Transcript-first workflow
Cicadas treats the transcript as the source for every written output.
Cicadas vs Opus Clip
Opus Clip is built for turning long videos into short clips. Cicadas is built for the written podcast kit around an episode: transcript, notes, newsletter, posts, timestamps, and quotes.
[PLACEHOLDER] founder-reviewed comparison
HOW IT WORKS
Bring an audio or video file from your recording workflow. Cicadas starts from the recording, not a disconnected text prompt.
Read the transcript preview first, then use the full workspace after signup to confirm speakers, terms, and episode context.
Turn the recording into show notes, timestamps, newsletter copy, social posts, and quotes shaped by your prompt direction.
WHY CICADAS
Cicadas treats the transcript as the source for every written output.
Saved prompt direction helps recurring assets match your show.
The product is built around post-recording podcast assets.
WEDGE PROOF
Cicadas competes where professional podcasters feel the pain fastest: bad transcripts create cleanup, and generic prompts create rewrites.
Before
Broad tool choice: many outputs, but extra cleanup when the source or voice is off.
Cicadas
Cicadas choice: transcript review and prompt direction shape the kit before publishing.
COMPARISON
| Decision point | Cicadas | Opus Clip |
|---|---|---|
| Core job | Written podcast production assets. | AI clipping, captions, reframing, and short-form video publishing. |
| Paid entry | $49/mo Solo Pro. | Opus Clip Starter lists $15/mo and Pro lists $29/mo. |
| Video focus | Supports upload preview, but not clip creation at launch. | Video clips are the product center. |
| Podcast fit | Best when written assets are the bottleneck. | Best when short-form video is the bottleneck. |
| Best fit | Audio-first podcasters and production agencies. | Video-first creators and marketing teams. |
Competitor details checked against public official pages on June 19, 2026.
FAQ
Yes, but only for podcast production workflows. Cicadas is narrower than broad editing or clipping products and stronger where written content depends on transcript quality and prompt direction.
No. The inline preview shows a short transcript and sample output before signup. Full-episode processing starts after account creation and email verification.
Cicadas is built for professional solo podcasters and podcast production agencies. It is not aimed at one-off file conversion or hobbyist transcription searches.
Yes. Custom prompts are a core wedge: the goal is to keep each show's recurring outputs closer to its voice, structure, and editorial standards.
No. The free plan includes 60 minutes per month for testing the core workflow. Audio enhancement is part of paid plans.
Yes. The Agency plan is built for managing multiple shows with a shared production workflow.
NEXT STEP
Use the teaser on a feature page, then create a free account to process the full episode and compare the kit.
Try the transcript teaser