How can I automatically import media files and set up sessions in Descript?

There are a variety of ways to do this in Descript, depending on the tools you use. (Note that Descript's own API is currently invite-only, so a fully custom integration may not be open to you yet.)

One approach we've experimented with is Zapier plus Descript's built-in integration, triggered by this webhook. We start the Zap with a “Catch Hook” trigger (Webhooks by Zapier) and paste in the SureTake webhook URL. Then a Descript “Import Media” action creates the project, named from the show and episode, and imports the files from media_urls. A second Descript action, “Edit Project with AI,” builds the sequence, transcribes the files, and adds the sequence to the main composition. That second step runs on Descript's built-in AI (Underlord), so it draws on your Descript account's credits.

One idea worth exploring here: session.notes (the timestamped markers your host and guests drop live during recording) rides in the same payload, so you can map it into that AI step's instructions, anything you could direct Underlord to do, you can drive from the notes taken in the moment.

We like to finish with an email notification so we know a new session is ready, and you can take it further from there, wiring in other tools like invoicing software or Slack.

One current limitation on Descript's side: new projects can only be created in your personal folder.