Meta Launches NotebookLlama: An Alternative to Google’s Podcast Generator

Meta has recently unveiled a new tool called NotebookLlama, which serves as an “open” alternative to Google’s podcast generator. NotebookLlama leverages Meta’s proprietary models to transform text files into engaging podcast-style digests. These digests are not only transcribed but also enhanced with dramatization and strategic interruptions for a more dynamic listening experience.

The process begins by creating a transcript from a text file, such as a PDF. Once the transcript is prepared, it undergoes enhancements to add elements of drama and to structure it more like a podcast. Following these enhancements, NotebookLlama employs open text-to-speech models to convert the enriched text into audio format.

While NotebookLlama presents an innovative approach to automated podcast creation, it currently falls short of Google’s NotebookLM in terms of audio quality. Users have noted that the voices generated by NotebookLlama can sound somewhat robotic and may overlap in ways that disrupt the flow of the podcast.