Google NotebookLM introduces “Lecture Mode” for 30-minute AI learning
Google Notebook LM has introduced a new lecture mode, enabling users to generate 30-minute audio overviews from uploaded content.
The feature provides a single-voice, continuous audio explanation of a topic, structured as a class session. Users can select lecture lengths, including a “Long” option that runs for approximately 30 minutes. This development follows previous updates, including digital podcast hosts and conversational AI capabilities within Notebook LM.
Arthur K. at Ghacks said the lecture format is “designed to generate a single, continuous audio explanation of a topic, structured more like a class session than a summary.” Ghacks further noted users could choose lecture lengths with options labeled Short, Default, and Long, with a long lecture designed to run for roughly 30 minutes delivered by a single AI host.
Notebook LM plans to incorporate a British accent for the lecture delivery. This accent, combined with the lecture modality, aims to enhance passive learning and background consumption, facilitating the absorption of long documents, research material, or notes without active reading. It also reduces the need to manually break sources into smaller summaries.
Matt Horne at Android Authority said the key difference in these lectures compared to other Notebook LM audio overviews lies in their tone and structure. Horne added it is designed to calmly explain and connect ideas across sources rather than summarizing quickly or staging a back-and-forth, making it suitable for extended listening.