Transcript-first workflow
Cicadas treats the transcript as the source for every written output.
Cicadas vs Descript
Cicadas vs Descript: which workflow fits your publishing workflow?
Evaluating Descript? Start with one recording and compare the work needed to turn it into publishable content. Cicadas puts transcript and speaker review before generation.
Compare each product by the production job it is designed to handle, then test it with your own episode.
Workflow scopeTranscript roleCustomization model
HOW IT WORKS
From recording to kit
Upload the episode
Upload a recording, 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.
Create the content kit
After confirming every speaker, generate the fixed show notes, timestamps, newsletter, LinkedIn and X posts, and quotes. Saved show direction can guide tone and preferences.
Upload MP3, WAV or M4A audio, or MP4 or MOV video. You can also import compatible podcast episodes from an RSS feed.
The per-file cap is 1 GB for audio and 10 GB for video. An upload must fit both the per-file cap and your remaining storage. Remaining storage is your plan’s quota minus stored media and space reserved for uploads or processing already in progress.
Extracted audio needs additional storage after a video is uploaded. An upload can fit initially but still exhaust storage during processing.
WHY CICADAS
Built around the weekly production job
Two customization layers
Saved show direction guides built-in drafts; custom prompts create separate reusable assets.
Focused written kit
The product is built around post-recording podcast assets.
DECISION GUIDE
Compare with the same recording
Review the transcript, output wording and editing time against the same source before choosing a workflow.
Choose Cicadas when
- Confirm the speakers before generating drafts.
- Save a voice profile and glossary for recurring recordings.
- Use separate custom prompts for additional assets.
When evaluating Descript
- Check current features and pricing on the official site.
- Test the outputs your publishing workflow needs.
- Check speaker attribution and product names against the recording.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Cicadas vs Descript a fair comparison?
Use the same recording and the same intended outputs to make a fair comparison. Cicadas starts with transcript and speaker review before generating written drafts.
Do I need an account to see the teaser?
No. The inline preview shows a short speaker-separated transcript before signup. Full-episode processing starts after account creation and email verification.
Who is Cicadas built for?
Cicadas turns webinars, customer interviews, podcasts and executive talks into publish-ready LinkedIn posts, newsletters and pull quotes for B2B marketing teams, in English and French.
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.
Where can I compare current plans?
The pricing page lists the current recording allowance and workspace limits for each plan.
Can I keep different brand voices separate?
Each workspace has its own voice settings, glossary and custom prompts. Check pricing for the included workspace allowance.
NEXT STEP
Test the transcript before choosing the workflow.
Use the teaser on a feature page, then create a free account to process the full episode and compare the kit.
Try the teaser