Google’s NotebookLM is experimenting with a feature that could make learning feel a lot more like attending a real lecture. A new lecture mode can convert your uploaded notes, documents and sources into long, spoken lectures (via the Test Catalog).
This allows NotebookLM to read the material out loud instead of just summarizing it on the screen. Instead of the shorter audio overviews that users are already familiar with, this new mode is designed to produce a single, ongoing lecture delivered by an AI narrator.
When combined with the Long Length option, the lecture can last up to 30 minutes, mimicking the flow of a real class rather than just a quick summary. The idea is to calmly explain concepts and link ideas from your sources to make it easier to absorb dense material without having to actively read everything.
Turn research into spoken lessons
The Lecture option appears alongside existing audio overview formats such as Letter, Deep Dive, Critique, and Debate. The workflow remains familiar. You select your sources, choose “lecture” as the format, set a length and then generate the audio.
NotebookLM recently announced new narration voices, including British English accents, planned for 2026, with early Easter eggs appearing in featured notebooks.
A language selector was also discovered in an APK teardown, suggesting that users may eventually be able to select the language of the lecture.
Google hasn’t confirmed when Lecture Mode will launch publicly, which languages will be supported, or whether availability depends on region or account level.
Once introduced, this mode will be useful for students, researchers, and professionals who want to review large amounts of information hands-free. It could help them prepare for exams, get up to speed before meetings, or listen to internal documents while commuting.
While Lecture Mode is still in testing, it shows Google’s growing interest in turning NotebookLM into a more passive learning tool.
The company has already expanded its capabilities by allowing you to ask Gemini questions directly on your NotebookLM notes and making it easier to export content to Docs and Sheets. With the addition of flashcards and quizzes, NotebookLM is starting to feel more like a full-fledged study companion and not just a research assistant.
