NotebookLM + Synthesia: How I Used Both To Create an AI Video Podcast!
Education
Introduction
Creating engaging video content has never been easier, especially with the help of innovative tools like NotebookLM and Synthesia. In this article, I’ll walk you through my workflow and share how I combined these platforms to produce an AI-driven video podcast.
Step 1: Preparing the Content with NotebookLM
The first tool I used was NotebookLM, which you can easily access by visiting notebooklm.google. This powerful program allows you to gather and synthesize information from various sources, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to create educational or informative content.
To begin, I uploaded a variety of source materials related to the topic of Edmodo. NotebookLM supports multiple content types, including PDFs, audio files, links from Google Drive, website URLs, and even YouTube videos. Once I had my sources uploaded, NotebookLM worked its magic by organizing and synthesizing the information.
One of the standout features of NotebookLM is the ability to generate different content formats. By selecting the notebook guide, I was able to create a briefing document, a study guide, and even a timeline to track important dates—ideal for anyone diving into academic subjects. The most exciting feature for my project was the audio overview. NotebookLM created a 6 minute and 42-second audio track summarizing the topic, which I was able to download and use in my video.
Step 2: Creating Avatars with Synthesia
Next, I transitioned to Synthesia to create the visual components of my podcast. I started a fresh project, opting for a blank template with a green background to utilize a green screen effect later. I uploaded the audio file generated by NotebookLM, but encountered a minor issue: the maximum allowable audio length for uploading was 5 minutes. To resolve this, I trimmed the audio to about four minutes.
With my audio uploaded, I set about creating avatars for the video. I duplicated slides in Synthesia to feature both a male and female avatar. The male actor delivered the first segment of my audio track, while the female avatar narrated the second part of the content. By having two avatars, the video maintained visual engagement while clearly presenting our narration about Edmodo, especially concerning online data use for children under 13.
Once I completed the avatar sequences, I generated the video file and also produced a separate video featuring just the male and female actors without narration for scenarios where I needed them to appear on screen together without overlapping dialogue.
Step 3: Editing the Final Video
The last step in my workflow involved editing the video using Final Cut Pro. While I used this particular editing software, you can likely achieve similar edits with various other programs.The editing timeline featured individual clips for both the male and female avatars, as well as animated backgrounds for added flair.
The final video included a mix of sequences with the actors talking and moments of visual storytelling. I interspersed visuals on-screen to support the narrative and enhance viewer engagement and understanding. The result was a dynamic video that effectively communicated the information I intended, blending voice-over narration with visual elements seamlessly.
Overall, using NotebookLM for content creation and Synthesia for visual production, while applying editing techniques with Final Cut, allowed me to develop a polished video podcast. If you’re interested in video production, I encourage you to try out NotebookLM and Synthesia to see what you can create!
Keywords
NotebookLM, Synthesia, AI video, podcast creation, Edmodo, audio synthesis, video editing, Final Cut Pro, content generation, avatars.
FAQ
1. What is NotebookLM? NotebookLM is an advanced tool designed for synthesizing information from various content sources, which can then be used for educational or informative purposes.
2. How does Synthesia work? Synthesia is a platform that enables users to create videos using AI avatars, allowing for visually engaging presentations alongside voiceover narration.
3. Can I use any editing software with this workflow? Yes! While I used Final Cut Pro for editing, you can utilize various video editing software applications to achieve similar results.
4. Is there a maximum length for uploaded audio in Synthesia? Yes, Synthesia limits audio uploads to a maximum of 5 minutes, so it’s important to consider this when preparing your audio content.
5. How can I create my own video podcast using these tools? To create your video podcast, gather your sources, synthesize them with NotebookLM, create avatars and visuals in Synthesia, and finally edit your content with a video editing program of your choice!