Get Started in Descript from Absolute Zero

If you have never opened Descript or created an account, start here: go to descript.com, click Sign up, create your account, then open Descript in the browser or install the desktop app—and confirm your computer and internet can keep up before you try to edit anything.

This walkthrough matches the Descript Made Easy lesson “Getting Started from Zero.” Use it as a checklist the first time you set up.

1. Create your Descript account

1. Open your web browser and go to descript.com. The homepage design changes often, but the site address stays the same.
2. In the top right, click Sign up.
3. Choose how to create the account:
   • Continue with Google — links your existing Google account. On later logins, Descript will ask you to approve sign-in with Google.
   • Email — use your company or personal email. Descript typically emails you a login code instead of relying only on a password; copy that code and paste it into Descript to finish signing in.
4. Pause and finish signup on your side before you move on.

2. Open Descript: web app or desktop app

After signup, Descript should take you into the product. If it does not, go to web.descript.com.

There are two ways to use Descript, and they look and work almost the same:

1. In the browser — ideally Chrome or a Chrome-based browser. Open web.descript.com.
2. Desktop app — go to descript.com/download, download, and install.

Pick the desktop app if you have a really fast, capable computer; it can feel a little better. Otherwise the browser is fine—Descript mostly runs over the internet (similar to streaming a video), so day-to-day performance is close either way. Many people use the browser most of the time. Projects work across both, and small differences continue to shrink over time.

3. Check that your computer will keep up

Do this before you dive into editing. Video editing is demanding, so weak or very old machines will frustrate you.

1. Aim for a computer from about 2020 or newer (Mac or Windows).
2. Check Descript’s current system requirements in their help docs for your OS. As covered in the lesson: Mac needs a recent macOS (14 or later in the docs shown), Windows needs a recent Windows (11 or later in the docs shown). Linux does not have a desktop option at this time.
3. Plan on about 16 GB of RAM (or unified memory on Mac) as the comfortable minimum.
4. If you are unsure what hardware you have, look it up (search “what computer do I have”) or ask in a Descript Made Easy group call.

4. Check your internet speed

Because Descript streams much of its editing experience over the network, internet speed matters as much as the computer.

1. Open fast.com and let it measure your download speed.
2. You want at least about 20 Mbps. Around 50 Mbps is more comfortable.
3. If the number is below 20, Descript will feel sluggish. Try a better network, move closer to the router, or upgrade gear or service when you can.

Quick checklist (before you edit)

• Account created at descript.com (Google or email plus login code)
• Opened web.descript.com or installed from descript.com/download
• Computer roughly 2020 or newer, about 16 GB RAM, supported OS
• fast.com shows at least 20 Mbps (50 Mbps is more comfortable)

FAQ

Do I have to use the desktop app?
No. The browser and desktop app are nearly identical. Use desktop if your machine is strong and you prefer an installed app; otherwise start in the browser.

Why does Descript email me a code?
If you sign up with email, Descript typically sends a login code to that address. Paste the code into Descript to sign in.

My internet is under 20 Mbps—what should I do?
Expect slower performance. Edit somewhere with a stronger connection if you can, or improve the router, distance, or service so Descript can stream smoothly.

What if my computer is older than about 2020?
You may still open Descript, but editing will be harder on older hardware. Upgrading to something that meets the memory and OS baselines will make learning much easier.

When your account, app choice, computer, and internet are in place, you are ready for the next Descript Made Easy lessons—still without rushing into a complex edit on day one.

Want the full beginner path with video walkthroughs? Visit Descript Made Easy at descriptmastery.com.