Descript offers a variety of AI-powered tools. Some tools are grouped into usage-based tiers—Basic, Advanced, and Professional—which appear in the AI Tools panel. These tools are typically tracked per submission, and each Editor has their own usage allowance.
Other tools, like text-to-speech (TTS), Avatars, and Translation, aren’t part of those tiers but still have separate usage limits and are also tracked per Editor.
This article explains which features are included in each group, how usage is tracked, how to check your usage and what happens when you reach your limit. AI Feature limits depend on your Drive subscription level. See our pricing page to compare plans and limits.
AI features require an Editor seat
Only Drive members with Editor access can apply AI features. Basic members and project-only collaborators do not have access to these tools.
Understanding AI Feature Limits
Each subscription includes a monthly allowance for AI tools and effects. If your plan includes multiple AI suites, each suite's usage is tracked separately.
Usage limits reset at the start of each billing cycle. Drive members can view their reset date on the Usage page in Drive settings. Access to each suite depends on your Drive's subscription plan. See our pricing page to compare plans and limits.
Basic AI Suite | Advanced AI Suite | Professional AI Suite |
---|---|---|
Studio Sound Green Screen Filler Word Removal Shorten Word Gaps Create Clips / Create Highlight Reel Edit for Clarity Remove Retakes Automatic Multicam Center Active Speaker Image Generation Publish (Blog Posts, Notes) Script Brainstorm / Outline AI Video Maker (via ChatGPT) |
Eye Contact Translate |
Translation with Proofreading |
If you reach your usage limit, you can upgrade your plan to continue using AI tools without interruption. See our pricing page for full plan details. If you're on a legacy plan, learn more about AI usage on legacy subscriptions.
Actions initiated through Underlord, Descript's AI co-editor, won't count against your usage right now
Underlord, Descript’s AI co-editor, is currently in open beta and available for unlimited use. Underlord can apply layouts, suggest editing tools, automate repetitive tasks—and more. This is a limited-time beta, so now’s the perfect time to try it out and see how much faster editing can be. Learn more about Underlord.
How AI Usage Is Tracked
Descript tracks usage differently depending on the feature. Some tools are counted per submission (clicking the Submit button in the AI Tools panel), while others are measured by time. Usage is tracked per Editor and resets at the start of the Drive's monthly billing cycle.
What if the effect fails?
If the effect fails to apply after being triggered, it may still be counted toward your usage. Contact support if this happens and we’ll review and issue a credit if needed.
Where to view your usage
You can check your current AI and speech usage at any time from the Usage tab in your Drive settings.
- Click your profile icon in the top-right corner of the app.
- Select Settings.
- In the left sidebar, choose Usage.
You’ll see a breakdown of your usage for:
- Basic, Advanced, and Professional AI suites
- Text-to-speech (TTS) and avatar minutes
- Regenerate actions
If you’re a Drive owner or admin, you can also view usage for other editors. Use the search bar on the Usage page to find and review individual usage for each member.
In-app alerts
If you're approaching your usage limit, Descript will display a warning message in the app. These alerts can appear when you use an AI tool, view your usage settings, or try to generate content after hitting your limit.
Additional usage alerts
- Hourglass: Indicates you're close to your usage limit. This alert appears when you have three uses remaining.
- Padlock: Appears when you've hit your limit. The feature becomes locked until your next reset or plan upgrade.
- Lightning bolt: Means the feature isn’t available with your current plan and requires an upgrade.
FAQs
When does my usage reset?
Why can't I access certain AI tools?
What happens if I hit my limit?
Does usage reset if I upgrade?
Example: You’re on the Hobbyist plan with 10 Regenerate uses per month. If you use all 10 and then upgrade to Creator (which includes 100 Regenerate uses), you'll have 90 remaining Regenerate actions for the rest of the billing cycle.