3-Acylindole motifs are wildly found in pharmaceuticals and biologically active alkaloids. Synthesis of this motif from aldehydes and indoles via dehydrogenative cross-coupling (CDC) reactions is the most efficient pathway. Here, we report a method for synthesis of 3-acyl indoles from aldehydes by a combination of photocatalysis and palladium catalysis. This mild, robust method is compatible with a wide array of functional groups and has a broad substrate scope. Our findings may inspire the development of new CDC reactions.