How to Use Google’s NotebookLM as a Beginner in 2026

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Google’s NotebookLM is an AI-driven tool crafted to improve your note-taking and research processes. It helps you organize, summarize, and interact with your documents more effectively.

How to Use NotebookLM for Beginner in 2026

By following this guide, you can begin leveraging its features to enhance your productivity and understanding of complex information.

Getting Started with NotebookLM in 2026
Exploring NotebookLM Features
Best Practices
Best 10 Tips for Using NotebookLM as a Beginner
Top 10 Benefits of Using NotebookLM by Google
How to Create a Podcast Using NotebookLM (Step-by-Step) in 2026
How to Use NotebookLM for Marketing
Conclusion

How to Get Started with NotebookLM in 2026

Access NotebookLM: Login in with your Google account by visiting notebooklm.google.com Ensure you’re in a supported region, as availability may vary.
Create a New Notebook: Click on the “New Notebook” button to start a fresh notebook for your project or topic.
Add Sources: Upload documents such as PDFs, Google Docs, websites, or YouTube videos. You can upload 50 sources with a total of 25 million words into NotebookLM. These sources form the basis for AI interactions.

Exploring NotebookLM Features

AI-Powered Chat: Engage in conversations with the AI to ask questions about your uploaded documents. The AI provides answers with citations linking back to the original content, helping you understand complex information.
Summarization: Request summaries of lengthy documents to grasp key points quickly. This feature is beneficial for reviewing large amounts of information efficiently.
Audio Overviews: Transform your documents into podcast-style audio summaries. This feature creates a conversational overview of your content, making it easier to digest information on the go.
Note Creation: Manually create and organize notes within your notebooks. You can also pin AI-generated responses that are particularly useful for future reference.

Best Practices

Regular Updates: Keep your sources updated to ensure the AI provides the most accurate and relevant information.
Verify AI Outputs: Always cross-reference AI-generated content with original sources to maintain accuracy, especially for critical information.
Explore Features: Take time to explore all features, including manual note-taking and audio overviews, to fully utilize the tool’s capabilities.

Best 10 Tips for Using NotebookLM as a Beginner in 2026

Below are the top 10 best tips of using NotebookLM.

1. Start Small

If you’re new to NotebookLM, it’s best to start with a manageable amount of content. Instead of uploading a large collection of documents all at once, begin with a few simple ones. For example, try uploading a single PDF or a short Google Doc that you’re already familiar with. This will give you a chance to explore how the tool processes information and answers your questions. Starting small helps reduce any potential overwhelm and allows you to learn the system’s capabilities gradually. As you gain confidence, you can move on to larger and more complex projects.

2. Organize Your Sources

One of NotebookLM’s strengths is its ability to manage and organize multiple documents. Take full advantage of this by creating separate notebooks for different topics or projects. For instance, if you’re a student, you could have one notebook for each course. If you’re a professional, you might create notebooks for specific clients or tasks. This organization keeps your documents tidy and makes it easier to find relevant information when needed. Well-organized sources also enhance the AI’s ability to provide accurate answers and summaries tailored to the context of your notebook.

3. Ask Simple Questions First

When interacting with the AI-powered chat feature, start with simple and direct questions about your documents. For example, if you uploaded a report on climate change, you could ask, “What are the key points in this document?” or “Can you explain the conclusion?” Once you’re comfortable, you can gradually increase the complexity of your queries, such as asking for comparisons, analyses, or recommendations. Starting with basic questions allows you to build a solid foundation for using the AI effectively.

4. Use Summarization Features

NotebookLM’s summarization feature is a game-changer for saving time. Instead of reading an entire document, you can ask the tool to summarize it for you. This is particularly helpful for lengthy reports, research papers, or meeting notes. For example, if you have a 20-page document, request a summary of the key takeaways, and you’ll get a concise overview. You can also ask for specific summaries, such as focusing on conclusions or methodologies. Using this feature ensures you grasp the main points quickly, making it easier to prioritize your next steps or dive deeper into specific sections.

5. Pin Important Notes

As you work on projects or research using NotebookLM, you’ll come across critical insights or responses from the AI. Make it a habit to pin these notes within your notebook. Pinned notes act as bookmarks for the most valuable pieces of information, saving you time when you need to revisit them later. For example, if the AI generates a particularly insightful summary or a useful answer, pin it immediately. This practice ensures that your key findings are always accessible and don’t get lost among other notes or content in the notebook.

6. Experiment with Audio Summaries

If you prefer learning through audio or want to absorb information on the go, NotebookLM’s audio summaries are perfect for you. This feature allows you to convert your documents into podcast-style audio overviews. It’s ideal for busy individuals who want to stay productive while commuting, exercising, or cooking. Upload a document, and then ask the AI to provide an audio summary. Listening to your content rather than reading it can also provide a fresh perspective and make the information more engaging. Try this feature to see how it fits into your workflow.

7. Collaborate with Peers

Collaboration is often the key to success, and NotebookLM makes it easy to work with others. You can share your notebooks with teammates, classmates, or friends to gather feedback or brainstorm ideas. For example, if you’re working on a group project, everyone can contribute their documents to a shared notebook and use the AI to answer collective questions. This feature is also useful for remote teams, as it enables seamless collaboration on research or planning tasks. By sharing and collaborating, you can leverage diverse perspectives and make your projects more comprehensive.

8. Regularly Update Sources

As time passes, the information in your documents may become outdated. To ensure that NotebookLM provides the most accurate and relevant responses, update your sources regularly. For instance, if you’re working on a market analysis, replace older reports with newer ones to reflect the latest trends. Keeping your sources current enhances the quality of AI-generated summaries and insights. It also ensures that your research or project remains credible and up-to-date. Make it a habit to review and refresh your uploaded documents periodically.

9. Explore AI Drafting

NotebookLM’s AI drafting feature is a great tool for creating outlines, initial drafts, or even brainstorming ideas. Upload your documents and ask the AI to generate a draft based on your sources. For example, if you’re writing a blog post, the AI can create an outline with key points derived from your materials. This not only saves time but also gives you a structured starting point. Use the drafts as a foundation, and then refine them with your personal touch. Experimenting with this feature can significantly boost your productivity.

10. Verify AI Outputs

While NotebookLM is a powerful tool, it’s essential to double-check the AI-generated outputs for accuracy. Always cross-reference the responses with your original documents, especially for critical tasks like academic papers or professional reports. The AI is trained to provide reliable information, but occasional errors or misinterpretations are possible. By verifying the outputs, you ensure that your work is accurate and credible. This practice also helps you build a deeper understanding of your content and ensures that the AI complements your efforts rather than replacing critical thinking.

Top 10 Benefits of Using NotebookLM by Google in 2026

Below are the top 10 benefits of using NotebookLM.

1. Effortless Document Summarization

One of the standout features of NotebookLM is its ability to summarize lengthy documents with ease. Instead of spending hours reading through reports, articles, or research papers, you can get a concise overview in seconds. This feature is particularly beneficial for students, researchers, and professionals who need to efficiently process large amounts of information. Summarized content highlights key takeaways, helping you focus on the most critical points without missing important details.

2. Enhanced Productivity

NotebookLM allows you to organize and manage your documents in one place, reducing the need to switch between multiple tools. With features like AI-powered chat, document linking, and note creation, your workflow becomes seamless and efficient. This all-in-one solution not only saves time but also boosts your productivity by keeping all relevant information accessible and searchable.

3. AI-Assisted Research

Researching complex topics becomes significantly easier with NotebookLM. The AI-powered chat feature lets you ask questions about your documents and receive detailed, citation-backed answers. For instance, if you’re analyzing a research paper, you can ask, “What are the methods used in this study?” and get an accurate response. This interactive approach makes understanding intricate materials less daunting and more engaging.

4. Personalized Insights

NotebookLM tailors its responses and insights based on the documents you upload. This personalized approach ensures that the information provided is highly relevant to your needs. Whether you’re working on a thesis, preparing for a presentation, or planning a project, the tool adapts to your specific context, making it a reliable virtual assistant.

5. Time-Saving Organization

Keeping track of multiple sources can be overwhelming, especially during extensive research. NotebookLM’s notebook system lets you categorize your documents by topic or project, keeping everything organized and easy to find. You can also pin essential notes or responses, ensuring that critical information is always at your fingertips.

6. Audio Summaries for Multitasking

For people who are always on the go, NotebookLM offers the ability to turn your documents into podcast-style audio summaries. If you are commuting, exercising, or doing household chores this feature allows you to absorb information. It’s a convenient way to stay productive without needing to sit in front of a screen.

7. Improved Collaboration

Sharing and collaborating on projects is simple with NotebookLM. Whether you’re working in a team or sharing notes with classmates, the tool allows multiple users to contribute to and access shared notebooks. This fosters better communication and ensures everyone is on the same page, enhancing the overall quality of your work.

8. Simplified Note-Taking

NotebookLM combines manual and AI-generated note-taking features, making it easy to capture important details. You can create your own notes or rely on the AI to generate summaries, answers, or outlines. This dual approach ensures that no critical information is overlooked, even in fast-paced projects.

9. Accessible Anytime, Anywhere

As a cloud-based tool, NotebookLM is accessible from any device with an internet connection. Your notes and documents are always available, whether you’re at home, in the office, or traveling. This accessibility makes it a reliable companion for both personal and professional use.

10. Supports Creative Workflow

NotebookLM is not just for research and academics—it also supports creative projects. Whether you’re drafting a book, preparing a presentation, or brainstorming ideas, the AI can provide outlines, suggestions, and insights based on your uploaded documents. It acts as a catalyst for creativity, helping you generate ideas and refine your work more effectively.

How to Create a Podcast Using NotebookLM (Step-by-Step) in 2026

One of the most useful features in NotebookLM is the Audio Overview option. It lets you turn your documents into a podcast-style conversation that sounds natural and easy to listen to. This is perfect if you want to learn on the go or repurpose content into audio.

Here’s how beginners can create a podcast using NotebookLM.

Step 1: Create a New Notebook

First, open NotebookLM and create a new notebook. This will be the workspace where all your content lives.

Step 2: Upload Your Source Content

Upload the content you want to turn into a podcast. This can be:

Blog posts
PDFs
Research papers
Notes or articles
Google Docs

The better and clearer your content, the better the audio output will be.

Step 3: Click on “Audio Overview”

Once your sources are uploaded, look for the Audio Overview option in the NotebookLM interface. This feature automatically creates a podcast-style discussion based only on your uploaded content.

NotebookLM does not pull information from the internet. It strictly uses your sources, which makes the audio accurate and focused.

Step 4: Generate the Podcast

Click generate, and NotebookLM will create an audio conversation where two AI voices discuss the key points from your documents.

The tone is usually friendly and easy to understand, making it ideal for beginners.

Step 5: Listen or Download

After the audio is generated, you can:

Listen directly inside NotebookLM
Download the audio file
Use it as a learning podcast
Repurpose it for content review or internal training

Best Use Cases for NotebookLM Podcasts

NotebookLM audio works well for:

Turning long blog posts into podcasts
Summarizing research papers
Learning from study material
Reviewing reports while multitasking

Beginner Tip

If the podcast feels too long or detailed, try uploading shorter documents or breaking your content into multiple notebooks. This gives you more focused and easier-to-consume audio.

NotebookLM makes podcast creation extremely simple. You don’t need recording equipment, editing skills, or hosting platforms. Just upload your content and let the tool do the work.

How to Use NotebookLM for Marketing

NotebookLM by Google is an advanced AI-powered tool that can help marketers streamline their work, improve productivity, and enhance their marketing strategies. Follow the below steps to use it effectively:

1. Organize Marketing Resources

NotebookLM allows you to store and organize all your marketing documents, such as campaign plans, brand guidelines, customer personas, and reports, in one place. You can create separate notebooks for different categories like campaigns, competitors, and audience research. This organization ensures that you can quickly access relevant data without wasting time searching through folders. It’s like having a personalized marketing library at your fingertips.

2. Conduct Market Research

Market research can be time-consuming, but NotebookLM makes it easier. Upload reports, competitor analyses, and industry whitepapers into the tool. It can summarize lengthy documents, highlight key points, and even identify trends. Instead of manually sifting through pages of data, let NotebookLM give you concise insights that can guide your decisions.

3. Create Marketing Campaigns

Whether you’re launching a new product or promoting a seasonal sale, NotebookLM can assist in crafting campaign ideas. Upload your marketing materials and ask the tool to help you brainstorm content. It can suggest campaign themes, write draft emails, or even propose engaging social media posts. This significantly reduces the time spent brainstorming and ensures that your content is aligned with your brand goals.

4. Generate Content Ideas

Content creation is central to marketing, and NotebookLM can spark fresh ideas. Whether you need blog topics, video concepts, or social media post ideas, the tool can analyze your existing materials to suggest creative directions. It also identifies gaps in your current content strategy, helping you stay relevant and appealing to your target audience.

5. Improve Audience Targeting

Understanding your audience is key to successful marketing. By uploading customer surveys, feedback, and demographic data, you can use NotebookLM to analyze and identify patterns. It helps you segment your audience based on their preferences, challenges, or buying behavior, enabling you to craft personalized campaigns that resonate with them.

6. Optimize SEO and Keywords

With NotebookLM, you can upload keyword research or SEO reports and extract actionable insights. The tool can highlight the most relevant keywords for your audience and suggest ways to integrate them into your content for better search engine rankings.

7. Monitor and Analyze Performance

Upload campaign metrics such as ROI, click-through rates, or engagement levels into NotebookLM. It can summarize the data and pinpoint areas of success or opportunities for improvement. This analysis helps you refine future campaigns and achieve better results.

8. Collaborate with Teams

Marketing often involves teamwork, and NotebookLM can make collaboration seamless. Share notebooks with your team to align on strategies or brainstorm ideas together. You can also use the AI to summarize complex documents for presentations or internal meetings, saving time and ensuring everyone is on the same page.

9. Manage Creative Assets

Marketing involves a variety of creative materials, including logos, design templates, and style guides. Store these assets in NotebookLM for quick and easy access. This ensures your campaigns are visually consistent and adhere to your brand guidelines. It’s particularly helpful when managing multiple campaigns simultaneously.

10. Stay Updated on Trends

The marketing landscape evolves rapidly, and staying informed is essential. Upload articles, newsletters, or reports about your industry into NotebookLM. It can summarize the content and provide insights into emerging trends. This enables you to adapt your strategies to stay competitive and relevant.

Top Benefits for Marketers Using Google’s NotebookLM

Saves Time: Automates tasks like research, summarization, and brainstorming.
Boosts Creativity: Helps generate fresh ideas for campaigns and content.
Improves Strategy: Provides insights from your marketing data and documents.
Streamlines Collaboration: Makes team projects more efficient and organized.

Conclusion

Using NotebookLM streamlines tasks, saves time, and provides powerful tools for learning, research, and creative pursuits, making it an indispensable tool for beginners and experts alike.

Sangeet Shiv

Sangeet Shiv is a B2B Marketing and Sales Operations professional with hands-on experience across strategy, execution, and marketing automation. He’s passionate about using AI and emerging tech to drive smarter marketing and scalable growth.