NotebookLM’s Audio Overview is an innovative AI-powered feature that transforms uploaded documents, such as research papers, articles, or presentations, into engaging, podcast-style audio summaries. Rather than simply converting text to speech, it simulates a conversation between two AI hosts who discuss the main ideas and insights from the content. This approach makes learning feel more natural and interactive, much like listening to a real podcast. The generated audio can also be downloaded for offline listening, making it convenient for multitasking.
This feature is especially valuable for students, researchers, and professionals who want to engage with complex material in a more accessible and auditory-friendly format. It supports a range of content types, including text, images, and slides, and users can even interact with the AI hosts by asking follow-up questions. While still experimental and not always fully accurate or comprehensive, Audio Overview offers a fresh and engaging way to consume information, especially helpful for auditory learners or anyone looking for a supplement to course reading.
Course Application Example
In my Math 94 course, students are expected to review notes daily to prepare for class. However, much of this material can be dense, and many of my students are resistant to math or have high math anxiety. To support them, I uploaded the course notes into NotebookLM and generated a podcast for each set. These podcasts were then uploaded to MyMedia and embedded into Canvas.
Although listening to the audio summaries is optional, several students reported finding them helpful and engaging. One student even expressed appreciation for the inclusion of closed captions, which further enhanced accessibility.
This tool has potential across many subjects. For any class involving heavy reading, NotebookLM can serve as an excellent companion—not a replacement, but a supplementary means for students to interact with the material.
Currently supported content types from which to make podcasts include:
- Google Docs
- Google Slides
- PDFs, Text, and Markdown files
- Web URLs
- Copy-pasted text
- YouTube URLs of public videos
- Audio files
Written by:
Ed Price, Teaching, Learning and Technology Consultant, Center for Advancing Student Learning; Teaching Faculty, Mathematical Sciences