Video & audio · workflow blueprint
Make an explainer video from a script
Draft the script, record the narration, generate the video from the final script, then cut captioned versions for the other channels you use.
- Steps
- 4
- Tools
- 4
- Monthly list cost
- $59 plus 1 not published
- Prices checked
- 29 Sept 2026
The flow, step by step
Each step takes the previous step's output. The tool named is the one we would reach for first; the swaps further down show other routes.
Step 1: Draft the script
Why this tool. It turns an outline and key points into a first script, which you then check line by line against your sources.
Step 2: Record the narration
Why this tool. It generates a voice-over track from the final script, with a choice of voices.
Step 3: Build the video
Why this tool. It turns the script into a video with a presenter avatar, so the video does not need filming.
Step 4: Cut captioned versions
Why this tool. Trims and captions the export for each channel, so one video serves several placements.
Monthly cost, with the arithmetic
List prices for the lowest paid monthly plan in our pricing tracker. Annual figures are the per-month equivalent on annual billing, shown for reference only and not used in the total.
| Step | Tool and plan | Monthly | Annual, per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ChatGPT | price not published | n/a |
| 2 | ElevenLabsStarter plan | $6 | $5 |
| 3 | SynthesiaStarter plan | $29 | $18 |
| 4 | DescriptHobbyist plan | $24 | $16 |
| Total per month | $59plus 1 tool not published | ||
Sum
price not published + $6 + $29 + $24 = $59 plus 1 tool with price not published
Only published monthly list prices are added. Each line is the plan named above. Seats, credits bought on top, usage over the stated allowance and taxes are not included.
Cheaper and premium swaps
Each swap replaces one step and recalculates the total. The difference is taken from the published prices above.
Cheaper
Replaces Synthesia. Builds the video from the script with stock footage and a voice-over, not a presenter avatar.
Saves $9 a month. $29 to $20. Blueprint total with this swap: price not published + $6 + $20 + $24 = $50 plus 1 tool with price not published.
Premium
Replaces ElevenLabs. A voiceover studio with more control over delivery. Check the minute allowance on the review page.
Costs $23 more a month. $6 to $29. Blueprint total with this swap: price not published + $29 + $29 + $24 = $82 plus 1 tool with price not published.
Replaces Synthesia. The next tier up for the same video tool.
Costs $60 more a month. $29 to $89. Blueprint total with this swap: price not published + $6 + $89 + $24 = $119 plus 1 tool with price not published.
Reviews and comparisons
- ChatGPT review step 1
- ElevenLabs review step 2
- Synthesia review step 3
- Descript review step 4
- ChatGPT vs Claude: Plans, Prices and Limits Compared head-to-head
- Pricing tracker every plan price and its method
- All head-to-head comparisons
How this blueprint was built
The steps are a suggested order based on what each tool's review and official documentation describe. The price figures come only from the pricing tracker, read from each vendor's pricing page and checked on the dates shown. Nothing here has been timed or benchmarked, and the chain is not a promise of any result.
Before you buy, read the tool's review for usage limits, seat rules and commercial-use terms. Those can change the plan you need, and so the total.
Other blueprints
- Publish an SEO article Marketing & SEO
- Turn a podcast into clips Video & audio
- Transcribe and summarise meetings Productivity
- Make a product image set for a listing Design & images