NotebookLM Now Converts Your Notes into Podcast-Style Audio
- What’s new: AI-generated audio from your notes
- How it works — 3 formats to choose from
- Top use cases: Work, learning & content creation
- How to try it — step-by-step
- Why this matters for productivity
What’s new: AI-generated audio from your notes
Google has added a powerful new feature to NotebookLM, its AI-powered research assistant: you can now convert your own content — including notes, documents, or PDFs — into natural-sounding podcast-style audio.
But this isn’t just any text-to-speech conversion. You choose the format of the audio: a brief summary, an expert-style critique, or even a dynamic debate between two AI voices. Each version brings a unique angle to your content, helping you process it more deeply and flexibly.
How it works — 3 formats to choose from
When you upload content into NotebookLM, you’re given the option to generate one of three audio types:
- 🎙️ Brief
A 1–2 minute summary that covers the key points and takeaways. Ideal when you're short on time but want to grasp the essence of a document quickly. - 🧠 Critique
NotebookLM takes on the role of an expert and provides an audio review of your content — pointing out strengths, weaknesses, or potential improvements. - ⚖️ Debate
Two AI personas “debate” opposing viewpoints within your document, highlighting pros and cons or contrasting perspectives. Surprisingly engaging and insightful for complex or controversial material.
The final result is a natural audio file you can listen to on the go. Whether it's a dense whitepaper or a few pages of lecture notes, NotebookLM makes it easier to absorb and engage with information — even when you're away from your desk.
Top use cases: Work, learning & content creation
This feature unlocks new possibilities for professionals, students, and creators alike. Here’s how different types of users can benefit:
- 📚 For students and researchers:
Turn academic articles, textbooks, or lecture notes into audio briefings for exam prep or revision. Use critique mode to hear alternative explanations or challenge your assumptions. - 🧑💼 For professionals:
Convert lengthy reports, whitepapers, or market analyses into digestible summaries to review during your commute. Use debate mode to hear multiple sides of a strategy before a meeting. - 🧠 For consultants and analysts:
Quickly test your documents by listening to an AI critique — get feedback on clarity, logic, or completeness without needing a human reviewer. - 🎙️ For content creators and writers:
Use AI-generated debates or critiques as part of your idea development process — then turn those insights into actual content for videos, blogs, or podcasts. - 📂 For team onboarding:
Create audio summaries of internal docs, playbooks, or process guides — helping new team members learn faster and more flexibly.
Instead of skimming or rereading, you can now listen to your own content like a podcast, making it perfect for multitasking or learning through audio.
How to try it — step-by-step
Getting started with NotebookLM’s audio feature is easy and doesn’t require any special setup. Here's how to go from static content to dynamic podcast-style audio in just a few clicks:
- Go to NotebookLM
Visit notebooklm.google.com and log in with your Google account. This is Google’s experimental research notebook powered by Gemini. - Create a new notebook
Click the “+ New notebook” button and give your notebook a relevant name, like “Q3 Strategy” or “Thesis Notes”. - Upload your content
Drag and drop PDFs, copy/paste text, or import Google Docs directly into the notebook. NotebookLM will automatically parse the document and create a structured interface. - Enable audio playback
After uploading, you'll now see an option labeled “Audio” next to your source or summary area. Click it to reveal the three audio modes: Brief, Critique, and Debate. - Choose your format
Select the audio style that fits your need — a quick summary, an expert critique, or a two-voice debate. NotebookLM will generate the audio in a few seconds. - Listen & reuse
Click play to listen inside the app, or download the file to listen on the go. You can even share the audio version with teammates or classmates.
Tip: You can create multiple audio versions for the same file. For example, generate a brief for quick understanding and a debate to challenge assumptions.
Why this matters for productivity
NotebookLM is redefining how we consume our own knowledge. AI-generated audio means your notes, research, and ideas are no longer limited to static documents. They're dynamic, portable, and personalized to how you work or learn best.
It’s not just a smart use of voice tech — it’s a shift toward more human, more flexible AI assistants that meet you where you are: in your car, on your walk, or between meetings. And as voice AI continues to evolve, this feature could easily become a staple for busy professionals and learners alike.