NotebookLM (Google NotebookLM) is a research and note-taking online tool developed by Google Labs that uses artificial intelligence (AI), specifically Google Gemini, to assist users in interacting with their documents. It can generate summaries, explanations, and answers based on content uploaded by users. It also includes "Audio Overviews", which summarizes documents in a conversational, podcast-like format.[1][2] The team building the product includes popular science author Steven Johnson and product manager Raiza Martin.[3][4]
NotebookLM was initially launched in 2023 as "Project Tailwind".[2][5] Google describes it as a "virtual research assistant".[6] In addition to text files, NotebookLM can process PDFs, Google Docs, websites, and Google Slides.[1] The "Audio Overviews" feature,[7] released in September 2024, gained media attention for its ability to condense complex documents into engaging podcasts.[6][8][9]
Initially intended for researchers, NotebookLM has also been adopted by companies and students.[1] In mid-October 2024, Google removed the "experimental" status/badge for the software.[10] In December 2024, Google launched the paid version of NotebookLM, called NotebookLM Plus, to paid Gemini subscribers.
