Convert Content to Podcast
Turn any content (PDF/PPTX/docs) into engaging podcast audio. Extract text, generate a narrative script with GPT-4, and synthesize professional audio with ElevenLabs.
Last updated
January 21, 2025
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Key Takeaways
- Converts written content to podcast audio - Transforms blog posts, reports, slide decks, and documentation into podcast episodes
- AI script generation - Uses GPT-5 to rewrite content into a conversational podcast narrative
- Professional voice synthesis - Uses ElevenLabs for natural text-to-speech audio
- Email distribution - Sends the finished MP3 to recipients listed in a Google Sheet
- Multiple input formats - Works with PDF, PPTX, Google Docs, and plain text
What This Workflow Does
This workflow takes written content from a Needle Collection, generates a podcast-style script using AI, converts it to audio with ElevenLabs, and distributes the MP3 via email.
Use cases:
- Repurposing blog posts and whitepapers into podcast episodes
- Reaching audio audiences such as podcast listeners and commuters
- Batch-converting a content series into audio format
- Distributing audio content via email to a recipient list
How It Works
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Upload content | Add files (PDFs, slides, docs, or URLs) to a Needle Collection |
| 2. Filter files | A code node selects which content to process |
| 3. Extract text | Needle's file parsing extracts text from uploaded content |
| 4. Generate script | GPT-5 rewrites the content into a conversational podcast narrative |
| 5. Text-to-speech | ElevenLabs converts the script into natural, professional audio |
| 6. Fetch recipients | Reads email addresses from a Google Sheet |
| 7. Send via email | Delivers the podcast MP3 as an attachment to recipients |
Setup Instructions
- Create a Needle Collection in your dashboard (Workspaces, Projects, Collections) and upload your content
- Connect integrations: Gmail, Google Sheets, and ElevenLabs
- Configure collection IDs in the List Files and Get File Contents nodes
- Customize the AI prompt to match your desired podcast style (formal, casual, energetic, etc.)
- Add recipient email addresses to your Google Sheet (Column A, header: "Email")
- Run the workflow and download your first podcast MP3
Customization
| What You Can Change | How |
|---|---|
| Podcast tone | Edit the AI system prompt (formal, casual, energetic, or educational) |
| Voice | Clone your own voice or choose from ElevenLabs' voice library by updating the voice_id in the ElevenLabs node |
| File selection | Customize the code filter to process specific files by name or date |
| Content length | Aim for 500-2000 words of input for a 3-10 minute podcast; adjust the AI prompt to control output length |
| Distribution | Email MP3 files to recipients, or upload to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your website |
| Schedule | Automate weekly podcast creation from your blog RSS or content calendar |
Content Tips
| Recommendation | Details |
|---|---|
| Structure your content | Use clear headings and sections for best results |
| Export to PDF | Provides best text extraction from slides or documents |
| Batch processing | Add multiple files to convert a content series |
| Voice cloning | Clone your brand's voice or founder's voice with ElevenLabs |
FAQ
Q: What content formats are supported? A: PDF, PPTX, Google Docs, plain text, and URLs.
Q: What content works best? A: Blog posts, educational materials, reports, and slide decks. Content with clear structure (headings, sections) produces the best results.
Q: Can I customize the voice?
A: Yes. Clone your own voice or choose from ElevenLabs' voice library. Update the voice_id in the ElevenLabs node.
Q: Can I batch multiple pieces of content? A: Yes. Upload multiple files to your Collection and customize the code filter to process specific files by name or date.
Q: Can I change the podcast style? A: Yes. Edit the system prompt in the AI node to adjust the tone and format.
Q: How do I distribute the podcast? A: The workflow emails MP3 files to recipients from your Google Sheet. You can also upload to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your website.
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