MODSetter/SurfSense

Open-source NotebookLM alternative. Research the open web with live data(Reddit, YT, IG, TikTok, Indeed, Google Search, Maps etc) through one platform, API or MCP server. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/ejRNvftDp9

What it solves

SurfSense provides a unified way for AI agents to access live, structured data from the open web. It solves the problem of brittle scraping, expensive browser-based LLM loops, and restrictive official APIs by providing a single REST API and MCP server that returns structured JSON from platforms like Reddit, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Amazon, and Google Maps.

How it works

SurfSense acts as a data layer for agents, offering "live data connectors" that turn web platforms into typed endpoints. It can be deployed as a cloud service or self-hosted via Docker. For agents, it provides an MCP server that exposes these connectors as native tools (e.g., surfsense_reddit_scrape). It also includes a research workspace with a knowledge base for storing findings, hybrid semantic search, and a deliverable studio for generating reports, podcasts, and presentations.

Who it’s for

It is designed for developers building AI agents, researchers who need live web monitoring, and users looking for an open-source alternative to NotebookLM that supports local LLMs and a wider variety of data sources.

Highlights

  • Live Data Connectors: Structured data access to Reddit, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Amazon, Google Maps, and Google Search.
  • MCP Server: Native tool integration for Claude, Cursor, and other agent frameworks.
  • Agent Harness: Built-in retries, structured output, and credit metering.
  • Research Workspace: A knowledge base supporting 50+ file formats and hybrid semantic search with citations.
  • Deliverable Studio: AI-powered generation of reports, podcasts, and slide decks.
  • Extensible LLM Support: Compatible with 100+ LLMs via OpenAI spec/LiteLLM and local models via vLLM or Ollama.