5 Surprisingly Fun And Free Ways To Use Generative AI (No ChatGPT Required)

Generative AI tools are like the Swiss Army knives of technology — they can do almost anything, but some of their best features remain under appreciated. Sure, ChatGPT gets all the spotlight, but there’s an entire universe of AI-powered tools that can make your life more fun, creative, and fascinating. The best part? You don’t need to be a tech wizard or even spend a dime to explore them.

Here are five surprisingly fun and free ways to use generative AI tools that will blow your mind (and maybe even impress your friends).

1. Turn Complex Ideas into Interactive Podcasts with Google Notebook LM

Got a topic you’ve always wanted to dive into, but the sheer amount of information makes your brain melt? Enter Google Notebook LM, your personal AI researcher and podcast producer. You can feed it a sprawling subject—like quantum mechanics or the history of tacos—and watch it distill the chaos into a handy FAQ, Study Guide, Timeline or even a Briefing Doc. Better yet, Google Notebook LM can even generate lively audio discussions with two AI hosts. It’s a bit like eavesdropping on a fun debate about your favorite topic. Just remember: these are AI-generated voices, so expect some quirks, and don’t forget to use this responsibly.

Why it’s fun: Listening to your personalized podcast feels like having a lively conversation with an expert. Bonus: There’s a new “Interactive Mode” where you can even join in on the conversation with the two hosts…check it out, it’s pretty entertaining!

Here’s an example, where I provided a bunch of content on Project Stargate (news articles, YouTube videos and even a release on OpenAI’s official website) to produce a quick, engaging podcast on the topic.

If you want to level up even more, you can even experiment with converting audio podcasts into video!

2. Star in Your Own AI-Made Videos with Kling AI and MiniMax Hailuo

Ever wondered what you’d look like in a medieval battle or a rom-com? With Kling AI and MiniMax Hailuo, you can create videos featuring consistent characters (aka you) in different scenarios. Just upload a few photos, set the scene, and let the tools handle the cinematic magic.

Why it’s fun: You’re basically creating alternate versions of yourself. Perfect for storytelling, social media flexes, or just cracking yourself up. (Imagine your face on a 1920s jazz singer!)

Kling has an “Elements” feature, where you can upload images depicting your character as well as setting, along with a prompt to generate the video scene.

MiniMax’s Hailuo has a “Subject Reference” feature where you can provide an image and prompt to produce similar results.

3. Peek Inside AI’s “Brain” with Deepseek

If you’ve ever wondered how AI tools make decisions, Deepseek R1 lets you explore the thought process behind the magic. It visualizes how the model “thinks,” providing insights into its reasoning and logic. Spoiler: It’s eerily human-like, except without the coffee addiction and existential dread.

Why it’s fun: It’s like looking under the hood of a sports car but instead finding a brain that’s smarter than you. This is a perfect rabbit hole for anyone curious about AI’s inner workings. It’s both educational and slightly unsettling.

Here’s an example where I asked Deepseek to come up with a funny mental puzzle that requires some thought but should be solvable by a teenager.

4. Make Personalized Music with Suno and Udio

Imagine gifting your best friend a birthday track—written, composed, and performed just for them. With Suno and Udio, you can create music that’s not only personalized but also (sometimes) shockingly good. Simply describe the vibe (upbeat pop, heartfelt ballad, or 80s synthwave), toss in a few personal details, and let the AI cook up some sonic magic.

Why it’s fun: It’s like being a music producer without the studio budget. Plus, it’s a guaranteed way to make someone smile (or cry happy tears).

Suno even has easy templated prompts that allow you to create something super quick…here’s an example:

5. Write Like a Pro with Custom Styles in Claude

Whether you’re crafting the next great novel or just spicing up emails, Claude can mimic your writing style—or help you channel the voice of your favorite author. Train the model with a few samples of your writing, or borrow inspiration from Hemingway, Austen, or even your favorite TikTok star. But here’s the twist: with great power comes great responsibility! Be sure to respect others’ writing styles and intellectual property—after all, nobody wants their favorite author’s voice showing up uncredited in a wedding toast.

Why it’s fun: It’s part creativity boost, part ego trip. You’ll wonder how you ever survived without an AI ghostwriter (and your newfound ethical AI prowess).

Here’s a fun example, where I created a style called the “Corporate Buzzword Translator“, which simplifies your message by stripping out all the corporate buzzwords and fluff…pretty handy for most of us who’ve been working in cubicles too long!

The Bottom Line

Generative AI isn’t just for coding geniuses or big-budget corporations. These tools make it possible for anyone to unleash creativity, curiosity, and even a bit of mischief. So why stick with ChatGPT when there’s a whole playground of possibilities out there?

Whether you’re creating a podcast, starring in your own videos, exploring the mind of AI, producing music, or refining your writing, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. And did I mention it’s all free? Go ahead, dive in, and let AI help you discover a new side of yourself. Just don’t blame me when your friends start calling you the AI whisperer.

PS – know any other fun tools and Gen AI tricks not covered above? Leave a comment and share with the rest of us!