Memorygram vs. Storyworth: Comparing Storytelling With a Phone

Memorygram
2026-02-27T12:41:00-06:00

When comparing the storytelling phone systems of Memorygram and Storyworth, both platforms allow users to dictate their stories by phone. However, the key difference is what happens next. Storyworth converts spoken responses into text for a printed memoir, while Memorygram captures and preserves the actual audio recordings. With QR codes that allow families to hear their loved one’s real voice directly from the book, Memorygram delivers a deeper, more emotional legacy experience. For families who want to preserve not just the words but the sound and feeling behind them, Memorygram offers the more powerful phone storytelling solution.

More

Capturing a life story should feel natural, personal, and meaningful. Not everyone loves typing long answers, and many people, especially older loved ones, prefer telling their stories out loud.

That is exactly why how a platform handles phone-based storytelling matters.

In this comparison, we look at the phone systems used by Memorygram and Storyworth and explain why Memorygram’s approach gives families a richer, more flexible storytelling experience.

Why Phone Storytelling Matters

Some of our best memories come out when we speak rather than type. Phone storytelling:

Feels comfortable for users who don’t use email or computers often

Encourages natural, honest responses

Allows voice dictation and richer expression

Makes participation easier for elders

The better a system supports phone-based storytelling, the more complete and emotional the final legacy book becomes.

Memorygram’s Phone Storytelling

Memorygram allows storytellers to call in and record stories verbally for the project. The system is designed to accept voice recordings directly, letting storytellers speak freely and comfortably without typing.

Once recorded, Memorygram links phone audio with the legacy book through:

Scannable QR codes embedded in the pages

Audio files that can be played back anytime

Transcriptions if users choose both audio and text

This means:

Loved ones can truly hear the storyteller’s voice

Memories feel more personal and alive

The legacy book becomes a multi-sensory keepsake

The phone storytelling experience with Memorygram is intuitive. It works for anyone who can make a call and wants their voice captured authentically.

Storyworth’s Phone Storytelling

Storyworth does allow users to dictate responses by phone, and then the system transcribes the spoken words into text that goes into the book.

This means:

Users can speak their answers

Storyworth types them into written form

The final memoir book contains the typed text only

While this transcription process makes participation easier for people who prefer speaking over typing, the final result stays text-based.

Audio itself is not embedded in the printed book.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature | Memorygram | Storyworth
Phone dictation | Yes | Yes
Captures audio recordings | Yes | No
Integrates voice into the book | Via QR codes | Not supported
Transcription to text | Yes | Yes
Keeps emotional tone of voice | Yes | Limited

The Emotional Advantage of Real Voice

One of the biggest reasons families treasure legacy books is hearing loved one’s voices after they are gone.

Memorygram’s phone storytelling system captures real audio that can be replayed again and again. It preserves:

Tone

Laughter

Accents

Emotions

Storyworth’s phone system makes it easier to dictate answers, but the final book contains text only. This still captures the stories, but it misses the emotional texture that comes through when you can hear someone’s voice.

For many families, that emotional connection is the most meaningful part of preserving memories.

Accessibility and Ease of Use

Memorygram

Phone recordings accepted directly

No typing required if the storyteller prefers that

Audio can be paired with transcription if desired

Works for multiple storytellers in the same project

Receive weekly phone calls scheduled automatically

No WiFi needed for phone storytelling

Storyworth

Phone dictation accepted

Converts speech to text for the memoir

Audio itself is not saved or play-enabled in the final book

You have to manually send a phone call yourself

WiFi is needed to send the phone call

Both systems make storytelling easier for non-typists, but Memorygram’s additional audio element gives families an added layer of connection.

Final Thoughts

Both Memorygram and Storyworth recognize that not everyone types their memories easily. Both offer phone-based storytelling options.

But Memorygram’s phone system goes further by capturing voice directly and linking it to the final book via QR codes, while still providing transcription options when needed.

This creates a legacy keepsake that families can read and hear, preserving not just the words of a life story, but the sound of the storyteller’s voice.

If your goal is to create a legacy that feels shared, personal, and emotionally alive, Memorygram provides the richer phone storytelling experience.

Get your Memorygram Legacy Book today!