After much anticipation, NotebookLM has launched its mobile app. Initially scheduled for release on May 20th, Google surprised everyone by making it available a day early. You can download it now and start using it right away.
NotebookLM’s Mobile App Launches Ahead of Schedule
While the mobile app for NotebookLM was expected to debut on May 20th, Google decided to roll it out early. You can now find it on the Play Store without having to wait for the official date. The iOS version took a little longer, but it’s available on the App Store as well.
Download: NotebookLM for Android | iOS (Free)
All Web Features—Now in Your Pocket
The mobile app offers all the functionalities available in the web version. By logging in with your Google account, you’ll access your notebooks, each adorned with colorful emojis. Every note consists of three sections: Sources, Chat, and Studio.
You can upload sources in various formats, including PDF, text, Markdown, and even audio files. Linking to websites and YouTube videos is just as straightforward, or you can paste content directly. The app’s Discover Sources feature is also included, allowing you to type in a topic and let the app suggest relevant materials. Personally, I find this feature somewhat lacking—if I wanted an AI to sift through the internet, I’d just use ChatGPT.
The Studio section is where the real magic of NotebookLM happens. Here, you’ll find the Audio Overview feature, which offers a podcast-style summary of your notes to enhance your learning experience.
What’s New on Mobile?
There are only a couple of notable enhancements in the mobile version compared to the web version, both linked to the Audio Overview feature.
First, the app provides a dynamic, animated graphic while the audio plays—something the web version lacks, where visuals are rather bland. This is a nice addition for those who enjoy visual elements, but honestly, I’m usually multitasking or taking notes in Obsidian while I listen.
Another benefit is that you can delete Audio Overviews from the app before downloading. On the web, you’re required to download the entire audio file, which can be tedious if you realize halfway through that the overview doesn’t align with your needs. This small change significantly improves the mobile experience.
However, there’s a drawback: the Studio tab is quite limited. Other features like pre-structured prompts for Timeline, Briefing Document, and FAQ, along with NotebookLM’s Mind Maps—something I’m currently obsessed with—are missing from the mobile app.
So far, on mobile, it’s just Audio Overviews. Even if you’ve created Mind Maps, Timelines, or other templates on your desktop, they won’t show up in the app. This is a setback for users who rely on those features.
NotebookLM started as a small research project under Google. If you’re unfamiliar with it, it’s an AI assistant that works solely with the information you provide. At first glance, this might seem limiting. After all, what good is AI if it’s not all-knowing?
However, if you’ve ever used AI for studying, you understand its importance. AI inaccuracies are common, and sometimes I prefer answers derived from my professor’s notes rather than generic internet content. My grades depend on the material taught in my classes.
Creating mobile apps is now easier than ever, thanks to the rise of AI and no-code platforms, so it’s puzzling why Google took so long. Perhaps they wanted to ensure that the product would be worthwhile. Big Tech typically invests where they see sure returns. Nonetheless, the app has finally arrived, which means I can now enjoy Audio Overviews without hassle while driving.
NotebookLM, once just a niche project, is gaining the attention it deserves. Google finally delivered what users have been asking for, and they did it a little ahead of schedule. The release of the mobile app coincides with the upcoming Google I/O 2025 conference, where Google will undoubtedly highlight its advancements in AI.
