Set Length for NotebookLM Audio Overviews: Customize Your Listening Experience

Set Length for NotebookLM Audio Overviews: Customize Your Listening Experience

Get just the right amount of insight from NotebookLM's audio summaries—now customizable to fit your time and attention.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 31, 2025

Ever wish AI could explain something just long enough—not too much, not too little?

Here's a Cool Tip: Set the Audio Overview Length in NotebookLM.

Google has quietly introduced a highly practical feature for users of its AI-powered note summarization platform: you can now set the length of audio overviews to better match your needs, whether you're multitasking or deep diving into research.

This feature gives you more control over your listening experience, so you don’t have to choose between speed and substance.

Set Length for NotebookLM Audio Overviews

What Is This Feature and Why It Matters

NotebookLM’s Audio Overview feature turns long documents and complex notes into spoken summaries you can listen to—hands-free.

Previously, the summaries were generated at a fixed length. Now, you can customize how much detail you want:

Shorter (a quick overview for fast skimming).
Default (a balanced summary with key points).
Longer (a comprehensive recap with depth).

This is a welcome productivity boost for busy professionals, students, and researchers who want actionable knowledge in less time.

What You’ll Gain

Save time with shorter summaries on the go.
Get deeper context when you need detail.
Stay productive while commuting, cooking, or exercising.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

NotebookLM (Web/Desktop Only):

Open a NotebookLM project or document at https://notebooklm.google.com/.
Click the Audio Overview icon (headphones symbol).
Select your preferred length: Short, Default, or Long.
Press Generate to create your Audio Overview.
NotebookLM generates the Audio Overview.
Press Play and listen.

Note: Currently, this feature is only available on the web. Mobile support may be added in future updates.

fig. 1 - Set the Length of NotebookLM Audio Overviews

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Gives users control over how much information they receive.
Perfect for busy moments when reading isn’t practical.
Great for auditory learners.

Cons:

No voice customization yet.
Currently web-only.
Audio quality may vary slightly depending on summary complexity.

Feature Access

This feature is available to all users with access to NotebookLM.

You’ll need a Google Account and access via the NotebookLM website.

Key Takeaways

Google’s update to NotebookLM allows users to set the duration of audio summaries—giving you greater flexibility in how you absorb information. It’s smart, simple, and saves time.

Try It Yourself

Head over to NotebookLM, open one of your notebooks, and test the Audio Overview feature.

Share your thoughts in the comments or forward this tip to someone who needs smarter summaries.

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.OneCoolTip.com where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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Saturday, May 31, 2025

Set Length for NotebookLM Audio Overviews: Customize Your Listening Experience

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