Best AI Podcast Generators: I Tested the Top 3 Tools (Hands-On)
Best AI Podcast Generators: I Tested the Top 3 Tools (Hands-On)
Last updated: July 2026
Author: Greg Preece — I test AI video and audio tools hands-on to help creators build realistic, highly engaging content without the technical burnout.
Imagine turning any document, PDF, or website into a fully produced podcast with a single click. Thanks to modern AI podcast generators, this is now a reality. After testing the leading tools on the market, I’ve found the top three platforms that outperform everything else, allowing you to generate realistic audio and even video podcasts in minutes.
In this guide, I will break down my hands-on findings for each tool, detail their unique limitations, and show you how to combine them into an ultimate hybrid workflow that sounds completely natural.
At a Glance: The Top AI Podcast Generators
| Tool | Best For | Standout Feature | Major Limitations | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jogg AI | Short-form video podcasts | Built-in talking AI avatars and presenter image upload | Videos capped at 4–5 minutes max | Paid |
| NotebookLM | Deeper audio-only summaries | Extremely realistic conversational banter | Only 2 default voices; no built-in editing | Free |
| Wondercraft | Editing scripts & custom voices | Seamless integration to swap generic NotebookLM voices | Custom voice cloning isn't a 100% perfect replica | Free tier available |
Table of Contents
- Jogg AI: Best for Video Podcasts Under 5 Minutes
- Google NotebookLM: Best Free Tool for 10-Minute Summaries
- Wondercraft: Best for Customizing Voices and Editing Scripts
- The Ultimate Hybrid Workflow: NotebookLM + Wondercraft
- Frequently Asked Questions
Prefer to watch? Here's the video. Prefer to skim? The full breakdown is below.
Quick Links to Try These Tools:
- Jogg AI: Try it here: Try Jogg AI →
- NotebookLM: Try it here: Try NotebookLM →
- Wondercraft: Try it here: Try Wondercraft →
1. Jogg AI: Best for Video Podcasts Under 5 Minutes
If you want your automated podcast creation to stand out, video is highly engaging. Jogg AI is the only AI tool I've seen that builds a complete video layout directly around your podcast. Instead of just delivering an audio track, Jogg AI generates a split-screen video featuring realistic AI hosts talking to one another.
One of Jogg AI’s coolest features is the ability to upload a static photo of yourself. The software uses this photo to generate one of the virtual presenters, technically placing you in the host chair. While my own tests showed that the facial replication isn't a perfect likeness yet, it is still a massive step forward for faceless content creators.
However, Jogg AI has one major limitation: video length. In my tests, Jogg AI would only generate video podcasts that ran for about three to five minutes. Even when I fed the tool massive amounts of source material, the absolute longest video I could generate was roughly four and a half minutes.
Because of this limitation, Jogg AI is best suited for creators who want to build short, punchy, social-media-ready video podcasts.
Try it here: Try Jogg AI →
How to Create a Video Podcast with Jogg AI:
- Upload Your Source Material: Input your chosen document, PDF, or website URL directly into the generator.
- Generate Your Script: Jogg AI will automatically synthesize your input into a conversational script.
- Select Your Presenters: Choose your AI avatars or upload a picture of yourself to customize your hosts.
- Render the Show: Hit render to output your short-form split-screen video podcast.
Caption: The Jogg AI interface displaying a split-screen video podcast generated with dual talking AI avatars.
2. Google NotebookLM: Best Free Tool for 10-Minute Summaries
For longer, deeply conversational episodes, Google's NotebookLM is unmatched. It is completely free to use and generates incredibly realistic two-speaker "Audio Overviews." The natural vocal inflections, interruptions, and banter make it sound like real people recording in a studio.
However, NotebookLM's massive popularity is also its biggest drawback. With over 4 million active users, thousands of creators are publishing podcasts built with the exact same two default host voices. Over time, these shows begin to sound identical, making it incredibly hard to stand out on platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Additionally, NotebookLM does not offer built-in video generation or advanced editing controls.
If your primary goal is to convert text to podcast format with rich, detailed 10-minute conversations, NotebookLM is an incredible starting point.
Try it here: Try NotebookLM →
How to Generate a Podcast with Google NotebookLM:
- Sign In: Visit the NotebookLM portal and sign in using your standard Google account.
- Add Your Sources: Upload your reference files, which can include Google Docs, PDFs, copy-pasted text, or web links.
- Analyze Content: The AI will parse your uploaded sources to extract key concepts and facts.
- Create the Audio Overview: Locate the Notebook Guide in the bottom-right corner of the interface and click Generate under the Audio Overview heading.
Caption: Preparing sources inside the NotebookLM interface before generating your conversational overview.
Caption: Activating the conversational Audio Overview generator to build a two-speaker podcast.
3. Wondercraft: Best for Customizing Voices and Editing Scripts
What if you could take the incredible conversational quality of NotebookLM but strip away those overused default voices? That is where Wondercraft comes in.
Wondercraft is an advanced audio platform designed specifically to serve as a Google NotebookLM podcast editor. It allows you to import your finished NotebookLM audio files and completely edit them. You can rewrite the generated script, add sound effects, or swap the generic AI voices with custom ones—including your own cloned voice.
In my testing, cloning my own voice and replacing the Google host voice yielded a passable, highly realistic alternative. While it wasn't a 100% identical match to my natural speaking voice, it was easily good enough to publish. This level of customization allows you to enjoy the speed of automated podcast creation without sounding like everyone else.
Try it here: Try Wondercraft →
How to Customize Your AI Podcast with Wondercraft:
- Import the Audio: Set up a free account, create a new project, and upload your downloaded NotebookLM MP3.
- Isolate Speakers: Wondercraft automatically processes the track, detects the different hosts, and separates them.
- Swap the Voices: Select a new AI voice from the library or upload a voice sample to clone your own.
- Edit and Polish: Tweak the script, shorten the dialogue, or add transition music, then export your customized master track.
Caption: Wondercraft separating the distinct host voices from an uploaded NotebookLM MP3 for custom editing.
Caption: Selecting alternative AI voices or cloning your own voice to overlay onto the imported script.
The Ultimate Hybrid Workflow: NotebookLM + Wondercraft
If you want to produce long, unique, and engaging AI voice podcast tools, the best approach is to combine Google's research engine with Wondercraft's audio editing power.
- Step 1: Feed NotebookLM: Upload your dense PDFs, articles, or notes into NotebookLM to generate a highly detailed, 10-minute conversational overview. Download the output as an MP3.
- Step 2: Customize inside Wondercraft: Import that MP3 directly into Wondercraft. Let the platform transcribe and split the audio tracks.
- Step 3: Apply Cloned Voices: Swap out the generic Google host voices with your cloned voice and a secondary custom voice.
- Step 4: Refine the Script: Cut out any AI hallucinations, repetitive phrasing, or awkward sentences, and export your polished, ready-to-publish podcast file.
Using this method, you can scale your content output, maintain a highly personalized brand voice, and avoid the burnout of traditional recording sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I generate video podcasts with Google NotebookLM?
No. NotebookLM only generates audio summaries (Audio Overviews). If you want to create video podcasts featuring talking AI hosts, you will need to use a tool like Jogg AI.
Is Wondercraft free to use?
Wondercraft offers a free tier that allows you to test out the audio editor, upload external audio files, and swap voices. For advanced features, higher limits, and advanced voice cloning, you will need to upgrade to a paid subscription.
How accurate is the voice cloning in Wondercraft?
Based on my personal testing, the cloned voice output is highly passable and realistic, though not an absolute perfect replica of your natural speaking voice. It is highly effective for making generic AI-generated podcasts sound uniquely yours.