10 Tips for Editing Podcasts with Descript - PodFest Presentation

Smarter Podcasting: Making Podcasts Better

Niall Mackay shares his top 10 tips for optimizing your editing workflow with Descript. Having built a business around the powerful software, Niall is a true Descript master.
His advice covers everything from using AI tools like Studio Sound and filler word removal, to leveraging templates and editing video. Niall emphasizes the importance of quality audio, stating "It hurts my soul when I hear a podcast with terrible audio. Good quality audio is more important than good content."
While praising Descript's capabilities, he also provides key limitations and best practices. "You cannot edit video the same as audio," he cautions on adjusting word gaps.
Whether new to Descript or a seasoned vet, this presentation offers invaluable tips from an expert podcaster and editor. Don't miss Niall's wealth of knowledge!
Drawing from his extensive experience, Niall provides valuable insights and practical advice for podcasters of all levels.
Tip 1: Use Studio Sound with Limiter/Compressor and Adobe Enhance
- Studio Sound can vastly improve poor quality audio with one click
- Add a limiter and compressor first to smooth out volume spikes
- Run audio through Adobe Enhance after Studio Sound for near-studio quality
Tip 2: Analyze and Remove Mic Bleed
- Descript can detect and highlight mic bleed for easier removal
- Change track volume before cutting to avoid affecting entire track
Tip 3: Edit Transcripts and Waveforms Together
- Editing the transcript allows easy restructuring of content
- But watch for transcript/audio mismatches and edit both views
Tip 4: Use Filler Word Removal Judiciously
- Can automatically strip filler words like "ums" and "uhs"
- But review to avoid awkward cuts, especially with non-native speakers
Tip 5: Shorten Word Gaps Carefully
- Can tighten slow speech by reducing pauses
- But don't cut too tight - 1 second max is recommended
Tip 6: Create Templates for Intros/Outros
- Build reusable templates to save time on repeated elements
- Remember to save templates and set them up early
Tip 7: Edit Video Smartly
- Descript has powerful video editing capabilities
- Use clapping to easily sync separate audio/video tracks
- Mute rather than delete filler words for smoother video
Tip 8: Leverage AI Tools
- Explore AI-generated content like blogs, show notes, highlights
- But review outputs as quality varies, especially for show notes
Tip 9: Export vs Publish Strategically
- Exporting gives more options but is slower
- Publishing renders faster but with less functionality
Tip 10: Consider Hiring an Editor
- Partnering with an editor eliminates e

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