Documentation

How Code Tales Works

Transform any GitHub repository into an engaging audio narrative. Perfect for learning codebases, onboarding, or just enjoying code as a story.

Quick Start
Get your first audio story in under 2 minutes
  1. 1

    Paste a GitHub URL

    Any public repository works. Private repos require authentication.

  2. 2

    Choose your style

    Pick from fiction, documentary, tutorial, podcast, or technical narration.

  3. 3

    Generate & Listen

    Our AI analyzes the code and creates an audio story. Download or stream instantly.

Smart Code Analysis
Our AI deeply analyzes repository structure, README files, code patterns, dependencies, and architecture to understand what the project does and how it works.
Multiple Narrative Styles
Choose how your story is told: dramatic fiction, educational documentary, step-by-step tutorial, conversational podcast, or precise technical analysis.
Natural Voice Synthesis
Powered by ElevenLabs, our text-to-speech creates natural, expressive audio with multiple voice options optimized for different content types.
Flexible Duration
Generate stories from 3 minutes to 60 minutes. Longer durations provide more detail about architecture, design decisions, and implementation.
Narrative Styles Explained
Choose the style that fits your learning preference
Fiction

Dramatic Storytelling

The code becomes a character in an epic tale. Functions are heroes, bugs are villains, and architecture decisions drive the plot. Great for entertainment and memorable learning.

Documentary

Educational Exploration

Like a nature documentary for code. Explains the "why" behind decisions, explores the ecosystem, and provides historical context. Perfect for deep understanding.

Tutorial

Step-by-Step Guide

Practical walkthrough of how to use the codebase. Covers setup, key files, common patterns, and best practices. Ideal for onboarding and getting started.

Podcast

Conversational Discussion

Casual, engaging discussion about the project. Covers interesting features, potential improvements, and opinions. Great for commutes and background listening.

Technical

Precise Analysis

Detailed technical breakdown of architecture, patterns, and implementation. Covers dependencies, APIs, and code structure. Best for experienced developers.

Self-Hosting
Run Code Tales on your own infrastructure

Code Tales is open source. You can self-host it with your own API keys for Claude (Anthropic) and ElevenLabs.

# Clone the repository

git clone https://github.com/krzemienski/code-story-platform

# Install dependencies

pnpm install

# Set up environment variables

cp .env.example .env.local

# Run locally

pnpm dev

View on GitHub
FAQ

How long does generation take?

Typically 2-5 minutes depending on repository size and chosen duration. Larger repos and longer durations take more time.

What repositories work best?

Repos with good README files, clear structure, and meaningful code comments produce the best stories. Any public GitHub repo works.

Can I use private repositories?

Yes! Sign in with GitHub to access your private repositories. Your code is analyzed but never stored.

What about costs?

The hosted version is free while in beta. Self-hosting requires your own API keys (Claude ~$0.01-0.05 per story, ElevenLabs ~$0.30-1.00 per story).