How to end your Descript subscription in the UK

About Descript

Descript is a sophisticated video and podcast editing platform that has gained considerable traction amongst content creators, podcasters, and video professionals across the UK. What sets Descript apart from traditional editing software is its text-based approach to editing audio and video content. Rather than working with complex timelines and waveforms, users can edit their content by simply editing a transcript, making the process remarkably intuitive for those who find conventional editing software intimidating.

The platform combines multiple tools into a single workspace, including screen recording, transcription services, overdub voice cloning technology, and collaborative editing features. This all-in-one approach has made it particularly popular with podcasters who need to edit conversations, YouTubers creating educational content, and marketing teams producing video materials for social media campaigns.

Descript operates on a subscription model with various tiers designed to accommodate different usage levels and professional needs. The service has expanded its reach to the UK market, though users should be aware that the company is based in the United States, which has implications for how cancellations and customer service interactions are handled. Most importantly, understanding the proper cancellation procedures is essential before committing to a subscription, as many users have encountered difficulties when attempting to terminate their memberships.

The platform has evolved significantly since its launch, adding features like Studio Sound for audio enhancement, filler word removal, and multi-track editing capabilities. However, as with any subscription service, circumstances change, and knowing how to properly cancel your membership is just as important as understanding the features you're signing up for.

Plans, features and pricing

Descript offers several subscription tiers, each designed for different levels of usage and professional requirements. Understanding these plans is crucial before cancellation, as your billing cycle and notice requirements may vary depending on which tier you've subscribed to. Keep in mind that prices are typically displayed in US dollars, though UK customers are charged in pounds sterling at the prevailing exchange rate, which can fluctuate.

Current subscription tiers

The pricing structure has been updated several times, and it's essential to verify which plan you're actually subscribed to by checking your account settings or recent billing statements. Here's what you need to know about the main subscription options:

Additionally, Descript offers annual subscriptions with a discount compared to monthly billing. This is where many users encounter problems during cancellation, as annual subscriptions typically have different refund policies and notice requirements than monthly plans. If you've paid annually, you'll want to pay particular attention to the terms regarding pro-rata refunds.

Features that attract subscribers

Understanding why people subscribe helps contextualize why they later cancel. The text-based editing interface allows users to delete sections of video or audio by simply removing words from the transcript. The Overdub feature can generate synthetic voice recordings in your own voice, useful for correcting mistakes without re-recording. Studio Sound applies AI-powered audio enhancement to make recordings sound professionally produced, whilst the screen recording functionality appeals to tutorial creators and software reviewers.

Most importantly, the collaborative features allow teams to work on projects simultaneously, with commenting and version control built into the platform. However, these features come at a cost, and many users find they're paying for capabilities they rarely use, which becomes a primary motivation for cancellation.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Before initiating any cancellation, you absolutely must understand Descript's terms of service and cancellation policy. This is where many subscribers make critical mistakes that cost them money or result in unwanted charges continuing for additional billing cycles. I've processed hundreds of Descript cancellations, and the majority of problems stem from misunderstanding these terms.

Billing cycles and notice periods

Descript operates on a prepaid subscription model, meaning you pay for access to the service for a specific period in advance. For monthly subscribers, your subscription renews automatically on the same date each month unless you cancel before the renewal date. Here's the crucial part that catches people out: you must cancel at least 24 hours before your next billing date to avoid being charged for another month.

For annual subscribers, the situation is more complex. Whilst you can cancel at any time, Descript's policy historically has not offered pro-rata refunds for unused portions of annual subscriptions. This means if you cancel six months into an annual plan, you typically won't receive a refund for the remaining six months. However, UK consumer protection laws may provide additional rights beyond what's stated in Descript's terms, which is why documented postal cancellation is so important.

UK consumer rights and statutory protections

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, UK consumers have specific protections when purchasing digital services. You have a 14-day cooling-off period from the date you subscribe during which you can cancel for a full refund, provided you haven't extensively used the service. Additionally, if the service is not as described or is of unsatisfactory quality, you may have grounds for cancellation and refund beyond the standard terms.

Keep in mind that these statutory rights exist regardless of what Descript's terms of service state. If you're cancelling due to service issues, technical problems, or misleading information about features, document everything thoroughly. This is precisely why postal cancellation with proof of delivery is so valuable—it creates an indisputable paper trail that can support any dispute or chargeback claim you might need to make.

Common policy pitfalls to avoid

First, be aware that simply stopping use of the service doesn't cancel your subscription. I've seen countless cases where users assumed that not logging in would trigger cancellation, only to discover months of charges on their credit card statements. Next, understand that deleting the app from your devices doesn't cancel your subscription either. The cancellation must be actively processed through proper channels.

Additionally, if you subscribed through a third-party platform like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, your cancellation process may be different. However, for direct subscriptions through Descript's website, the procedures outlined in this guide apply. Most importantly, always verify that your cancellation has been processed by checking for a confirmation email or reference number.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Postal cancellation is the most reliable method for terminating your Descript subscription, particularly if you've encountered difficulties with online cancellation methods or want absolute proof that you've submitted your cancellation request. Having processed thousands of subscription cancellations, I can confidently say that Recorded Delivery post provides the strongest legal protection and creates an indisputable record of your cancellation attempt.

Why postal cancellation is your best option

There are several compelling reasons to choose postal cancellation over other methods. First, it creates a physical paper trail with proof of delivery that's legally recognized in UK courts. If there's ever a dispute about whether you cancelled or when you cancelled, your Recorded Delivery receipt provides definitive proof. Next, postal cancellation cannot be dismissed as a technical error, lost email, or system glitch—common excuses that companies use to deny cancellation attempts.

Additionally, sending cancellation by post demonstrates clear intent and formality, which strengthens your position if you need to escalate to your bank for a chargeback or to a consumer protection agency. Keep in mind that for services based outside the UK, like Descript, postal cancellation provides stronger evidence than digital methods that might be subject to different jurisdictional interpretations.

Most importantly, postal cancellation gives you complete control over the documentation. You can include all relevant information, reference numbers, and specific requests in one comprehensive letter, ensuring nothing is overlooked or lost in automated systems.

Preparing your cancellation letter

Before writing your letter, gather all relevant information about your subscription. You'll need your account email address, any customer reference numbers or subscription IDs, the date you subscribed, and details of your current plan. Check your most recent invoice or billing statement for this information. Additionally, note down the date of your next billing cycle so you can reference it in your letter.

Your letter should be clear, concise, and professional. Start with your full name and contact details at the top, followed by the date. Include a clear subject line such as "Formal Notice of Subscription Cancellation" to ensure your letter is directed to the appropriate department immediately upon receipt.

In the body of your letter, state explicitly that you are cancelling your Descript subscription and provide all identifying information. Specify the effective date you want the cancellation to take effect—ideally before your next billing date. Request written confirmation of the cancellation and clarify that you do not authorize any further charges to your payment method. Keep in mind that being specific about dates and expectations prevents ambiguity that could be used to delay processing.

If you're cancelling within the 14-day cooling-off period or due to service issues, state this clearly and reference the relevant consumer protection legislation. Request a refund if applicable, and specify the method by which you'd like to receive it. Most importantly, keep your tone professional and factual—emotional language or complaints about the service won't expedite processing and may actually slow it down.

The correct postal address for cancellation

This is absolutely critical: you must send your cancellation letter to the correct address to ensure it reaches the appropriate department. Sending to the wrong address can delay processing or result in your cancellation being deemed invalid. For Descript cancellations from the UK, send your Recorded Delivery letter to:

• Descript, Inc.
• 548 Market St
• PMB 62427
• San Francisco
• California 94104-5401
• United States

Note that this is a US address, which means your letter will take longer to arrive than domestic post. Royal Mail Recorded Delivery to the United States typically takes 5-7 working days, though it can occasionally take up to 10 working days. Plan accordingly and send your cancellation letter well in advance of your next billing date to ensure it arrives with time to spare.

Sending via Recorded Delivery

Never send cancellation letters via standard post. Always use Royal Mail Recorded Delivery, which provides tracking and proof of delivery. Visit your local Post Office with your sealed, addressed envelope. Request Recorded Delivery service specifically—this typically costs around £3-4 for international mail. The postal clerk will provide you with a receipt containing a unique tracking number.

Keep this receipt in a safe place along with a copy of your cancellation letter. The tracking number allows you to monitor your letter's progress through the Royal Mail tracking system online. Most importantly, this receipt is your proof that you sent the cancellation on a specific date, which is crucial if there's any dispute about timing or receipt.

Additionally, consider taking a photograph of your sealed envelope with the address clearly visible before posting it. Whilst not strictly necessary, this extra documentation can be helpful if there are any questions about where you sent the letter. Keep in mind that international Recorded Delivery provides confirmation that the letter was delivered to the address, but not necessarily who signed for it or which department received it.

Using Postclic for hassle-free postal cancellation

If you want to avoid the trip to the Post Office and ensure your cancellation letter is professionally formatted and tracked, Postclic offers a streamlined solution. This service allows you to submit your cancellation details online, and they'll print, envelope, and send your letter via Recorded Delivery on your behalf. You'll receive digital proof of postage and tracking information without leaving your home.

The benefit of using Postclic is that they handle the formatting, ensure all necessary information is included, and manage the postal process professionally. This is particularly valuable if you're uncertain about letter formatting or want to guarantee that your cancellation is sent immediately. Additionally, Postclic maintains digital records of your correspondence, providing backup documentation that's easily accessible if needed for disputes or reference.

Keep in mind that whilst Postclic charges a small fee for this service, many users find the time savings and peace of mind worth the cost, especially when cancelling subscriptions with companies based overseas where postal communication is less straightforward.

Following up on your cancellation

Once your Recorded Delivery tracking shows the letter has been delivered, wait 3-5 business days for processing. If you haven't received confirmation within one week of delivery, follow up with Descript's customer service. Reference your tracking number and delivery date as proof that your cancellation was received. Keep in mind that you may need to follow up multiple times, so maintain detailed records of all communication attempts.

Most importantly, monitor your bank or credit card statements carefully. If you're charged after your cancellation should have taken effect, contact your payment provider immediately to dispute the charge. Your Recorded Delivery receipt and copy of your cancellation letter provide the evidence needed to support a chargeback claim.

Timeline for postal cancellation

Understanding the timeline helps you plan your cancellation effectively. Here's what to expect:

This means you should send your cancellation letter at least three weeks before your next billing date to ensure adequate time for delivery and processing. If your renewal date is approaching quickly, you may also want to contact your bank to place a temporary block on charges from Descript whilst your postal cancellation is processed.

Tips from former members

Having worked with hundreds of former Descript subscribers, I've gathered valuable insights about the cancellation process and common issues people encounter. These tips come from real experiences and can help you avoid the mistakes that others have made.

Common reasons people cancel

Understanding why others cancel can help you evaluate your own situation and potentially strengthen your cancellation request if you're seeking a refund. The most frequent reason is cost—many users find that they're not using the service frequently enough to justify the monthly or annual subscription fee. Content creators often subscribe for a specific project, then forget to cancel when that project concludes.

Next, some users find the learning curve steeper than expected. Despite Descript's reputation for being intuitive, the text-based editing approach doesn't suit everyone's workflow, and some professionals revert to traditional editing software they're more comfortable with. Additionally, technical issues and bugs have prompted cancellations, particularly problems with transcription accuracy or export quality.

Keep in mind that if you're cancelling due to service quality issues, technical problems, or features not working as advertised, document these issues thoroughly in your cancellation letter. This documentation can support refund requests and strengthens your position under UK consumer protection laws.

Avoiding the most common mistakes

First and most importantly, don't wait until the last minute to cancel. I've seen countless cases where users sent cancellation requests just days before their renewal date, only to be charged anyway because there wasn't sufficient processing time. Always allow at least three weeks for postal cancellation to international addresses.

Next, don't assume that cancelling means you'll receive a refund for unused time. Unless you're within the cooling-off period or can demonstrate service failures, most subscription services, including Descript, maintain no-refund policies for cancellations. However, don't let this discourage you from requesting a refund if you believe you're entitled to one under UK consumer law.

Additionally, never cancel your payment method before confirming your subscription is cancelled. Some users block their credit card or close their PayPal account thinking this will stop charges, but this often results in failed payment notices, debt collection attempts, and damage to your credit rating. Always cancel the subscription properly first, then update or remove payment methods afterward.

Maximizing your final month of access

Most subscription services, including Descript, allow you to continue using the service until the end of your current billing period, even after you've cancelled. This means if you cancel on the 5th of the month but your renewal date is the 25th, you'll have access until the 25th. Take advantage of this by completing any outstanding projects before your access expires.

Keep in mind that you should download or export any projects you want to keep before your subscription ends. Once your access terminates, you may lose the ability to access your project files, though Descript does maintain some limited access to free-tier features. Most importantly, export your work in formats that don't require Descript to open or edit, ensuring you're not locked into resubscribing just to access your own content.

What to do if cancellation is refused or ignored

If Descript doesn't process your cancellation despite receiving your Recorded Delivery letter, you have several options. First, escalate within the company by contacting senior customer service representatives and referencing your proof of delivery. Be firm but professional, clearly stating that you have documented proof of your cancellation request.

Next, if charges continue after your cancellation should have taken effect, contact your bank or credit card provider immediately to dispute the charges. Provide them with copies of your cancellation letter and Recorded Delivery receipt. UK banks are generally supportive of chargeback requests when customers can demonstrate they've made reasonable efforts to cancel.

Additionally, you can report the issue to Citizens Advice or the relevant consumer protection authorities. For subscription services, the Advertising Standards Authority and Trading Standards can investigate companies that make cancellation unreasonably difficult. Keep in mind that companies are more likely to respond quickly when they realize you're prepared to escalate formally.

Alternative options to full cancellation

Before committing to cancellation, consider whether downgrading to a lower-tier plan might better suit your needs. If cost is your primary concern but you still use Descript occasionally, dropping from Pro to Creator or even to the free tier might provide sufficient functionality whilst reducing or eliminating costs. This can be particularly sensible if you're mid-project and need access for a few more weeks.

Keep in mind that some users cancel and later resubscribe when they have new projects, treating Descript as a tool they subscribe to intermittently rather than maintaining continuous access. There's no penalty for cancelling and resubscribing, though you will need to pay the current subscription rate, which may have increased since your original subscription.

Protecting yourself from unwanted charges

Even after successful cancellation, remain vigilant about your bank statements for at least three months. Billing system errors can result in charges appearing weeks or even months after cancellation has been confirmed. If you spot any unauthorized charges, dispute them immediately with both Descript and your payment provider.

Additionally, if you subscribed to Descript through your company or using a business payment method, ensure that whoever manages your company's subscriptions is aware of the cancellation. I've seen cases where individuals cancelled personal access but forgot about separate business accounts, resulting in continued charges that went unnoticed for months.

Most importantly, keep all documentation related to your cancellation indefinitely. Digital storage is cheap, and having these records available can save significant hassle if issues arise months or years later. Create a dedicated folder for subscription cancellations and store copies of letters, receipts, confirmation emails, and any correspondence with the company.

The key to successful subscription cancellation is thoroughness, proper documentation, and allowing adequate time for processing. By following the postal cancellation method outlined in this guide, you'll have the strongest possible evidence of your cancellation request and the best protection against unwanted charges or disputes. Remember that whilst online cancellation might seem more convenient, the legal weight of postal communication with proof of delivery provides unmatched security, particularly when dealing with international companies where digital communication might be subject to different jurisdictional interpretations. Take control of your subscription management by using methods that put documentation and proof firmly in your hands.