Submagic is the ultimate Descript alternative for short-form video editing

While Descript shines in advanced AI features like voice cloning and eye-contact correction, Submagic is specifically designed to make your short-form content stand out.

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Seamless Video Editing

AI Auto Captions

AI-Powered Editing

Loved by 1+ million creators
around the world

Evan Carmichael

Sebastian Jefferies

Grant Cardone

Ali Abdaal

Chris Williamson

Biyon Kattilathu

Vick Tipness

Evan Carmichael

Sebastian Jefferies

Grant Cardone

Ali Abdaal

Chris Williamson

Biyon Kattilathu

Vick Tipness

How Submagic compares with Descript

While Descript shines in advanced AI features like voice cloning and eye-contact correction, Submagic is specifically designed to make your short-form content stand out.

Below is a comparison table between Submagic and Descript, followed by a list of competitor-unique features.

Feature Wise Comparison

Descript

Submagic

AI Auto Captions
Yes
Yes
Accurate Subtitles
Yes
Yes
AI Remove Silences
Yes
Yes
AI Filler Words
Yes
Yes
AI Clean Audio
Yes
Yes
Text-based Editing (remove filler words via transcript)
Yes
Yes
Trim Videos with AI
Yes
Yes
B-Roll AI Generation
No
Yes
Auto-Zoom
Yes (partial)
Yes
AI Transition Editor
No
Yes
Automated Sound Effects
No
Yes
Automated Background Music
No
Yes
Animated Subtitles
Yes
Yes
Professional Look
Yes
Yes
Built-in Subtitles Generator
Yes
Yes
AI Hook Title
Yes
Yes
AI Description
Yes
Yes
Script Generator
Yes
Yes
Video Idea Generator
Yes
Yes
Podcast Clip Generation
Yes
Yes
Hashtag Generator
No
Yes
Quick Video Creation
Yes (partial)
Yes
Seamless Editing Experience
Yes (partial)
Yes
User-Friendly Interface
Yes
Yes
Automated Clipping
Yes
Yes
Collaboration Tools
Yes
Yes
Custom Templates
Yes
Yes
Brand Customization
Yes
Yes
Add Images & GIFs
Yes (partial)
Yes
Animated Emojis / GIF Integration
Yes (partial)
Yes
Custom Fonts
Yes
Yes
Adjust Aspect Ratio
Yes
Yes
Auto Reframe
Yes
Yes
Portrait Conversion
Yes (partial)
Yes
Supported Caption Languages
23
50
4K Import & Export
Yes
Yes
60 FPS Export
No
Yes
Stock Media Library
Yes
Yes
Download Subtitles (SRT/other)
Yes
Yes
Video Downloaders (YouTube, TikTok, etc.)
No
Yes
Priority Support
Yes
Yes
Advanced Analytics
No
Yes
Username Generator
No
Yes
Remote Recording
Yes
No
AI Green Screen
Yes
No
Text-to-Speech
Yes
No
Translation
Yes
No
Rewrite / Brainstorm
Yes
No
See detailed comparison

Watch Submagic in action transforming your videos

Submagic brings a major upgrade to the creative process. It’s the go-to for editing videos into social media hits.

Submagic makes collaboration effortless. Share projects in real-time with your team or clients. And with round-the-clock support, you’ll always have help when you need it.

Watch Submagic demo
See how to use Magic Clips
Try Submagic for Free

Top 10 Descript Alternatives in 2025

  1. Camtasia: Combines screen recording with professional video effects, templates, and cross-platform compatibility.
  2. Veed.io: AI-powered auto-subtitles, team collaboration, and multi-language support for accessible video editing.
  3. Filmora: Features AI scene detection, smart reframing, and an intuitive drag-and-drop interface for easy video creation.
  4. Riverside: Provides high-quality remote recording, text-based editing, and workflow integration for creators and teams.
  5. Speechify: Converts text to speech with 130+ voice options, OCR scanning, and adjustable playback speeds for multitaskers.
  6. Movavi: Screen recording, live annotations, and lightweight video editing
  7. OpenShot: A free, open-source video editor with unlimited layers, customizable animations, and cross-platform support.
  8. Tactiq: Real-time meeting transcription with AI-powered summaries and privacy-focused integrations for global collaborations.
  9. Deepgram: Advanced speech recognition with real-time processing and developer-friendly APIs for businesses and tech-savvy users.
  10. Submagic: AI-driven editing with Magic B-Rolls, animated captions, and tools for short-form content like TikToks and Reels.

Overview of Descript

Descript is an audio and video editing platform with text-based workflow. With features like AI-powered transcription, overdubbing, and real-time collaboration, it’s built for creators of all levels.

👍 Pros

  • Edit media like a document.
  • Replace or correct speech with ultra-realistic voice cloning.
  • Work with teams seamlessly on cloud-based projects.
  • Advanced editors can dive deeper into traditional tools.
  • Get accurate text transcriptions, saving hours of manual work.
  • Publish directly or export to platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.
  • Offers both simple and detailed editing modes.

👎 Cons

  • Lacks the depth of specialized video editors like After Effects.
  • Requires voice consent for ethical use, limiting spontaneity.
  • Advanced features can be intimidating initially.
  • Larger projects can sometimes slow down the platform.
  • May not be cost-effective for casual users.

💸 Pricing

Plan Cost
Free $0
Hobbyist $12/month
Creator $24/month
Business $40/month
Enterprise Custom Pricing

 1. Alternative - Camtasia

Camtasia is an all-in-one screen recording and video editing tool for creating professional-quality tutorials, demos, and presentations with ease. Also includes templates to streamline video production.

👍 Pros

  • Capture your entire screen or specific areas effortlessly.
  • Add transitions, animations, and annotations to elevate your content.
  • Streamline workflows with pre-made video templates and themes.
  • Works on both Windows and Mac, ensuring broad accessibility.
  • Enhance audio quality with noise reduction and volume leveling tools.

👎 Cons

  • Advanced features may overwhelm beginners.
  • The one-time fee is steep compared to subscription alternatives.
  • Lacks real-time team editing capabilities.
  • Can lag when handling larger video files.

💸 Pricing

Plan Cost
Camtasia Essentials $179/year
Camtasia Create $249/year
Camtasia Pro $499/year

2. Alternative - Veed.io

Veed.io simplifies video production with features like auto-subtitles, AI avatars, and audio cleanup. It also excels in team collaboration, with project sharing and feedback integration.

👍 Pros

  • Auto-subtitles, translations, and avatars streamline video creation in minutes.
  • Share projects, gather feedback, and edit with your team effortlessly.
  • Remove background noise and enhance clarity with a click.
  • Over 200 customizable templates for polished, professional videos.
  • Accessible from any device—no downloads needed.
  • Translate videos into 50+ languages automatically.

👎 Cons

  • Requires internet connectivity for editing and saving.
  • Complex projects may slow down the browser-based interface.
  • Some advanced tools need higher-tier plans.

💸 Pricing

Plan Cost
Lite $9/month
Pro $24/month
Enterprise Custom Pricing

3. Alternative - Filmora

Filmora by Wondershare is a user-friendly video editing tool whose drag-and-drop interface ensures that even complex edits feel approachable. Make professional-quality videos without a steep learning curve, with features like AI-powered scene detection, smart reframe tools, and an extensive library of templates.

👍 Pros

  • Perfect for beginners; start editing like a pro in hours.
  • Automatically identifies and combines highlight-worthy moments for impactful storytelling.
  • Features like auto-reframe and audio cleanup streamline the editing process.
  • Access pre-designed themes and transitions to save time and inspire creativity.
  • Works on Windows, macOS, and mobile devices for added flexibility.
  • Helps produce high-quality videos quickly, ideal for tight schedules.

👎 Cons

  • Falls short for editors requiring in-depth control or effects like After Effects.
  • May slow down when handling large files or extensive edits.
  • Some of the most useful tools require higher-tier plans.
  • Doesn’t support real-time team editing like some competitors.

💸 Pricing

Package Price
Basic $9.99/month
Advancede $29/month
Perpetual $37/month

4. Alternative - Riverside

Riverside integrates recording and editing for a streamlined workflow from start to finish. Its tools are ideal for podcasters, content creators, and businesses looking for professional results without technical complexity.

👍 Pros

  • Edit video by cutting, copying, and pasting the transcript.
  • Capture 4K video and uncompressed audio, even during remote sessions.
  • Allows real-time feedback and editing for teams.
  • Simplifies advanced processes for beginners and professionals alike.
  • Record and edit directly in one platform, saving time and effort.

👎 Cons

  • May not suit creators needing deep customization or effects.
  • Strong connectivity is required for optimal performance.
  • Lacks extensive creative options like filters and animations.
  • Premium features can feel costly for occasional users.

💸 Pricing

Plan Cost
Free $0/month
Standard $15/month
Pro $24/month
Business Custom Pricing

5. Alternative - Speechify

Speechify is a text-to-speech (TTS) platform designed to turn written content into audio. It enables you to listen to documents, web pages, PDFs, and books in natural-sounding voices.

👍 Pros

  • Offers 30+ languages and accents, including Arabic, Chinese, and French.
  • Choose from 130+ voices, including celebrity-like tones such as “Mr. President.”
  • Converts Google Docs, PDFs, emails, and even images into speech.
  • Change playback speed to suit your pace, from slow reading to fast listening.
  • Scan physical text and listen to it instantly.
  • Perfect for studying, learning new languages, or multitasking with content.

👎 Cons

  • Requires a stable connection for real-time scanning and TTS features.
  • Advanced features and voices are locked behind premium plans.
  • Complex or technical terms might not be pronounced accurately.
  • Premium features might not justify the cost for light use.

💸 Pricing

Plan Cost
Free $0
Premium $11.58/month
Enterprise Custom Pricing

6. Alternative - Movavi

Movavi is a user-friendly video editing and screen recording software that includes live annotations, and advanced editing effects. Its versatility and lightweight design make it suitable even on resource-constrained systems.

👍 Pros

  • Easy to navigate, perfect for beginners and time-conscious creators.
  • Capture video, audio, and even cursor movements with precision.
  • Add text, arrows, and highlights to your recordings in real time.
  • Supports MP4, MOV, and other popular file formats for easy sharing.
  • Operates efficiently without draining your system resources.
  • Upload directly to YouTube, Google Drive, or WhatsApp.

👎 Cons

  • Lacks: the depth for complex video projects.
  • Doesn’t offer real-time team editing or shared workflows.
  • Some users report missing features compared to higher-end competitors.
  • Advanced tools and functions require upgrading to premium versions.

💸 Pricing

Plan Cost
Video Editor $19/month
Video Suite $29/month
Movavi Unlimited $149.95/year

7. Alternative - OpenShot

OpenShot is a free, open-source video editor that combines accessibility with a range of editing tools. The platform allows you to trim, resize, and merge video clips, while also offering unlimited layers and customizable animations.

👍 Pros

  • No hidden fees or subscriptions, ideal for cost-conscious creators.
  • Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.
  • Accessible even for beginners, with intuitive drag-and-drop functionality.
  • Add multiple tracks for video, audio, or custom animations.
  • Includes transitions, keyframe animations, and real-time previews.
  • Runs smoothly on low-resource systems.

👎 Cons

  • Lacks some professional tools found in premium editors.
  • Prone to crashes when handling large files or complex edits.
  • Doesn’t support team workflows or real-time editing.
  • Advanced features may take time to master for new users.

💸 Pricing

Plan Cost
Free $0

8. Alternative - Tactiq

Tactiq enhances productivity during virtual meetings by providing real-time, speaker-specific transcriptions. It works with platforms like Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. 

Also includes OpenAI integration, helping generate actionable outputs like follow-up emails and project updates.

👍 Pro

  • Captures live, speaker-specific transcriptions during meetings across major platforms.
  • Provides concise meeting summaries, saving time in post-meeting reviews.
  • Accommodates meetings in various languages for global teams.
  • Transcribes conversations without recording, easing privacy concerns.
  • Automates follow-ups and project updates efficiently.
  • Installs as a Chrome extension, eliminating the need for extra software.

👎 Cons

  • Requires a strong connection for accurate real-time transcription.
  • No functionality for transcriptions outside virtual meetings.
  • Advanced features may feel costly for occasional users.
  • Works primarily on Google Meet, Zoom, and Teams, limiting versatility.

💸 Pricing

Plan Cost
Free $0
Pro $8/month
Team $16/month
Enterprise Custom Pricing

9. Alternative - Deepgram

Deepgram is an advanced AI-driven platform that specializes in speech recognition and transcription. It transforms audio into highly accurate, searchable text. Ideal for use cases like customer service, meeting transcription, and real-time subtitling.

👍 Pro

  • Provides precise transcription and analysis, even for complex audio.
  • Transcribes audio instantly for live subtitles and customer interactions.
  • Handles multiple languages and dialects for global accessibility.
  • Integrates seamlessly into existing applications with Text-to-Speech (TTS) and Speech-to-Text (STT) tools.
  • Adapts to both small projects and large-scale enterprise needs.
  • Tailors recognition for specific industries or technical vocabularies.

👎 Cons

  • May require technical expertise for API integration.
  • Advanced features might be expensive for smaller businesses.
  • Requires a stable connection for real-time processing.
  • Complex dialects or noisy environments can reduce transcription accuracy.

💸 Pricing

Plan Cost
Pay As You Go Free ($200 of credit included)
Growth $4k+ per year
Enterprise $10k+ per year

10. Alternative - Submagic

Submagic is a video editing tool powered by AI, designed to simplify and accelerate the creative process with advanced capabilities like Magic B-Roll, AI-generated captions, and silence removal to ensure videos look professional and engaging.

👍 Pros

  • Processes videos in under five minutes for ultimate efficiency.
  • Automatically adds relevant visuals, saving hours of manual searching.
  • Offers trendy, animated captions that grab attention instantly.
  • Enables seamless teamwork with clients and teammates.
  • Simplifies editing for beginners and experts alike.
  • Get fast responses to questions, keeping your workflow uninterrupted.

👎 Cons

  • Slightly pricier than some competitors for advanced features.
  • The trial version has fewer features for comprehensive testing.
  • Less suited for complex, long-form video projects.

💸 Pricing

Plan Cost Features
Starter $12/month No watermark, 20 caption templates, 15 AI auto captions/month, 1080p export, stock footage.
Professional $29/month Everything in Starter, 40 AI auto captions/month, premium templates, custom brand kit.
Business $53/month Everything in Pro, unlimited auto captions, export 4K + 60FPS, custom rendering priority.
Add-On: Magic Clips: $12/month for unlimited AI-generated clips from long videos.

Comparison

⚡️  AI-Powered Captions (Winner Submagic)

Submagic crafts spot-on captions in over 48 languages with emojis and keywords for engagement. Claap's auto-subtitles are more corporate-friendly in comparison.Submagic generates captions. and makes engagement tools. With support for over 48 languages, your videos will be are accessible globally. 

Its captions include visual elements like bold keywords and emojis, making them scroll-stopping and ideal for social media platforms. 

This added flair outpaces Descript’s straightforward auto-caption functionality, which lacks customization options to match modern trends.

🎥  Short-Form Video Specialization  (Winner Submagic)

If you’re all about short-form content, go with Submagic. It identifies key moments in long-form videos and converts them into clips for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. 

Descript provides general support for videos, but Submagic’s laser focus on short-form content ups the ante, especially for creators working on tight schedules.

🧠 Efficiency in Trimming (Winner Submagic)

Who’s got time for manual cuts and late-night editing marathons? Submagic’s text-based trimming and AI-powered silence removal make editing faster and smarter. 

This process outshines Descript’s “Magic Cut,” which, while effective, lacks the intuitive precision Submagic offers. You’ll save hours and maintain creative momentum.

📱 Advanced AI Features (Winner Descript)

For corporate users or creators seeking futuristic capabilities, Descript has the upper hand. AI avatars, voice cloning, and eye-contact correction make it ideal for polished presentations or experimental projects. 

These features bring a level of sophistication perfect for high-stakes campaigns.

Conclusion

You deserve powerful tools for your creative process.

Descript is definitely impressive. Its AI tools like voice cloning and eye-contact correction are pretty slick. But when it comes to making your content pop on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube Shorts, Submagic blows Descript out of the water:

  • Built for Social Media: Perfect for TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
  • Time-Saving Tools: Magic B-Roll and Auto-Zoom speed up editing.
  • Engaging Captions: Bold, fun captions in 50+ languages boost views.
  • Instant Hook Titles: AI titles grab attention fast.
  • Enterprise-Grade Performance: Trusted by Uber, Zapier, and big brands.
  • Easy Team Collaboration: Multi-user workflows make teamwork simple.
  • Massive Scale: Processes 10,000+ videos daily for global creators.
  • No Hassle: Quick, professional videos without extra effort.

From attention-grabbing AI-powered captions, and Magic B-Rolls for your visuals, to hook titles that make users pause mid-scroll, Submagic gives you solutions that make your content stand out. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get Descript for free?

Descript offers a free plan that includes:

1 hour of transcription per month
1 hour of remote recording
720p video export resolution
5GB cloud storage
Basic editing features
No credit card is required to start.

Is Descript better than CapCut?

The better choice depends on your needs:

Descript excels in text-based editing, transcription, and professional collaboration
CapCut is better for quick mobile editing and social media content
Descript has more advanced audio editing capabilities
CapCut offers more comprehensive video editing features for free

What is the difference between Veed and Descript?

Veed.io focuses on auto-subtitles, team collaboration, and multi-language support
Descript specializes in text-based editing and AI features like voice cloning
Veed offers 200+ customizable templates
Descript provides more advanced audio editing capabilities
Both tools support team collaboration and subtitle generation.

What is Descript's refund policy?

According to Descript's official help documentation:

Refunds are available if requested within 48 hours of the invoice date
Refunds must be requested through Descript's Support Team
No prorated refunds are issued for subscription downgrades
To request a refund, you must provide the email address linked to your Descript account

Is there a free alternative to Descript?

OpenShot: Free, open-source video editor with unlimited layers
CapCut: Free mobile video editor with comprehensive features
Veed.io: Offers a free tier with basic features
Tactiq: Free tier for basic meeting transcriptions

What is the difference between Descript and Submagic?

Submagic:
Specialized for short-form content (TikTok, Reels, Shorts)
Offers Magic B-Roll with automatic visual additions
Provides AI-generated hook titles
Supports 50+ languages for captions
Includes Auto-Zoom feature
Processes 10,000+ videos daily
More focused on social media optimization

Descript:
Excels in AI features like voice cloning and eye-contact correction
Better for long-form content
More general-purpose editing tool

Submagic is much more than just a Descript alternative.

Try Submagic For Free