Do I need an API key to generate show notes?

No. Without a key, CastNotes uses a built-in rules-based generator: chapters come from timestamp clustering and topic-shift detection, show notes from lead-sentence summarization, and quotes from quotability scoring. Add a free OpenRouter key for AI-written, higher-quality output.

What transcript formats can I upload?

Plain text (.txt), SubRip (.srt), and WebVTT (.vtt). SRT and VTT timestamps are parsed, so chapter markers and quote timestamps use the real times from your episode. You can also just paste the episode description and your rough notes.

Is my transcript uploaded to a server?

CastNotes has no backend and no accounts. In the default rules mode, your transcript never leaves the browser. In AI mode, it is sent directly from your browser to OpenRouter using your own API key — we never see it. Episode history is stored only in your browser's localStorage.

What exactly is in the launch kit?

Eight pieces: show notes (intro, timestamped bullets, links section), chapter markers in YouTube format, a ~600-word blog post, an X/Twitter thread of 5-7 posts, a LinkedIn post, an Instagram caption, 5 episode title suggestions, 3 tweetable pull-quotes with timestamps, and a newsletter blurb.

How are chapter markers generated without AI?

From your SRT/VTT timestamps: segments are clustered and a topic shift is detected when the vocabulary of adjacent windows drifts apart (keyword-overlap drop). Each chapter gets a title from its dominant keywords. Plain-text transcripts get estimated timestamps based on a 150-words-per-minute speaking rate, clearly labeled as estimates.

Can I edit the generated output?

Yes — every piece of the kit is editable in place. Copy any item with one click or download the whole kit as a zip of Markdown files. Past episodes are kept in local history so a reload never loses work.

Podcast Show Notes Generator — Transcript In, Launch Kit Out