Google's NotebookLM can now transform YouTube videos into study guides - here's how

Google's NotebookLM, an AI-powered digital notebook, is broadening its horizons by allowing users to incorporate public YouTube URLs and audio files directly into their notebooks. This update enables users to create summaries of lectures, compare audio content, and convert both video and audio files in .mp3/.wav formats into handy study guides.

NotebookLM isn't just another note-taking app; it's a versatile tool that acts as a collaborator, data collector, and librarian all rolled into one. It helps users compile a comprehensive digital notebook filled with all their research, documents, and other collected materials.

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Just last week, NotebookLM introduced the Audio Overview feature, which lets users engage in conversational discussions about their notebook content with AI. This makes it easier for users to gather the information they need for writing papers, preparing presentations, or understanding complex subjects more deeply.

Google announced today that users can now share the audio notes they create using the Audio Overview feature through a public link. Once you've finished a note, simply tap Share, and NotebookLM will generate a URL for you to distribute to others. This sharing capability opens up opportunities for broader discussions and collaboration.

However, it's worth noting that NotebookLM is still in its experimental stages. Google has cautioned that the Audio Overview feature can take several minutes to process larger notebooks and may sometimes contain inaccuracies. Additionally, users can't interrupt the AI during these dialogues.

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Another current limitation is that the conversational feature is only available in English, which means it's not yet accessible to non-English speakers.

How to Share an Audio Overview

Here’s how you can start using NotebookLM's latest features:

1. Head over to the NotebookLM website or Google Labs and click on "Try NotebookLM." You'll need to sign in with your Google account to either create a new notebook or access an existing one.
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3. Use a public URL, like a YouTube link or an audio file, to generate an Audio Overview. Once it's ready, tap on Share to get a URL that you can share with others.