URGENT UPDATE: Speechify has just launched its highly anticipated AI Podcasts feature, escalating competition with Google’s NotebookLM. This rollout, which took place on August 12, 2025, is part of Speechify’s back-to-school initiative and is poised to transform how users consume audio content.
This new feature allows users to convert articles and documents into engaging, lecture-style podcasts featuring 2-3 speakers. Similar to NotebookLM’s popular Audio Overviews, Speechify’s AI Podcasts aim to deliver concise and engaging content, typically lasting between 5 to 10 minutes. However, it also introduces significant enhancements that may attract users seeking a better experience.
Speechify’s AI Podcasts allow for format selection, offering styles such as “Podcast,” “Late Night Show,” “Debate,” and “Lecture.” Users can create a podcast by simply uploading a document and selecting their desired format. This flexibility is a major draw, especially compared to NotebookLM, which primarily offers a default conversational style.
In testing the feature, the first podcast generated was approximately 6 minutes and 6 seconds long. Listeners can enjoy real-time captions that sync perfectly with the audio, a feature that has been missing from NotebookLM’s offerings. This improvement notably enhances accessibility and user engagement, making the experience more dynamic.
Despite its impressive capabilities, some limitations remain. Currently, Speechify caps podcasts at 10 minutes, which may not suffice for users who prefer more in-depth discussions. Additionally, the feature is restricted to iOS Premium users, potentially alienating a broader audience. While a free trial is available, the ongoing subscription could deter users accustomed to free alternatives like NotebookLM.
Feedback from early users suggests that while Speechify’s AI Podcasts are a strong contender, they still lack the comprehensive capabilities of NotebookLM, which allows for longer, multi-source overviews. Furthermore, Speechify is currently limited to single-document podcasts, which could hinder those looking to synthesize information from multiple sources.
As the AI audio content landscape evolves, Speechify’s latest launch may be the catalyst that forces competitors, including Google, to innovate further. Users are eager to see how both platforms will adapt and enhance their offerings in response to this new challenge.
Stay tuned for updates on how these developments unfold and what it means for content consumption in the digital age.
