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.
History
NotebookLM was initially launched in 2023 as "Project Tailwind".
The team building the product includes popular science author Steven Johnson and product manager Raiza Martin.
In mid-October 2024, Google removed the "experimental" status/badge for the software.
In December 2024, Google launched the paid version of NotebookLM, called NotebookLM Plus, to enterprises and paid Gemini subscribers.
On February 10, 2025, Google expanded NotebookLM Plus to individual users through the Google One AI Premium subscription plan. This expansion followed its initial release nearly two months earlier, when it was made available to enterprises via Google Cloud and Google Workspace. Initially offered on a limited basis, NotebookLM Plus now provides enhanced features designed to improve research and organization.
Usage
NotebookLM can generate summaries, explanations, and answers based on content uploaded by users. It also includes "Audio Overviews," which summarize documents in a conversational, podcast-like format.
In addition to text files, NotebookLM can process PDFs, Google Docs, websites, and Google Slides.
The "Audio Overviews" feature, released in September 2024, gained media attention for its ability to condense complex documents into podcast-style audio files.
Adoption
Google describes NotebookLM as a "virtual research assistant".
The 2024 Spotify Wrapped used this feature to generate podcast-style personalized overviews of individual listening habits.
Initially intended for researchers, NotebookLM has also been adopted by companies and students.
References
External links
- Official website
- "How NotebookLM Was Made" episode of the Latent Space podcast
