Using Web Search
Give your content real-time depth. Web Search pulls in current data, statistics, and sources automatically.
What It Does
When Web Search is enabled, the Podcast Agent searches the internet for relevant, up-to-date information related to your prompt. It decides on its own when fresh data would improve your content, no manual triggering required.
During research, a Web Search tool indicator appears in the chat with a spinning icon while working, then a checkmark when results are found. The agent cites discovered sources inline in its response.
Default Setting
Web Search is on for your episode's initial generation, there's no toggle to turn it off before you generate.
Adjusting Web Search After Generation
Once your first episode has generated, you can turn Web Search off for follow-up edits and regenerations from the episode editor:
- Open the episode in the Studio.
- Click the Settings button (gear icon) above the chat input.
- Check or uncheck "Use External Web Research" to toggle it on or off.
The setting takes effect immediately for the current conversation and only affects that episode.
When to Keep It On
- Your topic involves current events, trends, or recent developments
- You want supporting data, statistics, or citations the agent can find for you
When to Turn It Off
- You only want the agent to use your attached sources
- Your content is based entirely on proprietary or sensitive material you want full control over
You can attach your own sources and keep Web Search on at the same time. The agent weaves both your materials and its web research into a cohesive piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does web search use my credits?
No. Credits are only consumed when you publish or download an episode, or render a clip.
Can the agent access content behind paywalls?
No. The agent can only access publicly available web content. If you need the agent to reference paywalled content, download or copy the text and attach it as a source directly.
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