AI Podcast Creator Tools: From Zero-Effort to Full Control (2026)
AI podcast creation exists on a spectrum: from fully automated (you do nothing) to fully controlled (you direct everything). Here’s where each tool falls.
The Control Spectrum
Zero Effort ◄──────────────────────────────► Full Control
audiclip NotebookLM ElevenLabs Jellypod Wondercraft
(automatic) (upload+gen) (manual+gen) (custom hosts) (full studio)
Zero Effort: audiclip
audiclip — save articles, podcast appears. No decisions per episode.
- You control: what to save
- AI controls: everything else (script, voices, production, delivery)
- Effort: 2 seconds per article saved. Zero per episode.
- Best for: personal consumption, newsletter authors wanting hands-off audio
Low Effort: NotebookLM
Upload a document, click generate. One decision per session.
- You control: which document to upload
- AI controls: script generation, voices, discussion
- Effort: 5 minutes per session
- Best for: one-off document deep dives
Medium Effort: ElevenLabs GenFM
Choose an article, select voice options, generate.
- You control: input content, voice selection
- AI controls: script and generation
- Effort: 5-10 minutes per article
- Best for: when voice quality matters most
High Effort: Jellypod
Design host personalities, configure each episode, generate.
- You control: host names, backstories, voices, episode structure
- AI controls: script generation from your direction
- Effort: 10-20 minutes per episode
- Best for: branded podcast series with consistent characters
Full Control: Wondercraft
Full production studio. Script editing, voice selection, video, team collaboration.
- You control: everything (script, voices, pacing, video, music)
- AI controls: generation from your detailed direction
- Effort: 30-60 minutes per episode
- Best for: professional content teams, publishers, agencies
How to Choose Your Level
| Your situation | Right level |
|---|---|
| ”I just want to stay informed” | Zero (audiclip) |
| “I need to analyze a document” | Low (NotebookLM) |
| “Voice quality is critical” | Medium (ElevenLabs) |
| “I want a branded podcast feel” | High (Jellypod) |
| “I’m producing for a large audience” | Full (Wondercraft) |
Keep Reading
- The Complete Guide to Newsletter Audio
- Case Study: What Happens When a Newsletter Adds AI Audio
- YouTube Creator? Add a Podcast From Your Newsletter (Without Recording)
- Best AI Tools for Newsletter Creators in 2026
- Beehiiv Just Launched Podcasts. Here’s How to Fill Yours With AI.
- NotebookLM Alternatives (2026)
Pick the level of control you need. Not more.