Skip to main content

​
File size

Imported files are limited to 1GB per file.

​
URL requirements

The API imports media from URLs — direct file uploads from your computer aren’t supported yet. Media URLs must:
  • Be publicly accessible or use a pre-signed URL that Descript’s servers can reach
  • Support HTTP Range requests for large files
  • Remain valid for 12-48 hours during processing (use pre-signed URLs with appropriate expiration)

​
Supported formats

The API supports the same media formats as Descript: Video: MP4, MOV (h264, HEVC codecs) Audio: WAV, FLAC, AAC, MP3

​
Google Drive files

The direct API doesn’t accept Google Drive share links. Convert them to direct download URLs first: 
# Share link (won't work)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/FILE_ID/view?usp=sharing

# Direct download (use this)
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=FILE_ID
The CLI handles this conversion automatically — pass the share link directly.

​
Dropbox files

Change dl=0 to dl=1 in the share URL: 
# Share link (won't work)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/abc123/video.mp4?dl=0

# Direct download (use this)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/abc123/video.mp4?dl=1
The CLI handles this conversion automatically.

​
Zapier file handling

When using the Zapier integration with Google Drive or Dropbox triggers, use the File field in the Descript action — not the Media URL field. Zapier handles the URL conversion.

​
Local files

Local file upload is not currently supported. Media must be hosted at a URL accessible by Descript’s servers. If you need to process local files, upload them to a cloud storage service first and use the resulting URL.