NotebookLM Adds Brief, Critique & Debate Audio Formats

NotebookLM Adds Brief, Critique & Debate Audio Overview Formats

Google’s NotebookLM, powered by Gemini AI, is becoming one of the most innovative research and study assistants available today. On Tuesday, Google announced three new Audio Overview formats—Brief, Critique, and Debate—that give users more flexibility and variety when summarizing their notes and sources.

Why Audio Overviews Matter

NotebookLM’s Audio Overviews feature has been a standout since its 2024 debut. It allows users to transform written notes and research sources into a podcast-style summary. Unlike traditional AI summarizers, NotebookLM only works with the documents you provide, making it a focused, context-aware study tool.

The feature quickly became a favorite for students, researchers, and professionals who wanted to digest complex information quickly—whether in the form of a podcast, study guide, or structured overview.

What’s New: Brief, Critique & Debate

Previously, Audio Overviews defaulted to a Deep Dive, offering a comprehensive summary of uploaded content. Now, users can select from three additional styles:

• Brief – a 1–2 minute, bite-sized summary, perfect for quick refreshers.
• Critique – a format that provides constructive feedback on your research or notes.
• Debate – a dialogue between two AI “hosts” who present opposing viewpoints, encouraging critical thinking.

These formats not only save time but also help learners explore new perspectives, turning NotebookLM into more than just a summarization tool.

Beyond Audio: Video Overviews

Google has also begun experimenting with Video Overviews, a logical next step after audio. This could soon make NotebookLM a multimodal learning hub, where users can consume knowledge in text, audio, or video—depending on their preferences.

Why It Matters for Learning

• Students can get feedback (Critique) on their essays or projects.
• Researchers can hear different sides of an argument (Debate).
• Busy professionals can rely on Brief summaries before meetings.

By giving users multiple ways to engage with their material, NotebookLM is positioning itself as one of Google’s most practical AI tools for 2025.