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What is NotebookLM?
NotebookLM is a Google tool that lets you upload your own documents and ask an AI questions about them.
- Category Agents & tools
- Updated 20 Oct 2026
NotebookLM, explained simply
NotebookLM is an AI notebook from Google. You add your own sources, like PDFs, notes or web pages. Then you chat with an AI that answers from them.
It matters because the answers come from your material, not the open internet. It also shows where each answer came from.
For example, you could upload a class reading list and ask for a study guide.
It can still make mistakes, so check the cited parts.
On ITG Now, our daily AI news covers NotebookLM updates, and our free tool guides show similar tools you can run yourself.
Related terms
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Where you'll see it on ITG Now
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Questions people ask about NotebookLM
Is NotebookLM free?
Google has offered a free version with limits and paid options. Check Google's site for current details.
NotebookLM vs ChatGPT: what is the difference?
NotebookLM answers mainly from the sources you upload. ChatGPT is a general chatbot that draws on its training.
Is my data safe in NotebookLM?
Read Google's privacy page for how uploads are used. Don't upload anything you can't share.