Let’s learn faster with AI! These days, technology and markets move so fast that we’re all perpetual students. If you feel the same, or are an actual student, then you’re in for a treat.
What if you could get up to speed on a new topic without slogging through endless articles and PDFs? Meet NotebookLM by Google, an AI-powered research assistant that synthesizes information from trusted sources and generates customized content, including summaries, FAQs, briefing documents, study guides, and even audio podcasts. Yes, you can create your own podcasts on topics that matter to you and listen whenever you like.
If you have a Google account, you probably have access. Click this link to try NotebookLM. If not, your Google Workspace account may not have rolled it out yet.
Let’s dive in.
Step 1: Creating a New Notebook
Click the blue button to create a new notebook. Unlike ChatGPT, which pulls from a broad range of sources, NotebookLM requires you to select your own trusted materials. This approach cuts down on misinformation and ensures that the content is grounded in reliable sources.
Step 2: Adding Trusted Sources
NotebookLM allows you to upload different types of sources. For this walkthrough, I’m adding several different types of information so you can see what is possible. I added:
- PDFs: Scholarly documents
- Websites: Relevant articles and research findings
- YouTube Videos: Authoritative video content
Here are links to the exact materials I added in the video, in case you want to follow along:
Upload these PDFs:
- Artificial Intelligence Text Processing Using Retrieval Augmented Generation
- Developing Concepts of Operations Using Multi Step Tool Techniques with Large Language Models
- Introduction to Vector Databases for Generative AI Applications – Performance Future Projections and Cost Considerations
Add This Website URL:
Add this YouTube URL:
Once uploaded, NotebookLM makes these materials searchable and analyzable.
Step 3: Asking Questions & Generating Summaries
Now that your sources are in place, you can ask questions related to your topic. NotebookLM scans your documents and provides relevant answers, summarizing key insights. For example, if I ask “What are vector databases used for?”, it extracts and presents key points from my sources. You can also use the Studio section to generate custom study guides, briefing documents, FAQs, and even timelines.
Step 4: Generating Custom Podcasts With AI
One of NotebookLM’s standout features is its ability to generate a custom podcast based on your documents. If you’d rather listen than read, this feature converts key takeaways into an audio format. The voices sound natural, and because the content is tailored to your needs—without ads—it’s an efficient tool for audio learners.
Step 5: Reviewing and Refining Information
After generating insights, you can refine them further by asking follow-up questions, checking citations, or requesting deeper explanations. This ensures that you not only get quick summaries but also develop a thorough understanding of the topic.
What NotebookLM Generated For Me
Here’s the 5 files I got from NotebookLM based on my research. Watch the video above if you want more details about these files, and tips on how to get the best output:
- Podcast: LLMs for Multi-Step Concept of Operations Development
- Briefing Document: Vector Databases and AI Applications
- FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Vector Databases and Generative AI
- Study Guide: Vector Databases and Retrieval Augmented Generation
- Timeline: Detailed Timeline of Main Events
Why Use NotebookLM?
- Efficient Learning: Saves time by summarizing complex topics.
- Accurate Sources: Reduces misinformation by using only the materials you provide.
- Versatile Output: Offers both text-based insights and audio summaries.
- Customizable: Tailor the research process to your specific needs.
Final Thoughts
NotebookLM is a super helpful tool for anyone looking to streamline their research and learning process. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or professional, it helps you organize, analyze, and absorb information efficiently. Give it a try and discover a smarter way to learn!
