Deep Research, previously only available to Gemini Advanced users, has now been expanded to more users. Additionally, Google has added Audio Overviews to Deep Research, allowing you to listen to reports as AI-generated podcasts.
The idea for Deep Research originated from a real-world problem: finding the right summer camp for children. According to Aarush Selvan, Senior Product Manager at Gemini, this task required finding prices, schedules, locations, and other information—often scattered across dozens of websites.
The development team built an AI system that could independently research and compile reports. In an initial test, the system found and compared over 20 different summer camps in New York. Those results formed the basis of Deep Research today.
Here are six tips to help you use Deep Research more effectively.
1. Determine when to use Deep Research
Deep research is particularly useful for tasks that require opening multiple tabs and synthesizing information from various sources. It's a tool that helps you go from knowing nothing to having a deep understanding of a topic.
If you just need a quick answer, you can use regular Gemini chat. But if you need in-depth research—for example, understanding fintech industry trends before meeting with a startup—Deep Research would be more suitable.
2. Start with a simple question.
Despite its name, 'Deep Research,' you don't need to write a complex prompt right from the start. Simply describe your ultimate goal, and Deep Research will automatically develop a research plan.
Before you begin, the tool will display a research plan and allow you to edit it. You can select Edit plan to add to or change the research direction using natural language.
For example, you can simply say:
'I'm looking for a good summer camp for my 10-year-old child in Hanoi.'
Deep Research will handle the rest.
3. Ask follow-up questions after receiving the report.
After receiving the report, you can continue to ask additional questions. Deep Research will respond immediately based on the collected data or continue its research.
You can also request additional content to be included in the report. For example:
'Add expense information to the report'
Deep Research will update the report in real time.
4. Monitor the source while Deep Research is running.
During the research process, Gemini will display two options:
- Show condition
- Sites browsed
Show thinking lets you see the steps the AI is taking. Sites browsed displays a list of websites being used.
You can open these pages even while the AI is working. This is a great way to discover new sources of information.
5. Use Deep Research for questions about specific locations.
Deep Research is particularly effective for local searches. You can use this tool to:
- Find services near your area.
- Event planning
- Find a contractor for your home construction project.
The tool will search from local sources and compile detailed information.
6. Create an audio overview or export it to Google Docs.
With the latest update, Deep Research enables the creation of Audio Overviews — AI-generated podcast summaries.
This feature lets you listen to reports while on the go or doing other things. You can listen on the web or mobile, and easily share or download them.
Additionally, you can also export the report to Google Docs for editing and sharing. When exporting the file, source citations are also retained in the references section.
This makes it easy for you to edit, share, or print it out for reading if needed.
Deep Research automates time-consuming research processes. Instead of opening dozens of tabs, you can let AI synthesize information and generate comprehensive reports.
When combined with Audio Overview and flexible editing capabilities, Deep Research is becoming one of the most powerful AI research tools available today.