Transform Your Podcast into a YouTube Video

Do you have an audio file or a podcast that you want to turn into a video so that you can post it to YouTube or TikTok? In today's post, I'm going to show you an easy and fast way to do that.

Starting a New Project

The first thing we need to do is start a new project. Follow these steps:

• Open up Descript
• Go to the top right and choose "New Project."
• Select "Video Project".
• Click on and drag in the audio file you want to make a video from. Drop it in to the transcript area.

Transcribing the Audio

Next, we need to turn your audio into text. This is called transcribing.

• A dialogue box will open asking if you want to transcribe. Click done.
• Wait for the transcription to finish. You will see your words in text format.

Your audio file is now inside of a video project. Right now, your video is blank because it only has the audio file.

Adding Visual Elements

We need to make the video interesting by adding visuals. Here’s how:

1. Select Text for Video Overlay:

   • Highlight the first two sentences of your transcription.
   • Click "Add Layer Above."

2. Add Videos or Images:

   • You can add videos or images from your computer or use Descript's built-in options.
   • If using Descript's media, search for a video related to your text and click to add it.

3. Adjusting Layers:

   • Your selected video will overlay the text you highlighted.
   • You can play it back and see how it looks. Adjust as needed.

Overlaying Text and Images

Now, let's add images:

• Highlight the next two sentences.
• Click "Add Layer" and choose "Image."
• Search and select an image that matches your text.
• Adjust the image size and position to fit the video canvas.

Pro Tip:

• Double-click the image to reposition it, showing the part you want visible.

Incorporating GIFs

GIFs are short, looping videos. Here's how to add them:

• Highlight the text you want to add a GIF to.
• Click "Add Layer" and select "Giphy GIFs."
• Choose a GIF that fits your text. It will loop over your selected part.

Adding Captions

Captions are text that appears on the screen and matches the audio. Here's how to add them:

• Go to the "Captions" menu on the right side.
• Apply captions to all scenes or just one scene.
• Choose the style you like (e.g., bold yellow highlight).

Play your video to see the captions moving with your voice.

Adding Sound Waves

Sound waves are visual elements that move with your audio. Here's how to add them:

• Go to the "Elements" menu and select "Wave Forms."
• Choose the type you like (e.g., lines, circle, ring).
• Adjust the size, color, and position.

Using Progress Bars

A progress bar shows how much of the video has played. Here's how to add one:

• Click "Bar" in the "Elements" menu to add a white progress bar.
• Stretch the bar to cover multiple scenes or the whole video.

To adjust the layer order (which thing is on top), follow these steps:

• Click the layer, choose the three dots menu, and drag the layer where you want.

Finalizing and Publishing

When your video is done, follow these steps to publish it:

• Click "Publish" in the top right corner
• You can publish directly to YouTube or choose "Export" to download the video file.
• Click Export again to download it to your computer

Awesome! Your audio file has now been turned into a video.