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17 Best Tools to Capture and Preserve Family Stories in 2025.
Discover the best tools to capture and preserve family stories in 2025 and see why Remento is the best choice.

Every family carries a legacy made up of countless small stories, from milestones and struggles to triumphs and everyday moments that may seem ordinary at the time. Family stories shape who we are, passing down values, traditions, and memories that connect generations.
Yet too often this family history fades within just a few generations. Capturing and preserving these memories from parents and grandparents today ensures that laughter, lessons, and love can be shared for years to come.
There are different ways to preserve family stories, and it is important to find both a process you will enjoy and a final keepsake product you will cherish. Everyone is different, and our list of the 17 best tools is meant to help you find the best solution for you.
We believe Remento is ultimately the best-in-class solution, bringing ease and joy to the process and resulting in a one-of-a-kind life story keepsake book. See how it works to safeguard your family history for future generations.
Now, here is the full list of the 17 Best Tools for Capturing and Preserving Family Stories.
1. Remento - A Memoir that Writes Itself
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Preserving Life Stories Without Writing a Single Word
Remento takes capturing and preserving family stories to the next level. Without typing or writing a single word, you can create your own memory book. With Remento’s Speech-to-Story Technology, you simply speak, and Remento does the rest. Your spoken words are transformed into professionally written stories, bound into a beautifully designed, full-color hardcover book. Each book can be filled with photos and includes QR codes that link directly to the original recordings, both audio and video. This way, you preserve not only the stories, but also the voices and faces behind them.
How Remento Works:
Select prompts from Remento’s expert-curated library, create your own custom questions, use personalized prompts tailored to you, or draw inspiration from photo prompts. Each week, Remento sends one of these prompts to the storyteller via text or email. Storytellers then record their answers on any device (phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop) at their own pace. No logins or passwords are required. Simply speak, and Remento’s Speech-to-Story technology transforms your words into polished, professionally written stories, much like working with a personal ghostwriter. Stories can be edited anytime to match your preferences. Once satisfied, you can order your memory book in just a few taps, and it will be delivered straight to your doorstep.
Key Features:
- Spoken words are automatically transformed into written stories.
- Tell your story in first person, third person, or cleaned transcript that retains your exact words only removing ums and ahs.
- Add as many photos as you like to every story.
- Choose to receive prompts daily, weekly, or at your own pace, or answer right away to complete your book faster.
- Scannable QR codes link each story to the original audio or video recordings.
- Create your own prompts, add photo-based prompts, choose from a wide expert-curated question bank, or use personalized prompts tailored specifically for you.
- Edit text, titles, photos, book color, and the cover anytime before printing.
- Append to existing stories or ask extra questions for more detail.
- Record from any device such as phone, ipad, laptop, or computer with no apps or downloads needed.
- Invite unlimited family members to contribute stories, photos, and prompts.
- Easily share stories and receive reactions from loved ones.
- No logins or tech skills needed, suitable for all ages.
- Receive a hardcover full-colored book and digital PDF with QR codes for audio and video.
- Download all photos, audio, and video recordings anytime.
Pros:
- Preserves both written stories and the storyteller’s voice.
- Choose how your stories are written, first person, third person, or as a cleaned transcript with filler words like ums and ahs removed.
- Edit stories anytime with unlimited changes.
- Simple for older adults and family members to participate.
- Multiple contributors can add stories and photos.
- Record at your own pace, append stories, and order anytime.
- Hardcover book and e-book with text, unlimited photos, and QR codes.
- Download and keep all content for long-term preservation.
- Flexible pacing allows quicker completion.
- Money-Back Guarantee: 30-day satisfaction guarantee included.
Cons:
- Emotional weight: Revisiting personal or family history can sometimes feel heavy or overwhelming.
- Storytelling by voice: Stories must begin by speaking, not writing, though transcripts can later be edited.
- Dependent on participation: Works best when family members actively engage; less effective without consistent involvement.
Best For: Families who want to capture and preserve their loved ones’ stories effortlessly, along with their voices and faces, making it perfect for those who want to keep these memories and special moments close to their hearts forever, and never worry about losing them.
Pricing: For just $99, you get one full-color hardcover book where you can record unlimited stories and add unlimited photos. All of Remento’s features, including our Speech-to-Story technology, are included at no extra cost.
Have questions about Remento? Visit Remento FAQs to learn more.
2. Storyworth - Written Story Collection

The Guided Storytelling Platform
Storyworth helps families preserve memories through email, making it simple for loved ones to share stories over time. Each week, storytellers receive prompts they can answer in writing.
How Storyworth Works:
After subscribing, a storyteller receives one question per week via email, chosen from Storyworth’s library of 500+ prompts or written as a custom question. They reply by typing directly in the email or on Storyworth’s platform. Photos can be added to enrich the narrative. At the year’s end, all responses are compiled into a full-color, 300-page hardcover memoir, with optional additional copies.
Key Features:
- Weekly email storytelling prompts
- 500+ curated and customizable questions
- Unlimited stories and photo uploads
- One hardcover book included (up to 300 pages)
- Digital editor with speech-to-text
- Giftable subscriptions
- Downloadable digital archive
Pros:
- Simple email-based process
- Produces high-quality printed memoir
- Flexible prompts for different life stages
- Unlimited photos enhance storytelling
- Accessible for older adults
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Writing weekly stories can feel like homework
- Adding and formatting photos can be cumbersome
- Limited customization in design and layout
- Occasional technical issues reported
- Cost may feel high if not completing all prompts
Best For: Storytellers who enjoy writing and families wanting a structured way to collect stories via email. Ideal for those who want a professionally printed book at the end.
Pricing: $99 per year, including weekly prompts and one hardcover book (up to 300 pages). Additional copies start at $39 each.
3. My Life in a Book - Structured Memoir Gifts
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Thoughtful Story Sharing
My Life in a Book helps loved ones capture their life stories through a series of guided weekly questions. Over twelve months, their answers are gathered into a beautifully bound keepsake book of up to 500 pages, offering families a tangible way to preserve memories across generations.
How My Life in a Book Works:
Once purchased, your loved one begins receiving a weekly question by email designed to spark reflection and storytelling. Responses can be typed directly or dictated using voice-to-text. Each submission is automatically shared with designated relatives, creating ongoing family engagement. At the end of the year, the collection is transformed into a premium hardcover volume.
Key Features:
- Weekly story prompts delivered straight to email
- Optional voice-to-text response tool for easier input
- Hardcover memory book with space for up to 500 pages
- Selection of cover styles to personalize the keepsake
- Digital gift notification option for instant delivery
- Real-time story sharing with relatives throughout the year
Pros:
- Encourages steady storytelling habits over time
- Works well for all comfort levels with technology
- Voice-capture retains authenticity in responses
- Professionally bound books with durable finishes
- Creates ongoing anticipation as stories are shared weekly
- Flexible gifting makes it ideal for celebrations or holidays
Cons:
- Easy to fall behind on weekly prompts, which can stretch the timeline
- Book layout and design choices are relatively simple
- Some users wish for more photo flexibility within each story
- Reprints and optional upgrades add to the overall cost
- Holiday demand can occasionally slow order processing
Best For: Families who value a guided, year-long experience that culminates in a polished book. Especially suited for gift-givers who want to spark meaningful storytelling with minimal setup.
Pricing: My Life in a Book starts at $99, including one hardcover book of up to 500 pages. Additional copies can be purchased separately.
4. Tell Mel - Interactive AI Interview Service

Phone Conversations That Become Memoirs
Tell Mel captures your loved one’s memories through weekly guided phone interviews. The AI "Mel" listens, follows up with meaningful questions, and turns those conversations into beautifully written memoir chapters that families can share.
How Tell Mel Works:
After subscribing, you have a brief 5–10 minute onboarding call with Mel to personalize the interview questions. Then each week Mel calls your loved one for a 10-15 minute guided conversation. Each call is transcribed and crafted into a polished memoir chapter. These chapters are shared weekly with family and can eventually be compiled into a full memoir.
Key Features:
- Weekly live phone interviews, no apps or logins needed
- Questions tailored to the person’s story and background
- Written memoir chapters delivered to your inbox
- Support for many languages including Spanish, French, German, Hindi, and more
- Designed to work for older storytellers with minimal tech skills
- Ability for family members to view and share chapters as they arrive
Pros:
- Very low tech barrier, answer the phone and speak your memories
- Conversations feel natural and personal
- Multilingual support broadens who can share stories comfortably
- Keeps family engaged with regular chapter deliveries
- Produces professionally written content without needing to write
Cons:
- Written chapters can take a few days to arrive after each call
- Wording may not always match the storyteller’s exact voice
- Weekly scheduling may not fit every lifestyle
- No built-in option for photos or video alongside stories
- Pricing is higher compared to basic self-guided platforms
Best For: Families who want to capture stories through natural conversations rather than writing. Ideal for loved ones more comfortable speaking than typing, and for those who prefer an interview-style process that results in a written memoir.
Pricing: Pricing starts from $25.99 and goes up to $229 depending on the selected service level and final product options.
5. Storii - Spoken Memories & Phone-Based Storytelling

Conversation Over the Phone
Storii helps families preserve life stories through regular phone conversations instead of traditional writing. Each week, loved ones get scheduled calls to respond to curated life prompts, which are recorded, transcribed, and converted into keepsake audio and PDF memories.
How Storii Works:
After subscribing (or purchasing a Gift Box), the storyteller receives up to three automated calls per week at times they choose. Each call uses prompts from a library of over 1,000 questions or custom questions the family adds. The responses are recorded over the phone (no internet or smartphone required), with transcripts generated and entire stories stored in their Storii profile. Storytellers and their families can later download audio-books or PDF transcripts.
Key Features:
- Scheduled phone prompts delivered multiple times per week
- Full transcriptions of phone responses
- Extensive prompt library with option to customize
- Downloadable life story audiobooks and transcript PDFs
- Works purely with phone & landline (no app or internet needed)
- Notifications to family when new stories are added
- Gift Box option for holiday or special gifting availability
Pros:
- Very low barrier for storytellers who dislike or can’t write
- Captures authentic voice and tone through phone conversation
- Flexible schedule options for receiving calls
- Preserves stories permanently (audio + text)
- Shareable formats suit family members who want to revisit memories
- Gift-friendly design (Gift Box) makes it a thoughtful present
Cons:
- Transcriptions may need light editing to fix minor errors
- Missed calls can disrupt consistency in storytelling
- Story layouts are more basic than full-service book publishers
- International users sometimes report call/connectivity issues
- Subscription pricing can be a stretch for budget-conscious families
Best For: Families or individuals who benefit from speaking rather than writing, especially older adults who may not be tech-savvy. Perfect if you want memories captured in voice and in your natural speech rather than typed words.
Pricing: The Storii Gift Box is priced around $119 USD. Annual and monthly plans are also available (with discounts for full-year commitments and gift options).
6. Ancestry.com - Deep Genealogical Record Access
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History Meets Personal Storytelling
Ancestry.com merges old records, family trees, and DNA testing to help people place their personal stories in rich historical context. Through vast archives and family connections, it uncovers roots that might otherwise be lost, making heritage come alive.
How Ancestry.com Works:
You begin by creating an account and choosing a membership plan such as U.S. Discovery or All Access. Then you build your family tree with known relatives. The platform suggests historical records, including census, military, and immigration documents, that link to your ancestors. You can opt for a DNA test to reveal ethnicity and find distant relatives. As you gather stories, you add photos, documents, and personal notes to profiles. You can also create custom family history books using tools like MyCanvas.
Key Features:
- Subscription options for U.S. or global historical records
- Integrated DNA services for ethnicity insights and matches
- Upload photos, documents, and personal stories to profiles
- Tools like MyCanvas for family history books
- Collaborate and share your tree across devices
Pros:
- Access billions of historical documents for deep genealogy research
- DNA matching reveals ancestral origins
- Trace family roots across borders and eras
- Easy uploads of photos and documents enrich stories
- Book-making tools preserve narratives in print
Cons:
- Subscription required; free plans are limited
- DNA results may be delayed
- Some records incomplete or missing
- Customer service can be slow or inconsistent
- Search functions can be confusing or inaccurate
Best For: Anyone who wants to trace lineage, back up family stories with verified records, and preserve both picture and document-rich history. Ideal for those who enjoy deep dives into family past and want more than just memories.
Pricing: U.S. Discovery is $24.99/month, or $21.99/month with a 6-month commitment. All Access is $59.99/month, or $259 when billed every 6 months.
7. LegacyBox - Digitize Old Media Safely

Physical Memories Made Digital
LegacyBox helps families convert photo prints, film reels, VHS tapes, slides, and more into digital formats so you do not lose treasured memories to deterioration. Their all-in-mail kit system includes shipping both ways and lets you send any old media you have, which is then professionally digitized.
How LegacyBox Works:
You purchase a kit, such as Starter, Family, Closet, or Trunk, that corresponds to the number of items you have. Fill the box with tapes, film reels, or up to 25 photos per item, then ship it using the prepaid shipping label. LegacyBox technicians hand-digitize each piece, return the originals, and provide digital delivery via download, cloud storage, DVD, or thumb drive if selected.
Key Features:
- Kit options ranging from 2 items up to 40 items per box
- Mix-and-match formats including tapes, films, slides, prints, and more
- Prepaid shipping both ways with safety instructions and item barcodes
- Choice of output including digital download, thumb drive, DVD set, or cloud storage
- Includes a crush-proof box and materials to safely pack fragile media
Pros:
- Preserves a wide variety of analog formats safely
- Returns your original items after digitization
- Flexible output options to suit different preferences
- Trusted service with years of experience and many satisfied customers
- Transparent pricing with tiered kits so you pay for the size you need
Cons:
- Turnaround can be longer than expected, sometimes 3-4 months or more
- Digitized output may have quality issues like audio hiss, static, or color problems
- Items can arrive damaged or go missing
- Extra charges for certain formats, additional items, or cloud storage
- Tracking and updates can be inconsistent, causing uncertainty
Best For: Families or individuals with boxes full of old tapes, photos, and film who want a reliable way to preserve them without digitizing each format themselves. Excellent when you want both physical media and digital backups.
Pricing: Starter kit for 2 items starts at $69.98, Family kit for 10 items at $319.98, Closet kit for 20 items at $639.98, and Trunk kit for 40 items at $1,249.98.
8. Shutterfly - Custom Photo Books & Gifts

Transform Photos into Timeless Keepsakes
Shutterfly lets you turn your digital memories into beautifully designed physical products, from photo books to wall art and personalized gifts, using intuitive templates and free design tools.
How Shutterfly Works:
You begin by creating a free account. Then upload your photos from your device or social media. Choose the type of product you want, such as a photo book, calendar, wall art, or gift item. Use Shutterfly’s pre-designed templates or customize your own layout, backgrounds, and text. Preview your creation. Once you are satisfied, place your order and your item is printed and shipped. Many items can also be shared digitally.
Key Features:
- Wide product range including photo books, prints, gifts, and wall décor
- Easy drag-and-drop design tools and templates
- Upload from multiple sources including cloud and social media
- High-quality printing and binding
- Free design help via 24-hour Designer service in some cases
- Mobile app for designing on the go
- Access unlimited photo storage
- Regular promotions and discounts
Pros:
- Highly customizable keepsakes for every occasion
- Professional quality output with strong print fidelity
- Design flexibility even for beginners
- Mobile-friendly tools make it easy to create from anywhere
- Lots of product variety beyond books
- Frequent deals make premium options more affordable
Cons:
- Delivery and shipping delays can disappoint users, especially for time-sensitive gifts
- Customer service can be hard to reach with long wait times or unhelpful responses
- Website usability issues include uploading photos in bulk, navigating templates, or adjusting layouts
- Additional fees for expedited shipping or premium materials may not be clearly displayed upfront
- Some photo products arrive with mismatches or quality issues compared to previews
Best For: Anyone who wants to preserve photos and memories visually. Ideal for families who love printed albums, custom gifts, or wall art, especially those who prefer controlling design down to layout and material rather than telling stories with long passages of text.
Pricing: Photo books start around $24.98 for basic styles. Hardcover photo books and special designs begin closer to $37.48 depending on size, cover type, and number of sheets.
9. Aura Digital Frame (Aura Frames) - Photo Sharing & Display

Bring Your Moments Home Visually
Aura Frames let you turn digital photo and video memories into a beautifully displayed slideshow. With sleek HD screens, free cloud storage, and intuitive sharing through the Aura app, it is perfect for keeping loved ones connected without needing tech skills.
How Aura Digital Frame Works:
Choose the size frame you want and plug it in. Connect it to Wi-Fi via the Aura app. Invite family or friends so they can upload photos or videos from their phones or devices. The frame regularly updates to show new memories whether or not you are nearby. Adjust slideshow settings, orientation, and brightness as needed.
Key Features:
- HD frame sizes with crisp, anti-glare displays
- Unlimited cloud storage, no subscription needed
- Free sharing and collaboration via the Aura app
- Automatic slideshow updates
- Portrait and landscape support
- No recurring fees
Pros:
- Easy setup and use for all ages
- Unlimited storage with no hidden limits
- Modern, stylish design
- Real-time updates for new photos
- Flexible orientation for different photo styles
Cons:
- Auto-syncing with Google Photos may require manual updates
- Large uploads can take time depending on Wi-Fi
- Occasional connectivity issues or blank screens
- Limited control over photo order and slideshow themes
- Higher price than simpler digital frames with fewer layout options
Best For: Anyone who wants a beautiful display of photos and videos from afar. Ideal for gift-giving, remote families, or those who want memories visible in the home without typing or story writing.
Pricing: Aura Frames are priced between $149 and $299 depending on the model.
10. Meminto - Rich Multimedia Memory Books

Storytelling Through Voice, Video, or Text
Meminto makes it easy to preserve stories in the format that feels most natural: speak, write, or film. Weekly guided prompts help users gather memories, add photos and media, and produce a full-color hardcover memory book.
How Meminto Works:
After choosing your book theme, Meminto sends weekly prompts. You can answer by typing, speaking, or uploading videos. Add photos, audio, or video for depth, and invite family or friends to contribute. Design the cover and layout, review content, and order your book.
Key Features:
- Full-color 6×9" hardcover included, extra copies from $35
- StoryScribe AI tools for transcription, grammar, and text optimization
- Senior-friendly interface with optional record without typing view
- Upload photos, audio, or video with stories
Pros:
- Flexible input with text, voice, or video
- Media integration enriches storytelling
- AI tools reduce editing effort
- Simple interface supports all skill levels
- Family collaboration adds new perspectives
Cons:
- Interface may be less intuitive across devices or for seniors
- Project deadlines up to two years may feel long
- Limited design and customization options
- Adding multiple photos or media can be cumbersome
- Extra copies or upgrades can be costly
Best For: People who want a memory book beyond words, including voice, video, and images, with flexibility to tell stories in a meaningful and visually rich way.
Pricing: Books start at $99 for up to ~100 pages. Additional copies cost $35–$59 depending on length.
11. Memorygram - Voice & Photo-Infused Legacy Books

Guided Story Preservation with Voice & Images
Memorygram helps families preserve memories by sending weekly questions, allowing replies via typing or voice, and compiling responses along with photos into a premium all-color hardcover Legacy Book. It’s made for those who want both stories and voices captured, not just typed text.
How Memorygram Works:
Once you order, you receive weekly questions, which you can also choose or have someone else pick. You reply by writing or speaking, include photos if you like, and invite family to contribute. After responses are finalized, Memorygram prints a large 8.5″×11″ hardcover book with your stories, photos, and voice-recording QR codes, and also offers a downloadable PDF version.
Key Features:
- Legacy Book in 8.5″×11″ full-color hardcover with unlimited photos and pages
- Voice recordings preserved via QR codes for playback
- Weekly prompts to guide storytelling, with custom or shared question options
- Invite family members to co-author or contribute memories
- Downloadable PDF e-book included
- Free U.S. shipping on books; one-time purchase
Pros:
- Captures voice and written story for richer legacy
- Generous photo and story capacity for flexible expression
- Collaboration makes it meaningful as a family project
- High-quality printing and large format make an impressive keepsake
- QR-coded voice recordings add emotional depth
Cons:
- Some books arrive with formatting or cropping issues
- Occasional slow customer service or difficulty reaching reps
- Scheduling and organization tools can be confusing
- Delivery delays occur, especially for larger orders or corrections
- Reprints or corrections take extra time and cost
Best For: People wanting a legacy keepsake that goes beyond text—those who want voice, emotion, and visuals captured. A great choice for a richly textured memoir rather than just a typed journal.
Pricing: Memorygram’s Legacy Book starts at $124.99 USD for one full-color 8.5″×11″ hardcover book. Extra physical or digital copies cost more depending on options.
12. A Life Untold - Guided Autobiographies

The Interview-Based Keepsake
A Life Untold makes it simple to turn life memories into a professionally designed autobiography. Using 101 structured prompts, storytellers reflect on experiences, add family photos, and receive a polished hardcover book that can be treasured for generations.
How A Life Untold Works:
Users answer 101 guided questions online, covering childhood memories to life lessons. Photos can be added without limits. Once complete, the A Life Untold team designs a clean, full-color hardcover book. Storytellers review a draft, request revisions, and approve the final version. A digital e-book is included, and additional copies can be purchased at a discount.
Key Features:
- Online interview with 101 curated life questions
- Add unlimited photos throughout the book
- Professionally designed full-color hardcover
- Digital e-book included
- Draft review and editing support
- No word or page limits for standard books
- Free shipping to USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and UK
- Discounted bulk pricing for 10+ copies
Pros:
- Guided format makes storytelling easy
- High-quality design and durable hardcover
- Print and digital versions included
- Unlimited photos enrich the book
- Flexible 12-month timeline with free extensions
- Free international shipping
- Extra copies available at reduced rates
- Privacy ensured; no content shared without consent
Cons:
- Completing 101 questions can take months
- Uploading and organizing photos may be time-consuming
- Limited design customization beyond templates
- Shipping can take longer in some regions
- Self-paced format may feel uneven for some users
Best For: Families and individuals seeking a structured, user-friendly way to create a professional autobiography. Perfect for those who appreciate guided questions and want a beautifully designed book without writing or formatting it themselves.
Pricing: First book package is $149, including hardcover and digital e-book. Additional copies cost $79 each, or $69 each when ordering 10 or more. Free shipping included to the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
13. StoryKeeper - Multimedia Storytelling
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The Hybrid Life Story Preserver
StoryKeeper blends AI tools with professional editing to help families create a lasting record of memories. Unlike services focused solely on writing, StoryKeeper supports both spoken and written storytelling. Each finished project becomes a full-color hardcover book with audio links for future generations.
How StoryKeeper Works:
After purchasing, storytellers can write responses or record their stories through voice-to-text. Weekly prompts guide storytelling, and custom prompts can also be added. Photos and media can be included. In-house editors refine the content into a polished narrative. Users receive two hardcover copies, with additional copies available for purchase.
Key Features:
- Write or record stories with built-in transcription
- Weekly prompts with optional custom questions
- Family collaboration supported
- Professional editing for polished narratives
- Two full-color hardcover books included
- QR codes link to original audio or video recordings
- Digital archive with lifetime access
Pros:
- Flexible for writers and speakers
- High-quality, vibrant printing
- QR codes preserve storyteller’s voice
- Single payment covers lifetime use
- Two hardcover books included with shipping
Cons:
- Weekly prompts can require more time than expected
- Editing tools may lack flexibility for detailed preferences
- International shipping can take longer than estimated
- Extra copy costs may increase for larger orders
Best For: Families and individuals wanting a versatile, multimedia approach to preserving personal history. Ideal for those who want to speak and write stories and pair a physical keepsake with audio memories.
Pricing: One-time payment of $99 includes unlimited prompts, editing tools, digital storage, and two full-color hardcover books.
14. Memowrite - Professionally Edited Memoirs

The Question-Led Story Builder
Memowrite is an accessible platform that helps anyone craft a polished memoir without needing writing skills. By guiding storytellers through a series of reflective prompts, it gathers personal memories and photos into a professionally edited, beautifully printed hardcover book.
How Memowrite Works:
Users begin by answering over 50 carefully designed questions to spark meaningful reflection. Stories can be edited, personalized, and enriched with photos before submission. Memowrite’s editorial team reviews the content, correcting grammar and refining the text. Storytellers then choose from a range of customizable cover and design options. Once approved, the finished memoir is printed as a hardcover keepsake and shipped directly, with free delivery included.
Key Features:
- 50 guided prompts to spark reflection
- Add photos to chapters for visual depth
- Professional proofreading and editing
- Customizable covers and layouts
- Premium hardcover printing with archival-quality pages
- Free worldwide shipping
Pros:
- Easy to use system for all ages
- Encourages reflection through structured questions
- High end design and editing for polished results
- Flexible writing pace with no deadlines
- Transparent pricing with free shipping
Cons:
- Some photos end up misplaced, disrupting flow
- Refunds can be slow or confusing
- Questions may feel formulaic or less personal
- Upgrade costs can add up unexpectedly
- Concerns about charges or domain changes
Best For: Individuals and families looking for a straightforward, editor supported way to create a personalized memoir. Especially suited for those who want a guided process that results in a high quality, printed keepsake without technical complexity.
Pricing: Plans start at $88 for 3 months, $120 for 6 months, and $248 for 12 months of access, including professional editing and a hardcover book. Additional costs apply for select customization options.
15. KindredTales - AI-Assisted Storytelling
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The Tech-Enhanced Memory Keeper
KindredTales blends traditional memoir writing with modern AI tools, making it easier than ever for families to preserve their loved ones’ stories. By combining weekly prompts, voice transcription, and an AI-powered biographer, the service helps transform memories into a beautifully bound hardcover book
How KindredTales Works:
After creating a profile, storytellers begin receiving one thoughtful question each week via email to inspire reflection. Responses can be submitted in multiple ways: typing, voice-to-text transcription, or through an AI-assisted interview with “Ali,” KindredTales’ built-in biographer. The collected material is edited into a polished narrative, paired with photos, and designed as a keepsake book. Once finalized, the memoir is printed as a high-quality hardcover and shipped to your door, with a complimentary digital version included.
Key Features:
- Multiple ways to submit stories
- “Ali” the AI Biographer to expand responses
- Premium hardcover memoir
- Free cover design options
- Complimentary PDF version
- Free worldwide shipping
Pros:
- Accessible for all technical skill levels
- Flexible ways to share stories
- AI tools help refine responses
- Premium printing for lasting keepsakes
- Involves family in storytelling
- Lifetime account access
Cons:
- Prompts can feel repetitive over time
- Occasional shipping delays
- Extras and upgrades may increase cost
- Limited design customization
- Customer service response times vary
Best For: Families, caregivers, and individuals who want a mix of traditional guided prompts with modern AI support. Ideal for those who appreciate flexible storytelling options and want both print and digital keepsakes.
Pricing: The Essentials Plan costs $110 and includes one hardcover book, a year of weekly prompts, and a free PDF. The Essentials with AI Plan costs $135 and adds AI-powered features such as transcription, interviews, and audio support.
16. StoryTerrace - Professionally Written Memoirs

The Ghostwriting Expert
StoryTerrace pairs you with a professional writer to transform your memories into a beautifully produced book. Their tailored service makes it possible for anyone, even those who don’t consider themselves writers, to preserve their life stories with clarity, depth, and style.
How StoryTerrace Works:
After selecting a package, clients are introduced to a writer who is carefully matched to their background, goals, and voice. Through a series of interviews conducted in person or remotely, the writer captures details, anecdotes, and themes from the client’s life. Drafts are refined with client feedback until the manuscript is complete. Finally, the story is professionally designed, printed, and delivered as a hardcover keepsake.
Key Features:
- Network of 600+ professional ghostwriters
- Personalized writer matching
- In-depth interviews in person or online
- Full editorial process with revisions
- Designed hardcover books with photos
- Dedicated project manager
Pros:
- High-quality storytelling by experts
- Packages for different budgets
- Structured process for progress
- Strong editorial support with feedback
- Premium design and multiple copies
Cons:
- Projects can take much longer than quoted
- Communication issues with writers or managers
- Extra fees if timelines or revisions exceed limits
- Some errors in drafts or printed books
- Large or complex projects cost more and take longer
Best For: Individuals or families who want a polished, professionally written memoir but prefer not to write it themselves. Perfect for those who value expert storytelling and want a finished product of publishing quality.
Pricing: The Classic Package starts at $3,250, which includes a memoir of 60–120 pages, 4–10 hours of interviews with a senior writer, space for 20–40 photos, and 4 professionally printed hardcover copies, all managed by a dedicated project manager. The Pro Book costs $21,000, with 125+ pages, 20 hard copies, 40 photos, a dedicated team of 6 professionals, 10+ hours of interview with a premium writer.
17. StoriedLife - Conversational AI Storytelling

The Dialogue-First Biographer
StoriedLife sets itself apart by offering an AI biographer that engages you in natural conversations, making storytelling feel effortless and deeply personal. Instead of filling out prompts, you simply talk, and the AI transforms your spoken memories into a polished memoir that can be shared digitally or printed as a keepsake.
How StoriedLife Works:
Users begin by creating an account and starting conversations with “Eva,” StoriedLife’s AI biographer. Eva listens, remembers, and builds upon each interaction, weaving your stories into organized chapters. Photos, audio notes, and video clips can be added to enhance the narrative. Once complete, you can review, edit, and finalize your memoir, which can then be shared online or ordered as a hardcover or softcover book.
Key Features:
- AI biographer for conversational storytelling
- Voice-to-text transcription
- Auto-organized themed chapters
- Add photos, audio, and video
- Interactive digital memoir sharing
- Hardcover and softcover options
- Mobile app with syncing
Pros:
- Captures authentic voice and tone
- Multimedia brings memories to life
- Stories structured into chapters
- Digital and print preservation options
- Works on desktop and mobile
- Strong privacy and content control
Cons:
- Some features still being refined, with occasional bugs
- Transcriptions may miss dialects or accents
- Conversation-driven process can be time intensive
- Premium printing often costs extra
- Requires stable internet for syncing and AI features
Best For: People who prefer talking over writing and want a memoir experience that feels natural and interactive. StoriedLife is ideal for families who value voice-driven storytelling and want both a digital and physical keepsake.
Pricing: StoriedLife starts at $14.95 per month, with options for a quarterly plan at $39.95 or an annual subscription at $129.99. Printed keepsake books and unlimited eBook downloads are available as add-ons.
Finding the Best Fit for Preserving Your Family Stories
Every family has different needs when it comes to capturing and preserving memories. The right choice depends on your storyteller’s comfort with technology, your budget, and how you want the final keepsake to look and feel.
Matching the Tool to Your Storyteller
If your parents or grandparents do not enjoy writing but love to talk, Remento is the best choice. Weekly prompts are sent via text or email, and with no writing required, stories are captured in their authentic voice and transformed into polished narratives. QR codes in the final book link directly to their original audio, keeping both the words and the voice alive.
If your family prefers a writing-based approach, StoryWorth and My Life in a Book can help, but they require time and typing, which can feel overwhelming for some storytellers. For families that value professional interviews, Tell Mel provides managed, interactive sessions at a higher price point.
Thinking About What You Want to Preserve
- For authentic voices and spoken memories: Remento makes it effortless to preserve stories exactly as they were told, with photos and written text paired with voice recordings.
- For families who prefer traditional books, StoryWorth and My Life in a Book rely on typed responses and email exchanges, preserving only text and photos.
- For genealogy or archives: Ancestry.com and LegacyBox focus on historical documentation and digitization rather than creating new stories.
Comparing Final Keepsakes
- Remento produces a beautifully designed memory book that combines written stories, photos, and scannable QR codes linking directly to the storyteller’s voice.
- StoryWorth offers a written-only hardcover book with photos, but no audio connection.
- Tell Mel produces professionally written chapters but does not offer as much control over design or layout.
- LegacyBox and Ancestry.com do not provide storytelling books but instead focus on archiving and family history research.
Take a look inside our books and see for yourself how beautiful our fully customizable books look like.
The Easiest for Our Parents and Grandparents
- Remento is the simplest option. No apps, no logins, no writing. Prompts arrive by text or email, and you can respond by simply recording on any device, whether it’s a phone, iPad, laptop, or computer.
- StoryWorth and My Life in a Book require typing and web logins, which may be difficult for elderly users.
- Tell Mel is phone-only but requires scheduling and structured calls.
Visit our blog page to see older people sharing their experiences with Remento.
Long-Term Preservation and Accessibility
- Remento ensures your family history lasts through both digital and physical keepsakes. Stories are preserved in a memory book with QR codes linking to the original recordings, so voices are never lost. Families also enjoy ongoing digital access and can download all recordings, creating a reliable archive for future generations.
- StoryWorth and My Life in a Book provide printed books, but once printed, only text is preserved. With Remento, you can revisit the original recordings through QR codes.
- Tell Mel delivers polished chapters but does not offer the same interactive preservation features.
- LegacyBox digitizes media for safekeeping but does not create new stories or add modern accessibility like QR-linked memories.
Watch our full comparison guide of Remento, StoryWorth, and My Life in a Book.
Cost and Value
- Remento delivers the best balance: only $99 for a platform that includes unlimited recordings, photo uploads, written story compilation, and a memory book full of photos with scannable QR codes that link back to the original recordings in each story.
- StoryWorth costs $99 per year but includes only written content.
- Tell Mel ranges from $119–$229 and is more expensive.
- LegacyBox and similar services vary widely, from $59 to $899 depending on digitization needs.
Why Remento is the Clear Choice
When it comes to preserving your family history, Remento is the best tool for capturing memories without the hassle of writing. It is simple for storytellers of all ages, creates a beautiful memory book, and ensures voices and stories are never lost. For families looking for the most meaningful, effortless, and affordable way to pass down their legacy, Remento stands out as the top choice in 2025 for capturing and preserving family stories.
Looking Ahead at Family Storytelling
As technology evolves, preserving family history is becoming easier and more meaningful than ever before. Remento leads this new era of storytelling by transforming spoken words into polished, written stories paired with photos and QR codes that link to the original recordings. With no writing required, families can finally preserve memories and create memory book in their most natural form.
Remento’s approach solves the challenges families face when preserving stories:
- No writing or typing required. Memories flow naturally through conversation.
- Simple for parents and grandparents, no matter their comfort with technology.
- Real voices and moments preserved alongside beautifully written stories.
- Keepsake books that combine words, voices, moments and photos in one volume.
- Accessible pricing that makes professional-quality preservation affordable.
While some services focus only on typed answers or digitizing old media, Remento is the best overall solution for families who want to capture real voices, preserve family history, and create a keepsake that will last.
Taking the First Step Toward Preservation
Every family has irreplaceable stories waiting to be remembered. The question isn’t whether to capture them, but how. For families who value authenticity, simplicity, and lasting connection, Remento is the best tool available.
- Know your storyteller. If they’d rather talk than type, Remento is the easiest choice.
- Clarify what matters. Voices, photos, moments, and written stories all in one place. Remento delivers it all.
- Choose simplicity. Avoid complicated tech or time-consuming writing.
- Act now. Memories fade, but preserving them today ensures they will live on for generations.
The perfect moment to begin isn’t tomorrow. It’s today. Remento makes preserving family stories beautifully, simply, and permanently possible. It ensures that your family’s legacy will never be forgotten.
Why Preserving Family History Matters and Why Remento is the Best Way to Do It
Every family has stories that deserve to be remembered. Too often they vanish within just a few generations. Preserving these memories is more than keeping history alive. It is about strengthening family bonds, giving children and grandchildren a sense of identity, and ensuring that the laughter, lessons, and love of parents and grandparents live on.
- Family identity is built on stories. Milestones, struggles, and everyday moments shape who we are. Remento makes it effortless to capture these without the burden of writing.
- Memories fade faster than we think. Even the most vivid stories are easily lost. Remento preserves them in both voice and text, with photos and QR codes that connect directly to the original recording.
- Technology should simplify, not complicate. Many platforms require typing, logging in, or navigating complex tools. Remento is designed for simplicity. Just answer prompts by voice, and your memories are preserved.
- The voice behind the story matters. Written words preserve meaning, but hearing a loved one’s voice and seeing them share their stories creates a deeper emotional connection. Remento delivers both.
- The best balance of depth and simplicity. Unlike other tools that only capture written or spoken stories, Remento combines them all into a beautifully designed family book that future generations can treasure.
Remento is the best choice for families who want to preserve their history in the most natural and effortless way. By capturing voices, stories, and photos all in one place, it ensures that memories live on not just as records, but as living legacies.
If you're ready to start capturing and preserving your family stories, Remento is the best tool in 2025 for preserving family memories. With Remento’s Speech-to-Story Technology, you can create a professional-quality family memory book without writing or typing. Each story is transformed into beautifully written stories, paired with photos and original recordings, preserving the moments, emotions, and voices of parents, grandparents, and loved ones. With Remento, you are not just creating a memory book; you are safeguarding your family history, strengthening family bonds, and ensuring that cherished stories live on for generations.
Start preserving your family’s stories today, visit www.remento.co

Their stories, forever at your fingertips
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