---
title: "BizTech Q&A 45: NotebookLM Source Issues"
description: Troubleshooting common source import issues in NotebookLM, including word and file size limits, source count, and network connectivity problems. Get tips to avoid errors and streamline your workflow.
image: https://thoughtsbrewing.com/hubfs/BizTech%20Q%26A%20(1).png
---

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# BizTech Q&A 45: NotebookLM Source Issues

 August 10, 2025

![Picture of Damien Griffin](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/20cb51297a34e5d5d7c3362ec1fae755) [Damien Griffin](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/blog/author/damien)

![BizTech Q&A](https://thoughtsbrewing.com/hubfs/BizTech%20Q%26A%20(1).png)

*Answering your questions about business and technology*

### Question

*Why do I keep getting a source import failed message when I try to upload my sources to NotebookLM?  
~ Anonymous*

### Answer

Hello,

There are a few reasons why this might be happening. 

Here are the most common reasons - 

- - You exceeded 500,000 words in a single source
    - You exceeded 200MB file size in a single source
    - You exceeded 50 sources (free version) or 300 sources (Pro version)
    - Your file is copy-protected
    - You had network connectivity issues while uploading

If you are uploading multiple files, try uploading one at a time (or at least a smaller number at one time) to isolate the problem file(s).

Then you can either address the problem or leave out those sources.

Hope that helps

~ Damien

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#### Skip the Source Headaches

If you’re tired of error messages, mystery file limits, and AI acting like a bouncer at a nightclub, this course hands you the VIP pass. No guesswork. Just results.

[Fix My NotebookLM Workflow](https://maven.com/thoughts-brewing-llc/learn-notebooklm-in-a-weekend-2-cohort)

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