NotebookLM, an experimental AI tool by Google, has gained widespread attention for its innovative features, particularly its ability to transform notes into podcasts. Through its “Audio Overview” or “Deep Dive Conversation” feature, NotebookLM simplifies content creation, offering a user-friendly interface and AI-driven insights to enhance the podcasting experience.
However, as of November 2024, NotebookLM’s podcasting functionality is still in its early stages of development. While it provides significant advantages, it also comes with several limitations that may impact creators seeking advanced tools for professional podcast production. Below is a detailed analysis of its advantages and limitations.
Advantages of NotebookLM Podcasts
- External Knowledge Integration in Audio Summaries: NotebookLM incorporates external knowledge contextually within its podcast feature, enriching content while preserving the accuracy of the original notes. This capability is highlighted in Google’s experimental tools guide.
- No Contamination of Source: Generated content remains true to the original documents, ensuring accuracy and avoiding unintended alterations. This aligns with Google’s commitment to AI reliability, as discussed in its AI principles.
- Human-Like Delivery: The tool employs advanced text-to-speech technology to create synthesised voices that sound natural and engaging, enhancing listener connection. This feature is a result of advancements outlined in Google AI’s updates.
- Ease of Use: NotebookLM offers an intuitive interface that simplifies podcast creation, making it accessible to users with minimal technical expertise.
- Automated Script Generation: By automating script creation, NotebookLM streamlines the process for users, enabling faster organisation of ideas. This feature is part of Google’s AI toolkit, as outlined in its developer resources.
- Quick Production: NotebookLM allows users to produce podcasts rapidly, making it ideal for creators working on tight deadlines.
- AI-Driven Insights: The tool leverages AI to summarise notes and generate actionable insights, helping users create concise and engaging podcast content. More information on this is available in Google AI’s toolkit.
Current Limitations
- Length Limit:NotebookLM Podcasts are generally capped at 30 minutes, which may restrict creators from producing detailed and comprehensive episodes. While various users report the limitation as being anywhere from 3 to 15 minutes, the author has successfully created several podcasts approaching the 30-minute mark.
- Limited Voice Options: Currently, only two synthesised voices (male and female) are available, and no preview feature is provided, limiting personalisation.
- No Custom Voices: Users cannot upload their own voice recordings or select third-party voices, reducing flexibility for branded or unique content.
- Restricted Script Control: The automated script generator offers minimal control for fine-tuning or adding creative nuances, which may hinder storytelling.
- Basic Editing Tools: NotebookLM lacks advanced audio editing options, such as adjusting intonation, pacing, or post-production refinements.
- Language Support: The tool supports English only, preventing access for non-English speakers and those targeting multilingual audiences.
- No Background Music or Sound Effects: The absence of integrated background music and sound effects limits creative possibilities for enhancing podcasts.
- Monetisation Constraints: NotebookLM does not allow the insertion of advertisements or sponsorships into podcasts, restricting revenue opportunities.
- No Collaborative Editing: The tool does not support real-time collaboration, which could be a drawback for teams working on joint projects.
- No Visual Podcasting Options: NotebookLM does not provide support for video-enhanced podcasts, a popular format on platforms like YouTube.
- Limited Integration with External Tools: The lack of integration with podcast hosting platforms or external audio editing software requires additional manual steps.
These limitations reflect NotebookLM’s experimental status. Improvements in future iterations are expected to address these gaps, providing greater flexibility and enhanced functionality for creators.