> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.autocontentapi.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.autocontentapi.com/quick-start/podcasts/create-podcast-episode.md).

# Create a Podcast Episode

Create a podcast episode from web pages or videos with POST /content/Create, poll /content/Status/{id}, and get the finished audio URL and share link.

Generate your first AI-powered podcast episode in just a few simple steps. This guide will walk you through creating a podcast from web resources and retrieving the generated audio.

## Step 1: Create Content Request

Send a POST request to `/content/create` with your resources and specify `audio` as the output type:

```bash
curl -X POST "https://api.autocontentapi.com/content/Create" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_TOKEN" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "resources": [
      {
        "type": "website",
        "content": "https://example.com/article-about-ai"
      },
      {
        "type": "youtube", 
        "content": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ"
      }
    ],
    "outputType": "audio",
    "text": "Create an engaging podcast discussion about AI developments",
    "duration": "long"
  }'
```

### Example Response

```json
{
  "request_id": "550e8400-e29b-41d4-a716-446655440000",
  "status": 0
}
```

**Important:** Save the `request_id` - you'll need it to check the status and retrieve your audio!

## Step 2: Poll for Status

Use the `request_id` to check the processing status by calling `/content/Status/{id}`:

```bash
curl -X GET "https://api.autocontentapi.com/content/Status/550e8400-e29b-41d4-a716-446655440000" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_TOKEN"
```

### While Processing

```json
{
  "id": "550e8400-e29b-41d4-a716-446655440000",
  "status": 5,
  "updated_on": "2024-01-15T10:32:00Z",
  "error_code": 0,
  "requested_on": "2024-01-15T10:30:00Z"
}
```

**Status Codes:**

* `0` = Pending (queued for processing)
* `5` = Processing (generation in progress)
* `100` = Completed (audio ready!)

## Step 3: Get Your Audio

When `status` reaches `100`, the response includes your generated audio:

```json
{
  "id": "550e8400-e29b-41d4-a716-446655440000",
  "audio_title": "AI Developments Discussion",
  "status": 100,
  "audio_url": "https://storage.autocontentapi.com/audio/550e8400-e29b-41d4-a716-446655440000.mp3",
  "response_text": "Full transcript of the generated podcast...",
  "requested_on": "2024-01-15T10:30:00Z",
  "updated_on": "2024-01-15T10:35:00Z",
  "request_type_id": 1,
  "error_code": 0,
  "file_size": 15234567,
  "audio_duration": 456.78,
  "share_url": "https://autocontentapi.com/share/550e8400-e29b-41d4-a716-446655440000"
}
```

**🎉 Success!** Your podcast is ready at the `audio_url`!

## Resource Types

You can use different types of resources in your request:

| Type      | Description                                                                                     | Example                                      |
| --------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| `website` | Any web page URL                                                                                | `"https://techcrunch.com/article"`           |
| `youtube` | YouTube video URL                                                                               | `"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID"` |
| `text`    | Direct text content                                                                             | `"Your custom instructions or content"`      |
| `pdf`     | Base64-encoded PDF bytes (a `data:application/pdf;base64,` prefix is allowed); a URL is refused | `"JVBERi0xLjQK..."`                          |
| `file`    | A public PDF link, or a file ID from the Files API                                              | `"https://example.com/document.pdf"`         |

## Duration Options

Control the length of your generated podcast:

* `"short"`: shorter than the default
* `"default"`: the standard length
* `"long"`: longer than the default

`"long"` applies only to podcasts in English with the default `deep dive` style; other languages and styles have no long option and get the default length.

The length also depends on how much source material you send. Real podcasts with their lengths and exact requests are at [autocontentapi.com/examples](https://autocontentapi.com/examples).

> Need a specific payload? Check the new [Podcast Scenario Examples](/quick-start/podcasts/podcast-examples.md) for copy-paste `curl` requests covering languages, durations, styles, and every supported resource type.

## Tips for Better Results

1. **Mix resource types** - Combine websites, videos, and text for richer content
2. **Provide clear instructions** - Use the `text` field to guide the conversation
3. **Check status regularly** - Processing time depends on your sources, options, and the queue; a webhook tells you when it is done
4. **Save the request\_id** - You'll need it to retrieve your audio

## Error Handling

If something goes wrong, the status response will include error details:

```json
{
  "id": "550e8400-e29b-41d4-a716-446655440000",
  "status": 0,
  "error_code": 400,
  "error_message": "Invalid resource URL provided",
  "requested_on": "2024-01-15T10:30:00Z"
}
```

## What's Next?

* 📡 Publish episodes via [Create a Podcast Show](/quick-start/podcasts/create-podcast-show.md)
* 🎙️ Create custom hosts with [Clone a Voice](/quick-start/tools/clone-voice.md)
* 📝 Turn finished audio into transcripts with [Transcribe Audio](/quick-start/tools/transcribe-audio.md)
* 📖 Explore more [Code Samples](/code-samples.md) in different languages
* 🗣️ Learn about [Custom Voices](/voices.md) for personalized podcasts
* 🔮 Check out [Advanced Integrations](/integrations.md)
* ❓ Have questions? Visit our [FAQ](/faq.md)