Connect Descript to Claude to import media, edit with Underlord, manage projects, and publish — all from a conversation. Describe what you want in plain English, and Claude handles the rest.

For a full overview of what the Descript MCP can do and how to connect other AI assistants, see Use Descript with an AI assistant (MCP). To automate Descript with code, Zapier, or the command line, see the Descript API overview.

This article covers:

• Connect from the Anthropic connector directory
• Connect as a custom connector
• Tips for getting the best results

Before getting started

• Connecting to Claude requires the Claude desktop app. No API token is needed — you'll sign in to Descript directly during setup.
• Use Chat mode rather than Cowork for the best experience with the Descript MCP.
• Make sure the right settings are enabled. Go to Settings → Capabilities and confirm that network egress and code execution are turned on. If you don't have access to these settings, ask your Claude admin to enable them.

Connect from the Anthropic connector directory

Installing directly from the connector directory is the fastest way to connect Descript to Claude.

1. In Claude, open the Customize menu from the left pane and select Connectors.
2. Search for Descript in the connector directory.
3. Click the + button to add it, then click Connect.
4. Sign into Descript when prompted, then click Allow to grant Claude access. The MCP connects to whichever Descript Drive you're currently logged into.
5. You'll be redirected back to Claude. Descript now appears under your connected connectors.

To test the connection, try a prompt like: "Create a new Descript project called 'Test' and generate a short video about morning coffee."

Connect as a custom connector

Use this method if you need full media generation capabilities, or if your Claude workspace doesn't have access to the connector directory. You'll also need access to Connectors under the Customize menu — if your Claude workspace doesn't allow custom connectors, contact your Claude admin to enable them.

Add Descript as a custom connector

1. In Claude's left pane, navigate to Customize → Connectors and click the + sign to add a custom connector.
   
2. Enter Descript for the name and https://api.descript.com/v2/mcp for the remote MCP server URL. Leave Advanced Settings as-is.
   
3. Descript will appear under the "Not connected" list. Click Connect to log in.
   
4. Sign into Descript, then click Allow when prompted. The MCP connects to whichever Descript Drive you're currently logged into.
   
5. You'll be redirected back to Claude.
   

For help setting up or troubleshooting connectors, see Claude's support article on custom connectors.

Tips for getting the best results

The MCP is scoped to a single drive. You can only create and access projects on the drive you chose when connecting. To switch drives, log out of Descript on the web, then reconnect the MCP.

Be specific in your prompts. Tell Claude the project name, folder, composition, and what you want done. The more context you give, the better the result.

Claude can pull in context from other tools. If you have Slack, Notion, Google Drive, or other connectors set up, Claude can use content from those tools to give Underlord richer instructions — for example: "Find the brief in my Google Drive called 'Q3 Campaign' and create a Descript video based on it."

Example prompts:

• "Import this video from my desktop into my 'Podcasts' folder and transcribe it"
• "Add Studio Sound and remove filler words from the second composition"
• "Find my 'Q2 Review' project and create a 60-second highlight reel"
• "Write a script about how to make great coffee, turn it into a video, and publish it"