Guide
Descript Pricing Explained for Freelancers: Which Plan Do You Need?
Updated 2026-10-26 · Prices verified on official vendor pages
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Short answer: most freelancers editing a weekly podcast or a few client videos a month fit on Hobbyist: 10 media hours, 1080p export, $16/month billed annually. Upgrade to Creator only if you need 4K export, more than 10 hours, or the stock library.
Source: descript.com/pricing, checked 26 Oct 2026.
Plans at a glance
| Plan | Price (annual / monthly) | Media hours | AI credits | Export |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 1 hr/month | not listed | 720p |
| Hobbyist | $16 / $24 per person/mo | 10 hrs | 400 | 1080p, no watermark |
| Creator | $24 / $35 per person/mo | 30 hrs | 800 | 4K |
| Business | $50 / $65 per person/mo | 40 hrs | 1,500 | 4K + Brand Studio, dubbing |
The two limits that matter
Media hours count media you upload or record in Descript, whether or not you transcribe it. If you import 4 hours of raw footage to make a 20-minute video, that uses 4 hours.
AI credits are used by the AI features: Underlord (the AI co-editor), Studio Sound, Green Screen and Eye Contact, plus AI-generated media.
Which plan for which freelancer
- Podcast editor, 1–2 shows/week: Hobbyist. Check your raw-hours total first.
- YouTube/video editor delivering 4K: Creator. Hobbyist exports 1080p.
- Small agency with brand templates: Business, which adds Brand Studio and translation/dubbing in 30+ languages.
Tips to stretch your plan
- Trim raw files before importing to save media hours.
- Use Studio Sound only on final selects, since it uses AI credits.
- Pay annually if you edit year-round. The savings are up to 35% per Descript.
FAQ
Is Descript free?
Yes. The Free plan includes 60 media minutes a month, with transcription in 25 languages and 720p export.
How much is Descript Hobbyist?
$16 per person per month billed annually, or $24 monthly. It includes 10 media hours, 400 AI credits and 1080p watermark-free export.
What are AI credits in Descript?
Descript says AI credits track use of features like Underlord, Studio Sound, Green Screen, Eye Contact, and AI-generated media and avatars.
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