Speechify Launches AI Podcasts, Challenging Google’s NotebookLM
Speechify has introduced a new AI podcast feature that positions it as a serious competitor to Google’s popular NotebookLM, particularly its Audio Overviews. Launched on August 12, 2025, this feature allows users to transform articles and documents into engaging podcast-style discussions, similar to what NotebookLM offers.
While NotebookLM’s Audio Overviews gained popularity for creating conversations between hosts, Speechify’s entry promises to enhance the user experience with several innovative elements. Users can select from various podcast formats, ensuring a tailored listening experience that aims to rival the existing capabilities of Google’s platform.
Speechify’s AI Podcast Feature: An Overview
The AI Podcasts feature allows users to convert written content into a “lecture-style” podcast featuring two to three speakers discussing key topics. The podcasts typically last between five and ten minutes, offering a concise way to digest information. Currently, this feature is accessible to all Premium users on iOS.
To test it, I initiated a free trial to explore the functionality. Upon accessing the feature, users can simply click the plus (+) button and select AI Podcast. Unlike NotebookLM, which limits users to a standard conversational format, Speechify offers four distinct styles: Podcast, Late Night Show, Debate, and Lecture. This flexibility adds a layer of personalization to the listening experience.
After uploading a PDF of a recent article, I noticed the podcast generation process was engaging. Speechify provides playful visuals and background music during the creation phase. After approximately one minute, the podcast began playing, dynamically generating new content while allowing me to listen concurrently. This real-time feature contrasts with NotebookLM, where users often wait for the entire audio overview to be completed.
The resulting podcast was just over six minutes long, featuring a male and female host. I found the content well-structured, incorporating humor and effective analogies. Speechify’s AI voices are noted for their natural sound quality, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Strengths and Limitations of Speechify’s Approach
One significant advantage of Speechify’s AI Podcasts is the inclusion of real-time captions, which synchronize with the audio. This feature addresses a notable drawback of NotebookLM’s offerings, as many users, including myself, prefer having subtitles for clarity. Additionally, podcasts can be saved within the app, allowing for easy access in the future.
Despite these strengths, there are areas where Speechify still needs to improve. Currently, the platform caps podcast lengths at ten minutes, which may limit in-depth exploration of complex topics. NotebookLM allows users to generate audio overviews of varying lengths, presenting a more flexible option for those engaged in detailed studies or research.
Moreover, Speechify restricts users to generating podcasts from one document at a time. This limitation could hinder those who wish to compile information from multiple sources for a comprehensive overview. Another concern is that the AI Podcasts feature is exclusive to the iOS app, which may alienate users who prefer desktop access.
Additionally, the subscription model may deter potential users. While I appreciate premium features, the existence of free alternatives like NotebookLM complicates the justification for a paid subscription. Currently, NotebookLM allows users to generate three audio overviews daily at no cost, making it challenging for Speechify to compete without offering a more accessible pricing tier.
In conclusion, while Speechify’s AI Podcasts feature shows great promise and is likely the closest alternative to NotebookLM’s Audio Overviews, it still has room for enhancement. With potential updates and improvements, it could become a compelling choice for users seeking a robust audio summarization tool. The ongoing evolution of this feature will be worth watching, as it may move users away from NotebookLM in the future.
