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2026 update: Google has renamed NotebookLM to Gemini Notebook. It's the same source-based research tool, with a new name and a more advanced version. In this guide I also use the name NotebookLM, which many people still know and search for.

What would you like to know about NotebookLM?

The app, now called Gemini Notebook, is Google's AI-based research and learning assistant that works with the sources you choose. Instead of relying on general information from the web, it lets you work with documents, articles, websites, videos, images, recordings and learning materials you've uploaded, ask questions about them and get answers grounded in those sources. From the same materials you can produce summaries, lesson plans, presentations, audio overviews and more learning materials — in many languages.

7 practical uses of NotebookLM for teachers

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3 practical guides to using NotebookLM

Video tutorials: NotebookLM step by step

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Blog posts with more on using NotebookLM creatively

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NotebookLM workshop for teachers and education teams

What are NotebookLM's main advantages and features?
 

1. Answers grounded in your own sources

   Gemini Notebook relies on the sources you add to the notebook and shows citations that let you go back to the source and check the answer. With a Gemini Notebook Pro account you can currently add up to 300 sources to a single notebook. Limits vary between account types and are updated from time to time.

2. Connection to the Google ecosystem

   Notebooks now also integrate with Gemini and sync across services. You can also add a notebook as a knowledge source for a custom Gem, so the Gem can draw on the library of sources you've built.

3. More efficient learning and work with many sources

   Instead of going through dozens of documents by hand, you can ask questions, compare sources, find key ideas and create new outputs from them. Turning materials into an audio overview lets you keep learning and listening while driving, walking or doing something else.

4. The same content in several formats

   Gemini Notebook can produce text, audio and visual outputs from your sources — including audio overviews, mind maps, infographics, presentations, quizzes and flashcards. That way you can choose the format that fits the learning goal and the activity.
    

New features now rolling out
 

1. Recording talks and ideas directly into the notebook

   Google has begun rolling out the ability to record talks, explanations or thoughts directly from the Gemini Notebook app, so the recording becomes one of the notebook's sources and you can keep working with it.

2. Interactive learning reports

   Google is gradually rolling out Interactive Learning Overviews in the reports area. They combine summaries with other outputs from the notebook, such as infographics, quizzes and flashcards, in a single learning experience.

3. Voice conversations with the notebook

   Soon you'll be able to hold a real-time voice conversation with the notebook in the app, ask questions about the sources, get explanations and continue the conversation out loud. Google cites support for almost 100 languages; the rollout has started for Ultra subscribers and is expected to expand gradually to more users.