NotebookLM has plenty of features that are worth trying out, from its handy Slide Decks that do more than you expect, to its powerful custom reports that create content in a variety of formats.

However, creating explainers through Video Overviews is one of my favorite things to do on the platform. While it's one of the 'lazy' ways to explore my sources, it's also the best way to break down complex topics and sources into an easily digestible format.

NotebookLM allows you to create explainer videos from quality sources

You can customize what you want it to focus on

When it comes to exploring topics with video explainers, browsing YouTube is the thing that most people do. But for me, this doesn't always work so well.

Finding authoritative sources is the first difficulty. But even if you find an expert, they don't necessarily discuss the topic in a way that suits your needs. For example, when looking for videos on chronic migraines, the videos available were either outdated or didn't discuss the aspects of the topic that I wanted to be explained.

However, with Video Overviews in NotebookLM, you can create your own explainer videos that use authoritative sources and discuss exactly which points you want covered. So that's what I did. My first explainer video was on chronic migraines, how they differ from episodic migraines, and the treatments that are available. The video wasn't actually for me, but for family members that didn't understand the condition.

It created a way for me to turn a complex topic into something that is easily digestible for people who aren't immersed in the research.

Cinematic Video Overviews add a new dimension to explainers

They elevate NotebookLM's videos

Video Overviews have been criticized as narrated slideshows, which is a fair observation for particularly text-heavy explainers. Cinematic overviews fixed this problem by creating videos that were more immersive thanks to the addition of animations.

Rather than simply selecting an explainer or brief video and its visual style, users can select the Cinematic option. However, it is currently limited to paid plans like Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra. When I still had an active Pro plan, I used the cinematic option to create explainer videos, and it quickly became one of my favorite NotebookLM features.

Since you can customize the points these videos cover, you can still generate explainer videos. However, they will feature a more fluid style than the default explainer videos. While not as engaging as a professionally produced, original videos, they're great for creating interesting explainers quickly. The benefit is the ability to create niche content that specifically suits what you want to explore.

I've created explainer videos on a variety of topics

It helps me explore dense topics quickly

I'll add the caveat that it's always important to do your own research and not outsource all your learning to AI. But when it comes to quickly exploring dense topics using reputable sources, NotebookLM's explainer videos are incredibly useful. I still use YouTube for casual topics like Pokémon Go or seeing the latest features of AI tools. But for research-heavy topics that aren't just for entertainment, I turn to NotebookLM.

Since creating my first Video Overview, I've used the feature multiple times — both for myself and others. Recently, I generated an explainer on the important things to note when caring for a cat with Stage 2 chronic kidney disease. I have done extensive reading on the topic, and don't skip out on vet appointments or discussions, but the video and slides I generated help refresh my knowledge and approach the topic from new angles to see if I may have missed anything.

I also generated an explainer on the basics of PC building and what concepts are fundamental. It helps me break down a vast topic into manageable chunks and gives me jumping-off points for further research.

Out of curiosity, I also generated a video explainer for the loved ones of people with fibromyalgia to see what NotebookLM could do. I was surprised by just how well it was able to explain the experience of someone living with the disorder. While it used the occasional medical term, it focused on casual language that made the topic much more accessible. I also created a general explainer on the topic, just to see if there's anything I had missed in my own research.

NotebookLM's Video Overviews make any topic accessible

The best NotebookLM tool to use for a task will depend on what you want to accomplish. Slide Decks are great for visual guides and summaries, infographics are good for bite-sized information, and quizzes help test your knowledge.

Video Overviews are great when it comes to creating engaging explainers on a topic that cater to the specific angle and questions you want to address. I prefer them to Audio Overviews, because the single narrator feels more immersive than a podcast format. And since you choose your sources, you can ensure that they include high-quality information rather than vague assertions.