Google Docs Introduces Gemini-Powered Audio Summaries: Here’s How the New Feature Works

Google has begun rolling out a new AI-powered audio summary feature in Google Docs, allowing users to listen to short spoken overviews of their documents. The feature is powered by Gemini, Google’s generative AI model, and is designed to help users quickly understand long documents without reading them line by line.

According to Google, audio summaries in Docs provide a brief verbal synopsis of the contents of users’ documents, including multiple tabs. This update builds on the Text-to-Speech feature introduced in August 2025, which already enabled users to convert written text into spoken audio using Gemini.

Google Docs Gemini-Powered Audio Summary: How It Works

Short, Spoken Overviews of Documents

According to Google’s blog, the new feature is designed to give users a concise overview of a document. Instead of reading through lengthy reports, meeting notes, or research material, users can now listen to a short audio summary that highlights the most important points.

Google said these summaries are usually under a few minutes long and use natural-sounding voices to make the listening experience smoother and more engaging.

Multiple Voice Styles and Playback Controls

Users can personalise how the summaries sound. The feature includes several voice styles, such as narrator, persuader, and coach, allowing listeners to choose a tone that suits their preference or task.

Playback speed can also be adjusted between 0.5x and 2x, making it easier to skim quickly or listen more slowly for better comprehension.

Where to Find the Feature in Google Docs

Access via the Tools Menu

On the web version of Google Docs, the feature appears under the Tools menu. Alongside the existing “Listen to this tab” option, users will now see “Listen to document summary.”

When selected, Google Docs opens an audio player that includes:

• Playback controls

• A timeline scrubber

• Options to change voice style

This interface allows users to pause, rewind, or replay specific sections of the summary.

How Google Says Users Can Benefit

Productivity and Multitasking Use Cases

Google explained that users can quickly catch up on meeting notes before a discussion or listen to the highlights of a long document while multitasking, such as commuting or working on other tasks.

The company added that listening to summaries can also help users follow along with their writing, improve comprehension, and even spot errors or inconsistencies more easily.

Who Gets Access to Gemini Audio Summaries in Docs

Rollout and Supported Plans

Google said the feature will roll out over the coming weeks for select subscribers, including:

• Business Standard and Plus

• Enterprise Standard and Plus

• Google AI Ultra for Business add-on

• Google AI Pro for Education add-on

• Google AI Pro and Ultra

This phased rollout reflects Google’s broader strategy of integrating Gemini-powered tools across Workspace for business, education, and professional users.

Why This Update Matters

The introduction of audio summaries signals Google’s push to make Docs more accessible, efficient, and AI-driven. As documents grow longer and more complex, tools that allow users to consume information through listening rather than reading can significantly improve productivity and accessibility.

By combining Gemini’s language understanding with flexible audio controls, Google Docs is positioning itself as a smarter, more adaptive document platform for modern workflows.