🔎 NotebookLM vs Perplexity: Which Research AI Wins?

Introduction

Research AI tools are everywhere, but Google’s NotebookLM is a little different. It’s not just another AI tool—this one is like having a research assistant who actually listens to you (imagine that!). Unlike Perplexity, which searches the web, NotebookLM lets you upload your own files and turns them into a personalized knowledge base. No fluff, no guessing—just smarter, tailored research.

NotebookLM is all about making your life easier, especially when it comes to content research. It keeps things clean by focusing on your sources, so you won’t end up chasing random tangents. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by AI that seems to have a mind of its own, this might be your new favorite tool.

1. What is NotebookLM?

NotebookLM is Google’s latest take on research AI, and it’s like having an assistant that actually knows what you need. It’s still in beta, but the potential is clear.

As a personalized knowledge base powered by AI, NotebookLM takes away the hassle of sorting through scattered files or notes. Here’s what it offers:

• Supports multiple file formats:

  • Google Docs

  • Google Slides

  • PDFs

  • Images

  • Audio files

    

• AI model: Powered by Genie 1.5 Pro, it processes all your uploads efficiently, adapting to a variety of formats.

Why NotebookLM Stands Out?

NotebookLM doesn’t leave you frustrated like some other AI tools. Here’s why:

• Personalized Knowledge: Upload your content, and it sticks to your specific sources. No more irrelevant info.

• Multi-format support: It handles documents, images, and audio files without breaking a sweat.

• AI Efficiency: With Genie 1.5 Pro, it works fast and delivers useful results.

For anyone looking for a research AI that organizes your content and sticks to the point, NotebookLM just might be your best choice.

2. Unique Features of NotebookLM

NotebookLM isn’t just your average research AI—it brings some pretty impressive features to the table that make the whole research process feel a little less chaotic (and let’s be honest, we could all use that).

• Multi-source support: You can upload up to 50 sources. Yep, 50! Whether it's YouTube videos, audio files, or PDFs, NotebookLM can handle it all without blinking. It’s like inviting a whole research team to your party and actually having them show up.

• Multi-modal capabilities: NotebookLM doesn’t discriminate. It plays nice with all types of file formats—Google Docs, Slides, PDFs, images, even audio. No more “file type not supported” nightmares.

• Defined knowledge scope: Here’s where it really shines: it sticks to the sources you give it. No wandering off into the internet abyss, pulling random info from who-knows-where. This reduces the hallucination problem, meaning fewer moments where you question whether your research AI is getting a little too creative.

• Automated summaries: Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of content? NotebookLM can automatically summarize your sources into FAQs, study guides, and more. It's like having someone clean up after your research mess (without even asking).

It’s the little things that make NotebookLM feel like the research AI you never knew you needed—until now.

3. Limitations of NotebookLM

While NotebookLM shines as a research AI tool, it’s not without its quirks. Let’s break down a few limitations that might have you raising an eyebrow (or two).

• Lack of chat history: First up, NotebookLM doesn't save your chat history between sessions. So, if you forget to hit save, well, good luck finding that brilliant idea you had five minutes ago. It’s like trying to remember a great joke only to realize it’s gone forever. Just a heads up: you’ll need to manually keep track of your notes.

• Source restrictions: Some websites have their own rules and might block access when you try to use NotebookLM. It’s like trying to get into a club that’s too cool for you—some places just won’t let you in.

• YouTube limitations: And then there’s YouTube. Only public videos and those uploaded for more than 72 hours can be imported. So, if you find that perfect video from a channel you love that’s brand new, you’re out of luck. It’s like being told your favorite dessert is available but only on Tuesdays.

Despite these limitations, NotebookLM still packs a punch in the research AI world. Just keep these quirks in mind to make the most of your experience!

4. Audio Overview Generation

Let’s talk about one of NotebookLM’s more interesting features: the audio overview generation. Basically, it creates a podcast-style discussion between two AI hosts, which, honestly, sounds pretty cool. It’s like having two virtual buddies discussing your research while you sit back with a cup of coffee—because who doesn’t love a good chat?

• Strengths: The research AI generates a conversation that feels natural, with a tone that’s easy to listen to. It’s engaging enough that you might even forget you’re listening to an AI. So, if you’re into podcasts, this could be your new favorite feature.

• Weaknesses: But, of course, AI can’t help but get a little creative at times. The audio generation feature tends to “hallucinate,” meaning it might throw in irrelevant information just to keep things conversational. So, while it’s fun to listen to, you might find yourself raising an eyebrow at a few oddball comments. Think of it like that friend who keeps trying to make jokes at the wrong time.

Read more about this feature here.

Despite its occasional ramblings, this feature adds a bit of flair to your research AI experience. Just don’t take every word as gospel—AI likes to entertain too!

5. Citations and Source Accuracy

If you've ever found yourself staring at a random fact, thinking, "Where the heck did that come from?"—you’re not alone. And that’s where NotebookLM’s research AI steps up its game. Unlike other tools, NotebookLM doesn’t just throw a vague source at you and call it a day. It points exactly to where the information comes from, ensuring you know what’s real and what’s, well, creative fiction.

Detailed Citation System

NotebookLM’s citation system is like having a really responsible friend who always shows receipts. It doesn’t just tell you, “Oh, I got this from the internet,” and leave you wondering. It’ll show you precisely where in the document or file that information came from, saving you from playing detective.

Here’s how it stacks up against other research AI tools like Perplexity:

• NotebookLM:

  • Pinpoints the exact location of information in the source.

    

  • Easy-to-follow citations within your uploaded documents.

• Perplexity:

  • References links, but you still need to dig through pages to find the details.

    

Why it Matters for Content Research

Let’s be real: source accuracy can make or break your work. Whether you’re writing an article, preparing a presentation, or doing in-depth research, you need solid facts. Here’s why NotebookLM’s detailed citation system is a big deal:

• Accurate sources mean you can trust your content.

• Quick verification saves time when double-checking facts.

• Professional credibility improves when your research is traceable.

In short, if you want to avoid those moments of wondering whether your research AI is playing fast and loose with the facts, NotebookLM has your back. Sometimes, it's nice to know where the truth is hiding—without needing a search party to find it.

6. YouTube Content Research with NotebookLM

If you're trying to nail your next video topic, NotebookLM’s research AI for YouTube content analysis is here to save the day. This tool makes it so much easier to study top-performing videos without the usual guesswork.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Import Your Video Links
   Start by grabbing the links to the top 10 YouTube videos related to your topic (the ones everyone’s watching). NotebookLM pulls transcripts directly from these videos and helps you analyze them. It’s like having a research assistant that does all the reading for you.

   • Find the videos with high views or engagement.

   • Copy the links and import them into NotebookLM.

     

2. Summarize Common Themes

   

   
   Once the videos are imported, NotebookLM works its magic by summarizing the common themes across these videos.

   

3. Analyze Video Hooks and Unique Angles
   This is where the real gold lies. NotebookLM not only summarizes but also breaks down the hooks and unique angles these creators used. You get to see what grabbed viewers’ attention and how you can tweak your own approach to stand out.

   

In short, NotebookLM’s research AI turns YouTube content analysis into something that feels less like work and more like a cheat code (the good kind). If you want your next video to stand out, this might just be the secret sauce you need.

7. Competitor Website Analysis for Better Messaging

Let’s be honest: sometimes, you look at your competitors' websites and think, "How do they make it look so easy?" Well, with NotebookLM’s research AI, you can break down your competition’s messaging like a pro—and maybe even do it better.

Using NotebookLM to Analyze Competitor Websites

Here’s how it works: NotebookLM lets you import the URLs of competitor websites and analyze them. This isn’t just skimming the surface—it digs into the main messaging, services, and the tone they use to connect with their audience.

1. Import Competitor URLs
   Just copy and paste those URLs right into NotebookLM. You don’t have to sit there with 10 tabs open, trying to figure out what they’re saying—let the AI do the heavy lifting.

   

2. Summarize Their Main Messaging and Services
   NotebookLM will break it down for you:

   • What are they really selling?

   • How are they positioning themselves?

   • What tone are they using? Trustworthy? Fun? Too corporate?

   It’s like getting inside your competitor’s head—without the awkwardness of asking them directly.

3. Identifying Gaps and Positioning Opportunities
   Here’s the best part: NotebookLM helps you see the gaps. Maybe your competitor forgot to mention something important, or their tone just doesn’t click with their target audience. That’s your chance to stand out.

Example:
Let’s say you’re analyzing a pet care website. NotebookLM might tell you they’re doing a good job talking about trust and reliability but aren’t showcasing their team’s expertise. This is your opportunity to highlight your own team’s credentials and expertise on your site, making your business look like the experts in the field.

In short, NotebookLM’s research AI turns competitor analysis into a straightforward process. Instead of stressing about how to out-message the competition, you’ll be finding gaps, improving your positioning, and making your website stand out in all the right ways.

8. SEO Content Optimization Using NotebookLM

When it comes to optimizing your content for search engines, you don’t want to guess what works—you want to know. That’s where NotebookLM’s research AI comes in. Instead of manually combing through dozens of articles, NotebookLM can give you the insights you need to improve your SEO strategy in a smarter, faster way.

How to Capture Top-Ranked Pages

Start by grabbing the top-ranked pages from Google. You can:

• Search for your target keywords.

• Use NotebookLM to import the URLs from the top-performing articles.

You’ll basically have Google’s favorites right in front of you—no more guessing which articles are dominating.

Analyzing Top Articles for Keywords and Topics

Once those pages are in NotebookLM, it’s time for the fun part: seeing what’s working. The AI helps you:

• Identify the keywords that these pages are ranking for.

  

• Find common topics they cover to keep readers engaged.

  

It’s like peeking into the secret sauce of your competitors’ SEO strategies—but without being sneaky about it.

Using Semantic Keywords to Boost Content Relevance

But here’s the next step that really matters: semantic keywords. Not just the main keywords, but the ones that circle around them, making your content more relevant to search engines. With NotebookLM, you can:

• Get suggestions for related terms that make your content richer and more connected.

• Ensure that your articles are optimized not just for one keyword, but for a broader range of searches.

So next time you’re trying to improve your content’s visibility, let NotebookLM’s research AI handle the heavy lifting. You’ll get detailed insights on what’s working and what needs improvement, without the headache of sifting through everything manually.

9. Analyzing LinkedIn Comments for Audience Research

Let’s be real—sometimes the best insights aren’t in the posts themselves but buried in the comments section. With research AI tools like NotebookLM, you can easily turn these comments into goldmines of valuable information, especially if you're trying to get a read on what your audience really wants.

How LinkedIn Comments Help You Understand Your Audience

People love to share their opinions (sometimes a little too much). By analyzing comments on posts by top influencers in your niche, you can spot patterns in what resonates most with your target audience.

Here’s how NotebookLM can help:

• Import LinkedIn post links: Grab the links of posts by influencers.

• Analyze comments: NotebookLM breaks down the most popular or repeated points from the comments.

• Identify patterns: Spot recurring themes like engagement, questions, or criticism.

Example: Leadership Content

Let’s say you’re in the leadership space and following someone like Simon Sinek, who’s always talking about leadership principles. You can use NotebookLM to import his most engaged posts and pull insights from the comments.

Generating Content Ideas from Comments

Once you’ve analyzed what people are saying, NotebookLM can help you turn those recurring ideas into new content.

Here’s how you can approach it:

• Topic 1: How vulnerability makes a stronger leader.

• Topic 2: Sharing practical tips on authentic leadership and how it impacts workplace culture.

• Topic 3: Addressing common concerns raised by commenters and offering actionable solutions.

Let’s face it: if you’re not looking at the comments, you’re probably missing out on what your audience actually cares about. Thanks to research AI tools like NotebookLM, getting that feedback has never been easier—or more insightful.

And hey, even if some comments make you want to bang your head against the wall, at least you can turn them into something useful, right?

10. Reddit Comments Analysis for Content Research

Using Reddit comments for content research is a smart way to dig deep into audience preferences. With research AI tools like NotebookLM, you can streamline the process of gathering valuable insights straight from Reddit discussions.

Steps to Analyze Reddit Comments with Research AI

1. Import Reddit Post Links

   • Start by selecting relevant posts in your niche (e.g., leadership, tech).

   • Copy the post URLs into NotebookLM.

2. Analyze the Comments

   • Let NotebookLM scan through the comments to identify common themes, audience pain points, and any recurring questions.

3. Spot Patterns and Gaps

   • Review the results to see:

     • Frequently mentioned topics.

     • Unanswered questions or content gaps.

     • Audience frustrations or areas of interest.

Example: Leadership Subreddits

Use case: You’re focusing on leadership content.

• Import leadership-related Reddit posts into NotebookLM.

• Analyze the comments to see common issues (e.g., burnout, communication challenges).

• Content Ideas based on comment insights:

  • “How to Avoid Leadership Burnout”

  • “Improving Team Communication: What Leaders Need to Know”

Converting Reddit Insights into Content

Once you’ve identified valuable insights:

• Expand on popular pain points.

• Answer recurring questions with detailed posts.

• Create guides that fill the content gaps you’ve uncovered.

Example:

• If many comments discuss the challenges of work-life balance, write a post titled “Work-Life Balance Tips for Leaders: Avoiding Burnout”.

With NotebookLM and research AI, Reddit becomes an organized source of content inspiration. Skip the endless scrolling, and turn those raw, honest insights into high-quality content.

Conclusion

NotebookLM has some clear advantages when it comes to research AI, especially when compared to tools like Perplexity. It’s built to support content creators, researchers, and anyone who wants to dive deeper (but not too deep, because who has time for that?) into their sources without getting lost in a sea of irrelevant info.

If you haven’t tried NotebookLM yet, it might just be your new best friend in making your content research more organized and less chaotic. Oh, and stay tuned for the next post where I’ll show you how combining NotebookLM with Perplexity can level up your research game. It’s like PB&J—better together.

If you are interested in other topics and how AI is transforming different aspects of our lives, or even in making money using AI with more detailed, step-by-step guidance, you can find our other articles here:

• Want to Automate Your Real Estate Marketing? AI Automation Can Do It—For Free!*

• 5 Simple AI Projects You Can Build in a Weekend – No Advanced Skills Needed*

• One Click to Turn Text into a Podcast? Meet Google NotebookLM!

• Write Like a Pro: How to Keep Your Content Human in an AI World

• How AI Automation is Changing the Game for Business Processes

*indicates a premium content, if any