Google NotebookLM Upgraded to Support YouTube Videos and Audio Files as Sources

NotebookLM users can now add public YouTube URLs, and the AI platform can summarise key concepts.

Written by Akash Dutta, Edited by Siddharth Suvarna | Updated: 27 September 2024 12:44 IST

Google NotebookLM Upgraded to Support YouTube Videos and Audio Files as Sources

Photo Credit: Google

Audio Overviews in NotebookLM is also getting easier to share

Highlights

NotebookLM can also process audio files and transcribe them
The Google platform can also turn handwritten notes into study guides
Recently, the platform introduced the Audio Overviews feature

Google's NotebookLM, the artificial intelligence (AI) note-taking and research assistant platform, received a new update on Thursday. The update expanded the platform's functionality and now users can add a YouTube video or an audio file as a source, and ask the AI queries about it. The platform is also improving the shareability of Audio Overviews, a feature that debuted earlier this month. Further, users can now create study guides based on handwritten notes and lecture slides. These features are rolling out for all users.

NotebookLM Now Supports YouTube Videos, Audio Files

NotebookLM was introduced as a platform that uses AI to make note-taking and research easier for students, academicians, and journalists. The platform allows users to add different sources such as a PDF file, a Word document, a Google Doc, or simply copy-pasted blocks of text, and the AI will process it and summarise key points. It can also answer queries based on the added sources.

In a blog post, Google highlighted that the AI platform will now also accept YouTube videos and audio files as sources. Users can pick a public YouTube video (unlisted videos will not work) URL and add it as a source. Once done, NotebookLM will process the video and generate the major points discussed in it. A transcript of the video will also be generated and allow users to explore the topics further using inline citations. Users can watch the video for added context within the platform as well.

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Audio files are also supported as a source on the platform. NotebookLM can transcribe conversations and locate specific information when prompted. This is aimed at students who record their lectures to go through them later or journalists who record interviews to draft articles on them. However, this will also be useful for corporate professionals who want to remember the minutes of meetings.

Additionally, the platform also supports handwritten notes and lecture slides. These can be added to create dedicated study guides that goes through the topic in a systematic manner. Finally, Audio Overviews are also getting an upgrade. Once the audio is generated, users can now share it with others with a single tap. Notably, Google Workspace users cannot use this feature to share audio discussions.

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Further reading: Google, NotebookLM, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Internet

Akash Dutta Email Akash Dutta

Akash Dutta is a Senior Sub Editor at Gadgets 360. He is particularly interested in the social impact of technological developments and loves reading about emerging fields such as AI, metaverse, and fediverse. In his free time, he can be seen supporting his favourite football club - Chelsea, watching movies and anime, and sharing passionate opinions on food. More