Google has introduced a new customization tool for the popular AI podcasts feature within its NotebookLM software. Early access provided an opportunity to test this feature using Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” as the source material, spending several hours creating podcasts about the renowned novella—some of which became quite unconventional.
NotebookLM, released by Google Labs in 2023 as an experimental AI-focused writing tool, has witnessed renewed interest from users since early September. This surge in popularity followed the addition of a feature allowing users to generate podcast-like conversations between two AI voices, characterized as one male-sounding and one female-sounding, from uploaded documents. These audio “deep dives” are intended for studying and productivity, though many viral clips online have highlighted their entertainment value, particularly when robot hosts discuss eccentric or deeply personal documents such as LinkedIn profiles.
Raiza Martin, head of the NotebookLM team at Google Labs, expressed enthusiasm about giving users greater control over the content of these synthetic podcasts. Martin stated, “It’s the number one feature we’ve heard people request. They want to provide a little bit of feedback on what the deep dive focuses on.” This represents the first of many forthcoming updates.
Approaching the first anniversary of its full launch, NotebookLM is set to shed its “experimental” label, indicating that the software is not on the path to joining the list of abandoned Google projects, at least for the time being. According to Martin, this change follows the team’s achievement of internal milestones regarding quality, user retention, and interface standards. Users can now expect improved stability from the software.
To create an AI podcast using NotebookLM, users should visit the Google Labs website and initiate a New Notebook. Source documents, which can range from files on a computer to YouTube links, can then be added for audio generation.
Upon clicking the Notebook guide, users will now see options to generate a deep dive and customize it beforehand. By selecting Customize, users can add prompts to shape how the AI podcast unfolds. It is suggested that users consider which parts of the sources should be emphasized, any larger topics they want to explore, or the specific audience they intend to target.
Martin advises trying the new feature by first generating the Audio Overview without adjustments and noting any questions or topics for further exploration while listening. These notes can then guide users in creating prompts for NotebookLM to tailor the AI podcast more closely to their interests.
In a trial run, an 80-page file of Kafka’s existential work was uploaded—where the protagonist discovers he has transformed into a giant insect—to examine how customization might benefit NotebookLM users. The initial Audio Overview, generated without customization prompts, provided a comprehensive if somewhat general summary of the novella, alongside discussions of its central themes. It was adequate but not groundbreaking.
By adopting a perspective akin to a college English major, an initial prompt adjustment was made to focus more on the themes of alienation and overbearing bureaucracy found in the book. This customization led NotebookLM to effectively hone in on these motifs, producing a discussion reminiscent of college classroom dialogues. The output was slightly meandering yet entirely listenable.
