🎬 Descript for Nonprofits

Descript automatically transcribes your recording with ~95% accuracy, then lets you edit the video by editing the text. Delete a paragraph where you went off-script? That video section disappears. Rearrange talking points? Cut and paste sentences. Fix a mistake? Type the correction and AI generates replacement audio in your voice (Overdub feature).

This approach saves hours compared to traditional video editing and makes content creation accessible to staff without technical video skills.

Recorded your advocacy video on a laptop microphone in a noisy office? Studio Sound uses AI to remove background noise, echo, and room reverb while enhancing voice clarity. The result sounds like you recorded in a professional studio with expensive equipment.

Available on all plans (including Free), this feature alone can save thousands in audio equipment costs while delivering professional results that boost credibility and donor confidence.

Descript automatically generates captions from your video's transcript. Customize fonts, colors, positioning, and add word-by-word highlighting. Export captions as embedded (burned-in) or separate files (SRT/VTT) for platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.

Supports 30+ languages for transcription and translation, making your impact stories accessible to diverse communities. This isn't just good practice—it's often required for grant compliance and demonstrates your commitment to inclusive communication.

We all use filler words when speaking naturally. Descript's AI identifies and removes all instances of "um," "uh," "like," "you know," and other verbal tics with one click—no manual hunting required.

Perfect for Executive Directors who want their donor appeals to sound polished without needing multiple takes, or staff members who feel self-conscious about public speaking but have powerful stories to share.

Reading from notes or looking at another monitor during recording? Descript's AI adjusts your eye gaze to make it look like you're maintaining direct eye contact with the camera throughout your video.

This creates more engaging, trustworthy video content—critical for fundraising appeals and donor stewardship videos where connection matters.

Recorded a 30-minute program update webinar but need 60-second social clips? Descript's Underlord AI co-editor analyzes your content and suggests the most engaging moments, automatically creating shareable clips optimized for different platforms.

Saves hours of manual clip selection and repurposing work, helping you maximize the reach of every piece of content you create.

Otter.ai focuses exclusively on transcription and meeting notes. It's more affordable for organizations that just need accurate transcripts of meetings, interviews, or webinars but don't need video editing capabilities.

Choose Otter.ai if: You only need transcription and meeting summaries, not video editing. Choose Descript if: You want to edit video/audio content or create polished final products.

Industry-standard timeline-based editor with advanced color grading, motion graphics, and visual effects. Steep learning curve but unlimited creative possibilities. Expensive ($20.99+/month, no nonprofit discount).

Choose Premiere if: You need broadcast-quality production and have staff with video editing expertise. Choose Descript if: You want fast, accessible editing without the complexity or cost.

Free mobile-first video editor (owned by TikTok) designed for short-form social content. Great for quick Instagram Reels or TikTok videos with trendy effects and music. Limited for longer-form or accessibility-focused content.

Choose CapCut if: You primarily create short social videos on mobile devices. Choose Descript if: You need professional features, accessibility tools, and desktop editing for longer content.

Screen recording and editing tool optimized for creating training videos, software demos, and presentations. Easier than Premiere but more traditional timeline editing (no text-based approach). One-time purchase (~$180-250) or subscription.

Choose Camtasia if: You primarily create software tutorials and screen recordings. Choose Descript if: You want text-based editing flexibility and better audio enhancement.