Yes — NotebookLM can summarize YouTube videos. Add the video as a source, then ask for a summary, key takeaways, or study notes in plain language. The fastest path is importing the URL in one click with NotebookTools, then chatting with your notebook.
Whether you are researching a lecture series, reviewing a podcast-style video, or pulling facts from a long explainer, NotebookLM turns YouTube content into something you can query alongside PDFs, articles, and notes — all in one notebook.
Step 1: Add the YouTube video to a notebook
Manual method (copy URL)
- Open NotebookLM and sign in.
- Create a new notebook or open an existing one.
- Click Add source and paste the YouTube watch URL.
- Wait for NotebookLM to process the video.
Faster method: NotebookTools (one click)
NotebookTools is a free Chrome extension built for this workflow:
- Install NotebookTools and keep NotebookLM signed in.
- Visit any YouTube watch page.
- Click the NotebookLM button on the page.
- Pick a notebook (or create one) — the video is added instantly.
No tab switching. No copy-paste. The video appears as a source ready to summarize.
Step 2: Ask NotebookLM to summarize the video
Once the source is loaded, open the notebook chat and try prompts like:
- “Summarize this video in 5 bullet points.”
- “What are the main arguments or claims?”
- “Create study notes I can review before an exam.”
- “List any tools, names, or dates mentioned.”
- “How does this video compare to my other sources?”
NotebookLM works best when you combine the video with other sources — articles, PDFs, or highlights you saved with right-click → Add to NotebookLM.
Why summarize YouTube videos in NotebookLM?
- Searchable knowledge — ask questions instead of re-watching.
- Cross-source synthesis — connect videos with papers and web pages.
- Study and research — turn long videos into outlines and flashcard-style notes.
- Free workflow — NotebookLM and NotebookTools are free to use.
Common issues
Video not importing? Make sure you are on a watch page (not just YouTube Home) and signed into NotebookLM in Chrome.
Summary feels shallow? Ask follow-up questions or combine the video with a transcript-style prompt: “Go deeper on section 2.”
FAQ
Can NotebookLM summarize any YouTube video?
Most public watch URLs work. Private or restricted videos may not.
Do I need NotebookTools?
No — pasting the URL in NotebookLM works. NotebookTools just removes friction.
Is NotebookTools affiliated with Google?
No. It is an independent extension that uses your existing NotebookLM session.