How to Use NotebookLM For Beginners (In 10 Minutes)

Key Concepts

Notebook LM, fragmented information, AI podcast, Google Drive integration, YouTube video summarization, blog post integration, active recall, Deep dive conversation tool, AI host customization, FAQ generation, briefing document generation, timeline generation, Gemini 2.0, Notebook LM Plus, interactive audio mode, chat GPT prompts, productivity enhancement.

Notebook LM Overview and Setup

The video introduces Google's Notebook LM as a tool for consolidating fragmented information from various sources like videos, PDFs, and documents into useful content. It highlights the ability to create an interactive AI podcast with the user as a guest. The video starts by navigating to notebooklm.google and clicking the "Try" button. The first step is creating a new notebook and renaming it (e.g., "YouTube summaries"). The user interface consists of:

• Sources: Located on the left, where users upload and manage their information sources.
• Chat Area: The central area for interacting with the uploaded content.
• Content Tools: On the right, offering options to create notes, summaries, or generate an AI podcast.

Adding and Managing Sources

The video demonstrates how to add sources to Notebook LM. Users can connect to Google Drive, add links from websites or YouTube videos, or paste text directly. The video specifically shows how to add a YouTube video by copying the link and pasting it into the "YouTube" source option. Similarly, a blog post is added by copying and pasting its URL using the "Website" option. Each added source is listed with a tick mark indicating it's active for searching and content generation. The free plan allows up to 50 sources.

Interacting with Content

Once sources are added, users can ask questions related to the content. For example, the video asks, "How does chat GPT enhance various study methods?" Notebook LM provides answers based on the uploaded sources. The tool also provides reference points within the answer, linking back to the specific source and transcript location where the information was found. Clicking on key topics like "active recall" automatically pulls related information into the chat window.

Generating an AI Podcast with Deep Dive Conversation Tool

The video showcases the "Deep dive conversation tool" for generating an AI podcast. Users can customize the AI host to focus on specific areas, such as "chat GPT prompts for productivity." The tool can also be set to be more educational. After customization (or leaving it blank), clicking "Generate" creates the AI podcast. Other options include generating an FAQ, a briefing document, or a timeline. The video shows an FAQ being generated, with questions like "What's chat GPT and what can it do?"

Notebook LM Plus Features

The video briefly discusses Notebook LM Plus, accessible through Google Workspace as part of the Gemini for Business tier (approximately $20 per user per month). Notebook LM Plus includes:

• Gemini 2.0 integration.
• Increased space for audio overviews, notes, and queries.
• Customizable response styles and lengths with custom prompts.
• Team-based shared folders for notes.
• Additional privacy and security settings.

Interactive Audio Mode and Podcast Demonstration

The generated podcast takes about 60-90 seconds to create a 21-minute audio file. Users can share, alter playback speed, or download the podcast. The video highlights the "interactive audio mode," where users can join the conversation. By clicking "Join," the user can participate in the podcast. The video demonstrates this by asking the AI hosts about favorite chat GPT prompts. The AI responds conversationally, discussing prompts for enhancing images and improving productivity. The user can download these interactive conversations.

Conclusion

Notebook LM is presented as a powerful tool for learning and content creation by consolidating fragmented information and offering interactive features like AI podcast generation. The interactive audio mode is highlighted as a unique way to engage with information. The video recommends trying Notebook LM, especially since the basic version is free.