/editor/month.
- Advanced: $50/editor/month.
- Enterprise: Customized starting at $75/editor/month.
9. Otter.AI
Best for: Enhancing meeting productivity
Otter.AI seamlessly integrates with tools like Zoom, offering real-time transcription and enhancing meeting productivity through AI features.


Features
Otter.AI supports online meetings with features like:
- AI meeting summaries
- Transcription capabilities
- Automatic action item generation
How does Otter.AI compare to Descript?
Lacking translation, Otter.AI is better suited for meetings than Descript, but requires additional tools for full-scale video creation.
Cost
Otter.AI offers varied plans:
- Basic: Free tier.
- Pro: $16.99/month per user.
- Business: $30/month per user.
- Enterprise: Custom options available.
10. Piktochart
Best for: Incorporating stunning design
Piktochart (formerly Piktostory) integrates elegant design elements into videos, making it a favorite for presentations and HR materials.


Features
Piktochart simplifies design with:
- AI-generated design elements
- Seamless video-to-text conversion
- Pre-designed video templates
How does Piktochart compare to Descript?
Piktochart is ideal for visually-focused projects, while Descript offers more comprehensive editing. Piktochart's ease makes it perfect for quick, impactful designs.
Cost
Piktochart’s pricing includes:
- Free: 50 AI credits.
- Pro: $14/member/month for 1,000 credits.
- Business: $24/member/month for 3,000 credits.
- Enterprise: Custom solutions.
Choosing the Best AI Video Editing Software
Consider these factors while selecting AI video editing software:
- Budget: Ensure the features justify the cost.
- Collaboration features: Do you require online editing synchrony?
- Translation abilities: Are multi-language options a necessity?
- Video format requirements: Tailor choices based on marketing video types.
Personalized video content creation trends illustrate that educational needs differ from social media, guiding decision-making based on specific goals.
Combining videos with AI tools can significantly enhance your content’s power and reach.
Time to Innovate with AI Video Editing
AI video editing for YouTube amplifies your content’s impact and business efficiency. Selecting the right software can make a profound difference.
HeyGen stands out with a seamless user experience, customizable features, and powerful translation options, making it a top-tier Descript alternative. The cloud-based nature of HeyGen promotes ease of access and real-time team collaboration to craft engaging content instantly.
Begin your HeyGen journey today—the world of innovative AI and video awaits.
Descript FAQ
What is Descript used for?
Descript simplifies video/audio editing and enhances content creation through AI, offering a streamlined user experience.
How much does Descript cost? Descript pricing options include:
- Free: Basic editing features.
- Hobbyist: $19/month per person for 10 transcripts.
- Creator: $35/month per person for 30 hours.
- Business: $50/month per person for 40 hours.
What is the best Descript alternative?
HeyGen leads as a superior Descript alternative with customizable avatars and multi-language support, offering effective video solutions.
The focus on ai video editing software, collaborative tools, and innovative AI transcription ensures you pick the best tool for your content needs.