How to Use NotebookLM’s Video Overview: A Guide to Watch, Edit, and Share

NotebookLM’s Video Overview: How to Use – step-by-step tutorial updated August 2025. Watch, edit, and share AI-made video summaries in minutes.

Google quietly shipped NotebookLM’s Video Overview this week as a follow-up to the viral Audio Overview. Instead of a podcast, the tool now turns Docs, Slides, and PDFs into bite-sized videos complete with captions, visuals, and a friendly AI narrator. Curious how it actually works? Below is a straight-to-the-point walkthrough—no fluff, all fresh as of August 26, 2025.

What Is Video Overview?

Video Overview is a one-click feature inside NotebookLM that auto-creates a 60–90 second video summary of any source you upload. Think of it as a “TikTok for your homework.” The AI selects key points, pairs them with simple on-screen graphics, and adds an upbeat voice-over. Perfect for quick briefings, classroom explainers, or social snippets.

Who Can Use It Right Now?

Users 18 + in 120 countries where NotebookLM is live.
Chrome, Edge, Safari desktop; mobile is rolling out in September 2025.
Google Workspace accounts (Edu, Business) need admin opt-in.

Step-by-Step: Create Your First Video Overview

1. Open NotebookLM

Head to https://notebooklm.google.com and sign in with a Google account.

2. Start a New Notebook

Click “New Notebook” → “Upload”. Drop in up to 10 files (Docs, PDFs, Slides, or YouTube links). A 20-page paper or a 10-slide deck works best; anything over 50 MB slows processing.

3. Switch to “Video Overview”

In the right-side panel, click the “Studio” dropdown → choose “Video Overview.” Two style options appear:

Minimal: Plain text + gentle zooms. Great for corporate decks.
Dynamic: Color blocks + stock footage. Ideal for social posts.
Select 30, 60, or 90 seconds. Voice choices: “Alex (US),” “Mia (UK),” or “Kenji (JP).” Tip: shorter clips render faster and rank higher on Reels.
Processing takes 30–90 seconds. A preview appears with auto-captions and a timeline slider.

Edit Like a Pro (No Timeline Needed)

Hover over the preview and click “Edit.” A simple side panel lets you:

Swap images: drag-and-drop from Unsplash or upload your own.
Rewrite lines: click any caption, type a shorter phrase.
Change pacing: choose Relaxed, Standard, or Snappy.

Every tweak auto-renders in real time; no export step required.

Official Edit Guide (Google Support)

Share & Download Options

Once satisfied, click “Share.”

Link: Anyone with the URL can watch; no sign-in needed.
Download: MP4 in 1080p, under 10 MB.
Embed: Copy-paste iframe code for Google Sites or WordPress.

Tip: turn on “Require Google sign-in” if the source file is confidential.

Real Classroom Example

A high-school history teacher uploads a 12-page PDF on the Cold War. She chooses 60-second Dynamic style with “Alex” voice. The AI highlights five key events, pairs each with archival footage, and ends with a quiz prompt. Students watch on their phones before class; discussion time jumps from 5 to 15 minutes.

Common Pitfalls & Quick Fixes

Problem	Fix
Video stuck at 0 %	Check file size; compress PDFs over 20 MB.
Captions mispronounce names	Click caption → phonetic spelling.
Download button grayed out	Enable “Allow downloads” in share settings.

Keyboard Shortcuts (Desktop)

Spacebar: Play / Pause
S: Save draft
E: Open edit panel

Upcoming Features to Watch

Google confirmed three updates for September 2025:

Mobile quick-create: record voice memos and auto-sync visuals.
Brand kit upload: drop in logos, colors, fonts.
Live captions in 12 languages.

Ready to Try?

Pick a short document, choose 30 seconds, and hit create. Post the link in the comments and let others guess the topic in one sentence—fast feedback beats guessing alone.

Launch NotebookLM Now

What’s your experience with Video Overview so far—love it, hate it, or still loading? Drop a note below!