Getting Startedbeginner15 minDecember 15, 2024

Transform YouTube Videos into Permanent Knowledge with HoverNotes

Learn how to use the HoverNotes Chrome extension to take AI-powered notes on any YouTube video and save them directly to your Obsidian vault.

By HoverNotes Team5 min readVideo Tutorial

Transform YouTube Videos into Permanent Knowledge

HoverNotes is a Chrome extension that transforms any video into permanent knowledge that lives in your Obsidian vault forever. It allows you to take notes with AI assistance on any video in the browser and works on all platforms including YouTube, Udemy, Coursera, and all university and school websites.

In this tutorial, we'll show you exactly how to turn a math video on YouTube into permanent notes that you can reference forever.

What You'll Learn

By the end of this tutorial, you'll be able to:

  • Install and set up the HoverNotes Chrome extension
  • Transform any YouTube video into permanent notes
  • Capture screenshots with timestamps
  • Save notes directly to your Obsidian vault in Markdown format
  • Use AI to take notes in any language
  • Build a real knowledge system from video content

Getting Started: From Video to Permanent Knowledge

Step 1: Open HoverNotes on Any Video

When watching any video on YouTube (or Udemy, Coursera, university websites), click the HoverNotes icon that appears on the video player. This opens HoverNotes in video mode with:

  • Video on the left - Continue watching without interruption
  • Notes editor on the right - Where your permanent knowledge gets created

Step 2: Choose Your Save Location

First, you need to choose where to save your notes in your Obsidian vault:

  1. Select your folder - Choose a dedicated folder like "HoverNotes"
  2. Automatic saving - All notes are saved on your computer in Markdown format
  3. File naming - The note title becomes the file name in your Obsidian vault

This setup ensures your video knowledge becomes part of your permanent knowledge system.

Key Features That Make the Magic Happen

1. Screenshots with Timestamps

As the video plays, you can capture screenshots with timestamps. This means you'll never lose track of important visual moments - charts, diagrams, equations, or key slides are preserved forever with context.

2. Multilingual AI Notes

The AI can take notes in any language:

  • Watch in English, get notes in Chinese - Perfect for international students
  • Korean, Spanish, or any other language - Complete language flexibility
  • Multilingual learners - Switch between languages as needed

This feature is perfect for international students or anyone learning in multiple languages.

3. Manual Notes Option

You can also type your own notes without relying on the AI, giving you complete control over your knowledge capture process.

The Magic Moment: AI That Actually Understands

Here's where HoverNotes becomes truly powerful - the AI watches alongside you, seeing charts and equations that appear in the video.

Real-Time Understanding

The AI just wrote exactly what you were trying to write. You can focus on understanding the video and taking screenshots while it handles the tedious typing.

Complex Content Capture

Notice that complex equation? AI Auto Notes captures equations in real-time using both:

  • The transcript - What's being said
  • The video content on screen - What's being shown

This dual approach means nothing gets missed, even complex mathematical formulas or technical diagrams.

Instant Sync to Your Knowledge System

Your notes are synced and saved into your Obsidian vault as you write them. All screenshots, equations, code, and text appears in your Obsidian note exactly as it appears in your HoverNotes editor.

Connected Knowledge

The video knowledge is now connected to everything else you've learned. You'll never need to rewatch this video to find this information again - it's permanently captured and searchable in your knowledge system.

Building a Real Knowledge System

From Scattered Videos to Organized Knowledge

Before HoverNotes:

  • Watch video → Forget details → Need to rewatch → Lose time

With HoverNotes:

  • Watch video → Capture permanent notes → Build connected knowledge → Never rewatch

Permanent Knowledge Storage

Your video notes become part of a larger knowledge ecosystem:

  • Searchable across all notes - Find any concept instantly
  • Connected to other learning - Link video content to broader concepts
  • Always accessible - Knowledge lives in your Obsidian vault forever

How to Get Started Today

  1. Install the HoverNotes Chrome extension
  2. Find any YouTube video (math tutorial, lecture, documentary)
  3. Click the HoverNotes icon on the video player
  4. Choose your Obsidian folder for saving
  5. Let the AI capture knowledge while you focus on learning
  6. Take screenshots of important visual content
  7. Watch your knowledge sync to Obsidian in real-time

Best Practices for Maximum Impact

Effective Knowledge Capture

  • Let AI handle the basics - Focus on understanding while AI captures details
  • Screenshot strategically - Capture charts, equations, and key visual moments
  • Add your insights - Include personal thoughts and connections
  • Use consistent folder structure - Keep your video knowledge organized

Building Your System

  • Create topic-based folders - Organize by subject or course
  • Link to existing notes - Connect video knowledge to your broader learning
  • Review and refine regularly - Make your knowledge system even more valuable

Transform Your Learning Forever

This is how you build a real knowledge system from video content. With HoverNotes, every educational video becomes a permanent addition to your knowledge base, searchable and connected to everything else you've learned.

Your future self will thank you for building a comprehensive, organized knowledge system from all your video learning.


Ready to transform your first video? Install the HoverNotes Chrome extension and turn your next YouTube video into permanent knowledge that lives in your Obsidian vault forever.

Watch the tutorial video: See HoverNotes in action on YouTube

Have questions? Check out our FAQ or contact our support team for help getting started.