NotebookLM, Google's AI note-taking app, now offers the ability to summarize and analyze YouTube videos. This new feature leverages the text from a video's transcript, including autogenerated transcripts.
When you input a YouTube link into NotebookLM, it utilizes AI to generate a concise summary of key topics covered in the video. Users can explore these topics for more detailed information and can even ask questions related to them. If you're unsure what to inquire about, NotebookLM will suggest potential questions.
For instance, when I tested it with a tech media site's iPhone 16 Pro review, NotebookLM identified topics such as “Apple Intelligence,” “iPhone 16 Pro Camera,” and “Photo Processing.” Each topic is supported by citations that link directly to the relevant sections of the transcript. Additionally, you can create an Audio Overview—a podcast-style discussion hosted by AI—based on the content. I found this feature effective across most videos, although it did not work on those published within the last two days.
While both Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot can summarize YouTube videos, NotebookLM distinguishes itself by providing starting points for deeper exploration of topics. Moreover, Google has expanded NotebookLM's capabilities to include support for audio recordings, enabling users to search transcribed conversations for specific information and create study guides.