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Audio download vs private podcast for Audio Overviews
Short answer
Downloading saves one NotebookLM Audio Overview as a file, which is free and enough for occasional listening. A private podcast feed delivers every overview you add to a podcast app automatically, with queueing, speed control and offline downloads. The feed is an Ultra Exporter Pro feature.
Side by side
| Download the file | Private podcast feed | |
|---|---|---|
| Effort per episode | Download and transfer | None after setup |
| Listening app | Any audio player | Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, AntennaPod |
| Remembers position | Depends on player | Yes |
| Storage | Your device | 500 MB or 1 GiB hosted |
| Plan | Free | Pro |
Which to choose
- Choose Download the file if you listen now and then, at your computer.
- Choose Private podcast feed if you generate overviews regularly and listen on the move.
Free or Pro?
The basics are free; the advanced options listed on this page need Ultra Exporter Pro. Pro covers the extension only; it does not include a Google subscription or raise NotebookLM's own limits. Current prices are on the pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
Download the file or Private podcast feed: which is better?
Neither in general. Choose Download the file if you listen now and then, at your computer. Choose Private podcast feed if you generate overviews regularly and listen on the move.
Is the feed public?
It is unlisted, not protected: anyone who has the address can listen. Regenerate it if it leaks.
Related guides
Download a NotebookLM Audio Overview as an audio file. You get the original audio file of the Audio Overview, in the format NotebookLM provides.
Listen to NotebookLM Audio Overviews as a private podcast. You get a private RSS feed. Add its address to a podcast app that accepts custom feeds, and each.
Private podcasts turn NotebookLM Audio Overviews into a feed you subscribe to in a podcast app.
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