Import Audio into Descript Step by Step

Direct answer: To import audio (a podcast episode, voice memo, or other sound file) into Descript, open a project and bring the file in one of three ways: drag the audio onto the project, use the Upload / plus control in the Project panel, or drop it into an empty composition. The file lands in your Files list—then add it to the script (to transcribe) or place it as needed.

Need the video twin instead? See Import Video into Descript Step by Step. For the broader media overview (video, images, and audio together), see Importing Media in Descript: Beginner Guide. This post stays on the audio path from the same Descript Made Easy lesson “Importing Media” (Core Skills / Importing & Using Media), plus official Descript help on local upload and supported types.

This article was written with AI, based on a real Descript Made Easy lesson by the humans behind Descript Made Easy.

Audio vs video import — same lesson, different file job

The Importing Media lesson teaches one import workflow for files you already have on your computer. The click path is the same whether the file is video or audio. What changes is the file you choose (podcast export, voice memo, WAV/MP3/M4A, and so on) and how you plan to use it after it lands in Files. This article is the audio-only walkthrough; it does not retell the full video post.

Five checkpoints for bringing a podcast or voice file into Descript, then using the Files list.

Watch: Easiest Way to Add Your Own Media to Descript

This clip from Descript Made Easy with Ross is the same Importing Media lesson video used in the video twin—watch it, then practice with an audio file:

Watch on YouTube: Easiest Way to Add Your Own Media to Descript — same lesson video as the video import post; practice with one of your own audio files. (The full course lesson “Importing Media” is also inside Descript Made Easy.)

Step-by-step: import a podcast or voice file

Pick the path that feels simplest. All three get the same result for audio: your file in the project’s Files list.

1. Open a Descript project (or create a new one).
2. Locate your audio file on your computer (podcast export, voice memo, interview mix—common containers include MP3, WAV, M4A, AIFF, FLAC, and others listed in Descript Help).
3. Choose one import path for that audio:
   • Drag and drop the audio from Finder (Mac) or File Explorer (Windows) onto the open project, or
   • Open the Project panel (right sidebar) and use the Upload / plus control to browse and select the audio, or
   • Drop the audio into an empty composition if you are starting on a blank canvas.
4. Wait for the upload to finish. Watch progress in the Activity panel if Descript shows it (official help).
5. Confirm the file appears in the Files list in the Project panel.
6. From Files, add it to the script when you want Descript to transcribe the speech (typical for podcasts and voice memos). You can also open the file menu for more options.
7. Play back a few seconds to confirm you imported the right take.

Official walkthroughs: Import and upload files into Descript and Upload a file from your computer.

Where does my audio land after I import it?

Imported audio lives in the Files section of the Project panel. From there you can add it to the script, place it where your composition needs it, or open the file menu for more options. Uploading stores the media in the project; adding to the script is what kicks off transcription for spoken audio.

Can I drag already-organized folders from the desktop into Descript?

This lesson walks through importing individual files (drag a file onto the project, Upload/plus, or drop into an empty composition)—not whole desktop folders as a single import action. Keep your podcast or voice files where you can find them, then bring in the clips you need one file (or a multi-select of files) at a time via those paths. If you want folder-style organization inside Descript later, start from the Files list after import rather than assuming a desktop folder drag is the lesson path.

What audio file types work?

Stick to formats you already record or export with. Descript Help lists common audio containers such as WAV, MP3, AIFF, M4A, FLAC, OPUS, and AAC (with supported codecs like AAC, PCM, and Opus). OGG and WMA are listed as unsupported. Check Supported file types before you hunt for exotic formats. For a plain-language MP3/MP4/MOV walkthrough, see our related file-types post linked below.

Do I need to transcribe after I import audio?

Importing puts the audio in Files. If you want text-based editing (cutting by deleting words in the transcript), add the file to the script so Descript can transcribe the speech. That is the usual next step for podcasts and voice memos. This post stays focused on getting the audio file in.

Get the printable Import audio into Descript checklist

Want a one-page checklist you can print and tick off while you practice importing audio? Enter your email below—button copy is Get the checklist. Feel free to print it.

FAQ

How do I import audio into Descript?
Open a project, then drag the audio onto the project, use Project panel Upload/plus, or drop it into an empty composition. Confirm it in Files.

Where does imported audio show up?
In the Files list in the Project panel (right sidebar).

How do I transcribe after importing audio?
Add the file to the script so Descript can transcribe the speech.

What audio file types does Descript accept?
Common audio containers such as WAV, MP3, AIFF, M4A, FLAC, OPUS, and AAC. See Descript Help: Supported file types for the current list.

Is this different from the video import post and the Importing Media beginner guide?
Yes. The beginner guide is the media overview. The video post is the video-file step-by-step. This post is the audio-file step-by-step from the same lesson.

Keep learning

• Descript for Beginners
• Importing Media in Descript: Beginner Guide
• Import Video into Descript Step by Step
• File Types Explained: MP3, MP4, MOV, and What Descript Accepts
• Transcript, Scene Editor, and Timeline: Descript Editor Map
• Descript Help: Import and upload files
• Descript Help: Upload a file from your computer
• Free getting-started class
• Descript Made Easy

Want live help while you learn? Join the free 1-hour class: https://www.descriptmastery.com/getting-started-with-descript

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