One source of truth
The output starts from the reviewed episode transcript.
podcast to YouTube chapters
Turn a podcast to YouTube chapters
Turn the transcript into timestamped chapters so viewers can scan the conversation and jump to the moments they need.
TRY IT FREE
Read the transcript quality for yourself
Upload an episode and read a transcript of the first 60 seconds — no account needed.
Add an episode preview
Upload an audio or video file. Cicadas will preview the first 60 seconds.
Upload audio file
MP3, WAV, M4A, or video source. Up to 500 MB.
Keep the built-in draft connected to the reviewed episode transcript; saved show direction can guide tone and preferences.
One recordingReviewable transcriptMultiple written outputs
HOW IT WORKS
From recording to kit
Upload the episode
Upload an MP3, WAV, or M4A recording up to two hours long, or import a compatible episode from an RSS feed. Cicadas starts from the recording, not a disconnected text prompt.
Review the source
Read the transcript preview first, then use the full workspace after signup to confirm speakers, terms, and episode context.
Draft the YouTube chapters
Generate the fixed card from the same reviewed transcript; saved show direction can guide its tone and preferences.
WHY CICADAS
Built around the weekly production job
Saved show direction
Guide recurring tone and preferences while keeping the built-in card type predictable.
Connected publishing kit
Keep the draft alongside notes, timestamps, social posts, and quotes.
WHY IT MATTERS
Repurposing starts with source review
Cicadas generates each fixed card only after transcript review and speaker confirmation, then keeps it alongside the rest of the episode kit.
Before
Detached YouTube chapters: created without a confirmed episode source.
Cicadas
Cicadas YouTube chapters: generated from the reviewed transcript after every speaker is confirmed.
OUTPUT GUIDE
A navigable episode map
Chapter labels should describe real topic shifts and help viewers decide where to start.
Ordered timestamps
Begin at the episode start and keep every marker in chronological order.
Descriptive labels
Name the subject or decision discussed instead of using vague labels such as Introduction.
Useful granularity
Create enough chapters to support navigation without marking every conversational turn.
COMPARISON
Cicadas vs generic AI generators
| Decision point | Cicadas | generic AI generators |
|---|---|---|
| Primary workflow | One recording becomes a transcript-first content kit. | Often require pasted context and separate editing for each YouTube chapters. |
| Transcript role | The transcript is treated as the source layer for every output. | Often one feature among many outputs. |
| Customization model | Saved show direction guides built-in drafts; custom prompts create separate transcript-backed assets. | Customization varies by product and plan. |
| Pricing model | Plans communicate included minutes per month. | Pricing may use multiple usage dimensions. |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can Cicadas create YouTube chapters from a podcast?
Yes. The fixed output is generated from the reviewed episode transcript after speaker confirmation. Saved show direction can guide its tone and preferences.
Why upload the recording instead of pasting a transcript?
Uploading keeps transcription, review, and the content kit in one workflow, which reduces repeated setup and missing context.
Who is Cicadas built for?
Cicadas is built for professional solo podcasters and podcast production agencies. It is not aimed at one-off file conversion or hobbyist transcription searches.
Does Cicadas support custom prompts?
Yes. Saved custom prompts create additional transcript-backed assets; they do not override the fixed Content Kit cards. Saved show direction can guide the kit's tone and preferences.
Does the free plan include audio enhancement?
No. The free plan includes 60 minutes per month for testing the core workflow. Audio enhancement is part of paid plans.
Can I use Cicadas for agencies?
Yes. The Agency plan is built for managing multiple shows with a shared production workflow.
NEXT STEP
Create YouTube chapters from one real episode.
Use the teaser first, then create a free account to process the complete recording.
Create a free account