THIS is severe as it caused that I lost recorded video!!! This is code red for me!!!!!

I think there is/was a bug in descript or a design decision which isn't good for the users (as there is the danger to delete video footage forever).

Please read my conversation with the chat bot:

Me: I changed layout to List, where my image is shown in a little circle at the bottom - and it has a placeholder instead of showing the video underneath. What do I have to do to show the video underneath?

Bot: It sounds like your layout is showing a placeholder layer instead of your video.

Click on the placeholder circle to select it.

Use the “Add Media” button or drag your video onto the placeholder to replace it.

Your video should now appear underneath, replacing the placeholder.

Sources:

Placeholder layers

How layouts interact with scenes and the script

Layout packs overview

Me: When I change the layout to camera and delete the placeholder m(which shows nothing) my video underneath is deleted (it shows black and my voice) - that is bad!

Deleting the placeholder layer also deletes the video underneath, which is expected behavior in Descript.

Bot: To avoid this, don’t delete the placeholder. Instead, replace it by clicking the placeholder and using “Add Media” or dragging your video onto it.

This will swap the placeholder for your video without deleting anything.

Sources:

Placeholder layers

Troubleshooting AI image and video generation errors

Restore removed media

that is dangerous - because I didn't insert the placeholder - Descript did. I knwe nothing about placeholders!!! THERE SHOULD BE A WARNING!!! Or a question do you really want to delete part of the video you recorded into Descript and only have there?

You’re right—Descript adds placeholder layers automatically with some layouts, and deleting them can remove your video unexpectedly.

Me: Currently, there’s no warning before deleting a placeholder that contains your recorded video.

Bot: To avoid data loss, always replace placeholders instead of deleting them. Your feedback about a warning is valid!

Me: "is valid" but doesn't give me back my video! This is code red.

You may be able to restore your deleted video:

Bot: In the Script editor, look for a vertical line (edit boundary) where the video was deleted.

Select that area, right-click, and choose “Restore removed media.”

This should bring back your video if it was recently deleted.

Sources:

Placeholder layers

Troubleshooting AI image and video generation errors

Restore removed media

Me: The mabye is a "No" I can't restore as this command is greyed out.

Bot: If “Restore removed media” is greyed out, unfortunately, Descript cannot recover the deleted video from within the project.

If you haven’t exported or backed up the video elsewhere, recovery isn’t possible through Descript.

Let me know if you need help with future backup or prevention steps.

Me: that is not acceptable that a too is deleting part of my video!

Bot: I understand your frustration. Descript’s placeholder layers are meant for planning, but deleting them can remove your video without warning.

Currently, there’s no built-in warning or undo for this action if recovery is unavailable.

If you recorded in Descript, check Project files for any recoverable media. Otherwise, recovery isn’t possible.

Me: if placeholder is meant for planning - why is DEscript inserting it when I change the layout and there is a recorded video underneath?

Bot: Descript inserts placeholder layers when you change layouts, especially if the new layout expects more media tracks than your scene has. This is automatic and can happen even if you already have recorded video.

If a placeholder replaces your video, deleting it removes the video too. Always replace, not delete, placeholders.