What Is Descript's New Pricing Update: AI Credits System and VeO 3 Features?

Descript is shifting its video editing model to a credit-based system, impacting how users manage their tools and costs. This update focuses on tracking AI usage more precisely while expanding free user access. Below, we'll cover the key changes, plan details, and what it means for creators.

Key Changes in Descript's Update

The core of this update is a move from unlimited features to a system based on AI credits. Free users now get 100 lifetime credits for features like Studio Sound and Eye Contact. Paid plans offer monthly credits alongside media hours, making it easier to track usage without surprises.

New media minutes system: Tracks files uploaded or recorded, with 60 minutes per month for free users.
Expanded free access: Users can try Underlord and image generation from text prompts.
Credit tracking: Monitors usage across AI tools in one place.

Understanding the New Plans

Descript's plans are designed for different needs, from beginners to teams. Each includes AI credits and media hours, but features like 4K exports vary by tier.

Hobbyist Plan at $15/month: Includes 400 AI credits and 10 media hours, with 1080p exports.
Creator Plan at $24/month: Offers 800 AI credits and 30 media hours, plus 4K exports.
Business Plan at $40/month: Provides 1,500 AI credits, 40 media hours, and team tools.

Credits are used for tasks such as removing filler words or applying effects. For example, Eye Contact correction costs 10 credits per use, while VeO 3 video generation uses 64 credits for an 8-second clip.

How Credits Are Used in Practice

Credits vanish quickly with frequent edits. Basic tasks like filler word removal or studio sound enhancement each cost 10 credits. For VeO 3, which generates video from text, you get about 12 clips on the Creator Plan before running out.

This setup suits light users but may limit heavy creators. It's worth noting that existing subscribers keep their plans until the end of 2024, with a 30-day notice for any changes.

VeO 3: What It Offers and Its Costs

VeO 3 is Descript's new tool for creating realistic video clips from text. It delivers 8-second segments with audio, but at a high credit cost.

Standard VeO 3: 64 credits per clip.
VeO 3 Fast: 24 credits per clip for quicker results.

For Indian creators, this adds up fast. At $24/month for the Creator Plan (around ₹2,000), it's pricier than some alternatives like Camtasia, which costs about ₹10,000 annually.

Comparing Descript with Camtasia

When choosing tools, cost and features matter. Here's a quick look at how Descript stacks up against Camtasia, especially for Indian users.

Tool	Key Strengths	Potential Drawbacks	Approximate Annual Cost (INR)
Descript	Text-based editing; AI tools like voice cloning	Credit limits; subscription needed	₹24,000 for Creator
Camtasia	Screen recording; one-time purchase	No AI features; desktop-only	₹10,000

Descript shines for dialogue-heavy content, while Camtasia works well for tutorials without AI needs.

Tips for Getting the Most from Descript

If you stick with Descript, manage credits wisely.

Use basic edits on simple projects to save credits.
Batch tasks like effect applications.
Reserve VeO 3 for final clips only.
Check your dashboard regularly for usage.

You might combine Descript with free tools for initial edits.

The Bigger Picture for Creators

This credit system is part of a trend in AI tools, where usage ties to costs. It helps providers manage resources but means creators must plan budgets carefully.

For Indian users, the conversion rates make alternatives appealing. Always weigh your needs against potential expenses.