What it does
Summarize pulls clean text out of web pages, PDFs, images, YouTube videos, podcasts and other audio or video, and then writes a short summary with AI.
It uses existing captions or podcast transcripts when there are any, and transcribes the audio when there aren't. It can also grab slides from videos with timestamps.
You can use it as a browser side panel in Chrome or Firefox, where you can also chat about the page, or as a command-line tool. It works with many AI providers, local models through Ollama, or coding tools you're already signed in to.
Who it's for
Anyone who wants quick summaries of long articles, videos or podcasts, and developers who want summaries in their scripts.
Can I use it without coding?
Yes. The browser extension installs from the Chrome Web Store; the command-line version needs Node.js or Homebrew. New to this? Start here.
Can I run it?
- Cost
- Free, but needs an AI accountThe software is free, but it uses an online AI service (like OpenAI or Anthropic), which usually charges for use.
- Runs on
- Web browser, Mac
- Computer
- An ordinary computer is fine
- Privacy
- Your choice: run it on your device or use an online service
- API key
- Not needed
Try it
- Install the Summarize side panel from the Chrome Web Store.
- Set up an AI provider or a local model in its options.
- Open a page or video and ask for a summary.
Using Claude Code, Cursor or another AI coding assistant? Paste the prompt and it will walk you through the setup.New to this?
Before you install
- Only download from the official GitHub page or the official download page above. Copies with similar names exist for many popular projects.
- License (MIT): Very permissive: free to use, change and share, including for business.
- More on staying safe