Turn Any PDF Into a Full Course Taught by Your AI Clone (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Quick Setup

   1. Go to notebooklm.google.com → Sign in with Google

   2. Upload Your PDF → Click "New Notebook" and upload (under 50 pages works best)

   3. Generate Content → Click "Audio Overview" to create your script and talking points

   4. Copy the Script → This is what your AI clone will narrate

   Pro tips: Use well-formatted PDFs (not scans), and regenerate if you don't like the first version. The AI automatically simplifies technical jargon.

One-Time Avatar Setup

1. Sign up at heygen.com → Free trial gives you 1 minute, Creator plan (~$30/month) for unlimited videos

2. Record Your Avatar Footage → This is the most important step Recording requirements:

   • 2+ minutes of you talking

   • Good lighting, quiet background

   • Shoulders and head visible, look at camera

   • Read HeyGen's consent script word-for-word

   How to record:

   • Click "Create Avatar" → "Instant Avatar" → "Record"

   • Follow on-screen prompts and read the consent script

   • Submit for processing (takes 1-2 hours)

3. Wait for Approval → You'll get an email when ready (2-4 hours)

Don't want to use your face yet? Start with HeyGen's stock avatars to test the workflow first.

Now you'll paste your NotebookLM script and let your AI clone narrate it.

Using HeyGen to Create Your Course Video

1. Create New Video → Click "Create Video" and choose "Avatar" type

2. Select Your Avatar → Pick your AI clone (or use a stock avatar if yours isn't ready)

3. Paste Your Script → Copy from NotebookLM and paste into HeyGen's script box

4. Choose Settings → Select your voice, upload slides as background, and position your avatar

5. Generate → Click "Generate" and wait 3-10 minutes

6. Download → Export in 1080p

Pro tip: Break long scripts into 500-word chunks for best results.

Your HeyGen video has the narration, but adding slides and graphics makes it even better.

Choose one tool:

Option A: CapCut (Free - Best for Beginners)

1. Import → Download CapCut, add your HeyGen video + NotebookLM slides

2. Layer Content → Put HeyGen video on timeline, add slides as overlays or main focus

3. Polish → Add auto-captions, background music, transitions

4. Export → 1080p MP4

Why CapCut: Free, easy, works on phone and desktop.

Option B: Canva (Free Plan Available - Best for Templates)

1. Start Video Project → Open Canva, choose "Video" format

2. Upload Assets → Add your HeyGen video and slides

3. Build → Place video in timeline, add slides between sections, use text tools for titles

4. Download → Export as 1080p MP4

Why Canva: Great templates, familiar if you already use Canva for graphics.

Only create courses on topics you actually know. Research and verify your PDFs yourself—your expertise is what makes this valuable, not just the AI delivery. Always disclose you're using an AI avatar (I start with "Hi, this is Dr. Erin Jacques' AI avatar..."). Recent studies show that when AI avatars are used transparently, students find them moderately to highly engaging and even report positive learning outcomes. Your knowledge is the value; the avatar is just the delivery method.

🔗 Quick Links & Resources

• NotebookLM by Google

• HeyGen Avatar Creator

• CapCut Download

• Canva Video Editor