Descript vs Ekly: Edit Existing Video or Create New?

Descript and Ekly both use AI for video — but they solve completely different problems. Here's an honest comparison to help you pick the right tool.

The Core Difference

• Descript = AI-powered video editor. You bring footage, Descript helps you edit it.
• Ekly = AI-powered video creator. You bring an idea, Ekly builds the video.

This isn't a "which is better" comparison. It's "which do you actually need?"

Descript: What It Does

Strengths

• Text-based editing — Edit video by editing the transcript. Delete a sentence, the video cuts automatically.
• Filler word removal — Automatically finds and removes "um," "uh," "like," "you know"
• Overdub — AI clone of your voice to fix mistakes without re-recording
• Screen recording — Built-in screen + webcam recording
• Multi-track editing — Real timeline editor for complex projects

Best For

• Podcasters editing long-form audio/video
• YouTubers cleaning up recorded content
• Teams creating content from meetings/interviews
• Anyone who records first, edits second

Limitations

• You need existing footage to start
• Learning curve for advanced features
• AI features are assistive, not generative

Pricing

• Free tier (limited)
• Hobbyist: $24/month
• Business: $33/month

Ekly: What It Does

Strengths

• Text-to-video — Describe what you want, get a complete video
• AI voiceover — Professional narration generated automatically
• AI visuals — Images and graphics created to match your content
• Auto-captions — Subtitles generated from the script
• No editing required — Output is a finished video

Best For

• Marketers who need video content but don't edit
• Small businesses without video production budgets
• Educators creating course content
• Anyone with ideas but no footage

Limitations

• Less control than a traditional editor
• Generated content vs recorded footage
• Still in beta — improving rapidly

Pricing

• Free beta (paid plans coming)

Head-to-Head Comparison

| Feature | Descript | Ekly |

|---------|----------|------|

| Starting point | Existing footage | Text description |

| AI editing | Yes (transcript-based) | N/A (creates, doesn't edit) |

| AI generation | Limited (Overdub voice) | Full (visuals, voice, music) |

| Voiceover | Clone your voice | Generate any voice |

| Subtitles | From transcription | From script |

| Learning curve | Medium | Very low |

| Output control | High (full editor) | Medium (prompt-based) |

| Collaboration | Yes (team features) | Coming soon |

When to Use Descript

• You record podcasts, interviews, or tutorials
• You have footage that needs cleaning up
• You want precise control over the final edit
• You need multi-track, timeline-based editing

When to Use Ekly

• You don't have footage and don't want to record
• You need video content fast (minutes, not hours)
• You're not a video editor and don't want to become one
• You want to test video ideas quickly before investing in production

Can You Use Both?

Yes. Some teams use Ekly to quickly generate draft videos or social content, and Descript for polishing recorded content like podcasts and interviews. They complement each other because they solve different problems.

The Bottom Line

Have footage? Use Descript. It's the best AI-powered editor for recorded content.

Have ideas but no footage? Use Ekly. It's the fastest way to go from concept to video.