Getting Started with HoverNotes
Tired of the endless cycle of Watch → Learn → Forget → Search → Rewatch? If you're someone who learns from video content, HoverNotes transforms that frustrating loop into a streamlined workflow: Watch → Capture → Connect → Apply.
What is HoverNotes?
HoverNotes is a Chrome extension that turns video content into permanent, searchable knowledge in your Obsidian vault. While you watch, our AI generates comprehensive notes, captures visual moments, and creates a connected knowledge base you can reference and build upon forever.
The core problem we solve: You shouldn't have to rewatch hours of educational content just to find that one insight, technique, or reference you remember seeing.
How It Works
Start Your Knowledge Revolution
Transform how you learn from videos. HoverNotes turns every tutorial into permanent, searchable knowledge that grows your expertise over time.
1. AI-Powered Knowledge Extraction
- Stream video content to our AI (powered by Gemini 2.0)
- Generate structured notes automatically as you watch
- Extract key concepts and actionable insights
- Capture explanations of complex topics
- Document step-by-step processes
- Note important resources and references mentioned
2. Visual Context Preservation
- One-click screenshots of important moments
- Automatic insertion into your notes as linked images
- Visual references for diagrams, charts, and demonstrations
- Context preservation for complex visual explanations
3. Seamless Obsidian Integration
- Direct vault storage - notes save locally to your Obsidian vault
- Native markdown format - fully compatible with your existing workflow
- Automatic linking - connect video content to your existing knowledge
- Graph integration - see how video insights relate to your other notes
Quick Start Guide
Step 1: Install and Connect
- Install HoverNotes from the Chrome Web Store
- Connect to your Obsidian vault for seamless storage
- Choose your preferred note organization system
Step 2: Start Learning
- Navigate to any educational video (YouTube, Coursera, Udemy, etc.)
- Click the HoverNotes icon to activate
- Enable AI notes for automatic knowledge extraction
- Watch as comprehensive notes appear in real-time
Step 3: Capture and Connect
- Use screenshots to preserve visual information
- Let AI extract key concepts and insights automatically
- Add your own thoughts and connections using Obsidian's linking
- Build a connected knowledge graph from video content
What Gets Automatically Captured
Core Knowledge
- Key concepts and definitions explained in the video
- Step-by-step processes and methodologies
- Important examples and case studies
- Actionable insights you can apply immediately
- Resource recommendations and further reading
Learning Context
- Explanations of complex topics in clear language
- Common misconceptions and clarifications
- Best practices mentioned by experts
- Connected concepts that link to broader topics
Visual Information
- Screenshots of key moments you capture
- Diagrams and visual explanations
- Demonstrations and process flows
- References to external materials shown
Real-World Use Cases
Academic Research
"I'm writing my thesis and need to review hours of lecture content. HoverNotes captures the key insights from each video directly into my research vault, with automatic links to related concepts I've already documented."
Professional Development
"Learning new skills for work used to mean scattered notes across different apps. Now everything goes straight into my Obsidian knowledge system, connected to my other professional learning."
Personal Knowledge Building
"I watch a lot of educational content on various topics. HoverNotes helps me build a connected library where insights from psychology videos link to business concepts, creating unexpected connections."
Course Management
"Taking multiple online courses simultaneously was overwhelming. Now I have a unified knowledge base where concepts from different courses naturally connect and reinforce each other."
Advanced Workflows
Building Learning Paths
Create connected sequences of video notes that build upon each other, tracking your learning journey through complex topics.
Cross-Referencing Knowledge
Use Obsidian's linking features to connect insights from videos to your existing notes, research, and projects.
Collaborative Learning
Export your video notes as markdown to share insights with study groups or team members while keeping your main vault private.
Long-term Retention
Leverage Obsidian's spaced repetition plugins alongside your video notes to ensure important concepts stick.
Pro Tips for Maximum Value
1. Combine AI with Personal Insight
Let the AI handle comprehensive note-taking while you focus on adding personal connections, questions, and applications to your existing knowledge.
2. Strategic Visual Capture
Screenshot moments that are difficult to describe in text - complex diagrams, before/after comparisons, and visual demonstrations.
3. Build Your Knowledge Graph
Create folders by topic area and use Obsidian's linking features to connect video insights to your broader knowledge system.
4. Search Before You Rewatch
Use Obsidian's powerful search across your video notes library. You'll often find answers faster than scrubbing through video content.
Getting Started Today
The best way to understand HoverNotes is to try it with your next educational video. Here's what to expect:
- First 5 minutes: You'll see AI-generated insights appearing as you watch
- First connection: You'll link video content to your existing Obsidian notes
- First search: You'll find information faster than rewatching videos
Ready to transform your video learning? Install HoverNotes and start building lasting knowledge from every video you watch.
Questions about HoverNotes? Check out our Obsidian Integration Guide or FAQ for detailed setup instructions.