Tell Me Family vs Storyworth
Two different ways to get a family's stories down. Here is how they differ and who each one suits.
Storyworth is well established and has helped a lot of families make books. Tell Me Family is newer and works differently. Rather than sending a weekly prompt, it holds a conversation. Which is better depends mostly on one thing: whether the person whose stories you want would rather write or talk.
Side by side
| Feature | Tell Me Family | Storyworth |
|---|---|---|
| How questions are asked | A live interview, one question at a time. The next question depends on the last answer. | A prompt each week, sent by email or text. The storyteller answers when they like. |
| Who does the writing | The storyteller talks. The AI writes it up from what they said, and you can edit it. | The storyteller writes, or records answers by voice. |
| Follow-up questions | Yes, on details in the answer. | Check their current features. |
| Original voice | Every answer is kept as audio, with an mp3 download. | A voice option exists. Check how recordings are kept. |
| How long it takes | One sitting can be enough for a short story. | Built around a year of weekly prompts. |
| Price | Free for the first 10 minutes, then $49 per story. | See their site for current pricing. Their plans include a printed book. |
| Best for | People who would rather talk than write, and families who want the recording. | People who enjoy writing or want a slow year-long project and a printed book. |
Competitors change their products. This page reflects what we could confirm from public information, and we'll correct anything that is wrong if you tell us.
When Storyworth is the better choice
If your parent likes to write, Storyworth suits them well. A weekly prompt gives them time to think, go through old letters, and shape an answer carefully. Some people produce wonderful, considered pieces this way, and the slow pace can turn into a pleasant habit over the year.
It is also the better choice today if the printed book is the main thing you want. It is a central part of what they offer, while our hardcover option is still on the way. If you want something to put on the shelf this year, that matters.
When Tell Me Family is the better choice
If your parent says "I'm not a writer," or if a weekly email would sit unanswered, a conversation asks less of them. There is nothing to keep up with. They press a button and talk for ten minutes. The other reason is the follow-up. People tend to give short first answers, and a story often comes from the next question, the one about the name or place they mentioned in passing.
It also suits people who want the voice. A written page can't tell you how someone laughs at their own joke, and the recording is what many families end up caring about most. Every answer is kept as audio, and you can download all of it. It is also a good fit if you have limited time, such as before a holiday, or when a parent's health makes a year-long project feel too long.
What each one asks of your parent
With a weekly prompt, the effort is spread out. Your parent needs to notice each message, make time, and keep going for months. Many people enjoy that rhythm, and some don't get past the first few weeks. It helps to have someone at home who gives them a nudge.
With a conversation, the effort comes all at once and it is small: open a link, agree to be recorded, press a button, talk. There's less to keep up with. On the other hand, some people don't like speaking to a screen or find it odd to talk to an AI, and they may be happier writing in their own time. If you think that describes your parent, sit with them for the first session, or choose the written route.
Neither approach suits everyone. It comes down to the person, not the product. You probably already know whether your mother would rather write a letter or pick up the phone.
Can you use both?
Yes. They don't conflict. One practical approach is to try a free interview first to see how your parent responds to talking. If they enjoy it, keep going. If they would rather write, you have lost nothing and you know which way to go.
What to check before you decide
- Will your parent write every week, or would they rather talk?
- Is a printed book the goal, or is the recording?
- How much time do you have before you need the result?
- Is the person comfortable using a link on a phone, or will you sit with them?
Read how Tell Me Family works or see pricing.