How to use NotebookLM to create instructional videos

How to use NotebookLM to create instructional videos

If you want to create quick tutorial videos using AI, NotebookLM is the perfect choice. Below are step-by-step instructions for creating video tutorials from text using NotebookLM.

Table of Contents

What is Google NotebookLM?

Most people use AI to search the web or generate general text. But NotebookLM is different: It only knows what you give it.

You upload your “source”—it could be a book you wrote, a PDF, an article, or a presentation. The AI will then “rely on” that specific data. It doesn’t pull random information from the internet; it takes information from the unique perspective and research uploaded.

If you have a library of content and need to convert it into videos or presentations instantly, NotebookLM is the perfect choice.

Why should you use NotebookLM to create instructional videos?

NotebookLM considers context as the most important factor.
The application also creates impressive presentations, infographics and podcasts.
Because it relies on your source material, it accurately cites the original source of the ideas. You can click on a thesis and see exactly which pages in your document support that thesis.

The Video Overviews feature in NotebookLM is not designed to replace professional video editors like Premiere Pro or Canva video templates. Instead, it’s designed to summarize and visualize ideas automatically — think of it like a narrated slideshow.

Specifically, the video overview on NotebookLM is:

A quick video summary, generated by AI, of your notes or documents.
Designed to help viewers grasp key points quickly.
Great for internal training, customer updates, or explainer content.

Video overview on NotebookLM is not:

Not a fully cinematic video.
You can’t add background music, custom animations, or transitions yet.
The voiceover is generated by AI, so the tone and pacing are limited by what NotebookLM provides.

Advantage

✅ Speed: Create tutorial videos in just minutes.

✅ Clear: Keep your message concise and structured.

✅ Easy to access: Perfect for customers or team members who prefer to watch rather than read.

✅ Integration: Seamless connection with other Google tools.

Disadvantages

❌ Limited customization capabilities: You cannot edit images in depth.

❌ Limitations of AI voice: Lack of emotion and spontaneity.

❌ Depends on input quality: The better your notes, the better the quality of the video.

NotebookLM’s Video Overviews are best used in:

Internal training videos for new employees.
Brief explanation video for customers.
Summarize long reports for busy managers.
Short educational videos for social media or YouTube.

How to create videos with NotebookLM

Step 1: Go to notebooklm.google and sign in with your Google account.

Step 2: Create a new notebook or open an existing notebook.

Create a new notebook

Step 3: Upload your content: Add a PDF, Google Docs, or pasted text. For this example, Download.com.vn chooses to upload the web link.

Download the video creation web link from NotebookLM

Step 4: After summarizing the content, click “Video Overview”.

Create an overview video from NotebookLM

Preview and download AI-generated slideshows with narration. This is the product in the example.

(Optional) Use tools like Canva or CapCut to add music, transitions, or branding before publishing.

Note, NotebookLM currently only supports creating videos in English. Therefore, whether the file download version or the Vietnamese source web link. The application will automatically switch to English.