Google Photos’ Annual Recap Returns with Fresh Features You’ll Actually Want to Share

Your Year in Pictures Just Got an Upgrade

As the year wraps up, many apps scramble to package your past 12 months into highlight reels, and Google Photos is once again joining the fun with its revamped "Recap" feature rolling out this week. Unlike previous editions, this year’s update is packed with useful tools that make revisiting and sharing your memories easier and far more enjoyable.

Video credit — Google

New Features That Make Recaps More Creative and Social

• Seamless CapCut Integration: Export your recap directly to CapCut and enhance it using exclusive video templates tailored for your style.
• Optimized Social Sharing: A special carousel creates ready-to-share short videos and collages, designed perfectly for social media platforms.
• Direct Sharing Options: Quickly post your recap to WhatsApp Status or access it anytime throughout December via the pinned Collections tab.

Joining the Ranks of the Most Share-Worthy Recaps

Video credit — Google

For years, Google Photos recaps felt a bit rigid and impersonal. Apple Photos, for example, has made strides with its "Memories" feature that integrates music well, yet sharing outside Apple’s ecosystem can be cumbersome. Of course, everyone still eyes Spotify Wrapped as the gold standard of shareable annual summaries.

How Will You Use Your Google Photos Recap?

Share it with friends and family
Customize it further with CapCut or another editor
Watch it alone and enjoy the memories
Skip it — I don’t use Google Photos or care for recaps
Vote

A Welcome Boost for Creative Control

Video credit — Google

Here’s my honest take: In the past, I usually watched these automated recaps once, cringed at the generic background tracks, and moved on. They rarely felt personal enough to share. But this year’s update feels like Google truly gets how people interact online in 2025.

The option to exclude unwanted photos — whether it’s an ex or an unfortunate haircut — and regenerate your recap on the spot is a game changer. The highlight, though, is the CapCut integration. Instead of forcing your memories into Google’s preset styles, you’re handed tools to tailor your story exactly the way you want it. I might actually share my recap this year for the first time ever.

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