How to Use NotebookLM (2025 Guide): Create Notebooks, Videos, Podcasts & Mind Maps
Learn how to get started with Google’s NotebookLM. Step-by-step guide on creating your first notebook, generating videos & podcasts, building mind maps, and turning books or Reddit threads into interactive AI learning experiences.
NotebookLM is Google’s experimental AI research assistant designed to transform the way you work with knowledge. Whether you want to study books faster, analyze online discussions, or create interactive educational content, NotebookLM makes it possible. This guide walks you through the essentials — from creating your first notebook to building advanced AI advisors.
Step 1: Create Your First Notebook
When you first open NotebookLM, you’ll see an option to start a new notebook. You can add sources in several ways:
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Upload files: PDFs, Word docs, or notes.
Google Workspace integration: Pull from Docs and Drive.