Google Photos' 2025 Recap Uses Google Gemini to Compile Your Year

Google Photos users can now explore their year-end Recap, the platform's unique take on the popular year-in-review trend, similar to Spotify Wrapped. This annual feature allows you to revisit your year through photos, presenting a curated mix of memorable moments enhanced with graphics and effects, alongside statistics and insights.

According to Google, users in the U.S. will also get a new AI-powered experience from Gemini, designed to spotlight your hobbies and key highlights.

Launched in 2024, Google Photos Recap taps into the data-driven review trend made famous by services like Spotify Wrapped and earlier apps like Timehop.

This year, the Recap also acts as a testing platform for Gemini. The AI delves into your photo library to surface more meaningful moments for your review. Google states that Gemini's models can understand photo context to extract richer details, specifically identifying your "one true passion" and your year's top four defining highlights.

The recap also provides yearly photo statistics, such as your total photo count, most photographed people, and a new addition: your total selfie count. You can now hide specific people or photos and regenerate your Recap for an updated version.

Memories and photos from your Recap are easy to share on social media. A new integration with CapCut adds a button at the end to export your Recap directly to the editing app, where you can use other Google Photos templates for further customization.

A new sharing carousel at the end of the Recap contains short videos, photos, and collages perfect for group chats or social posts. One option even lets you share your Recap directly to your WhatsApp Status.

Join the Disrupt 2026 Waitlist

Secure your spot on the Disrupt 2026 waitlist for early access to Early Bird tickets. Previous Disrupt stages have featured leaders from Google Cloud, Netflix, Microsoft, Box, Phia, a16z, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Hugging Face, Elad Gil, and Vinod Khosla—part of over 250 industry experts leading 200+ sessions designed to accelerate your growth. You'll also connect with hundreds of startups driving innovation across all sectors.

Join the Disrupt 2026 Waitlist

Secure your spot on the Disrupt 2026 waitlist for early access to Early Bird tickets. Previous Disrupt stages have featured leaders from Google Cloud, Netflix, Microsoft, Box, Phia, a16z, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Hugging Face, Elad Gil, and Vinod Khosla—part of over 250 industry experts leading 200+ sessions designed to accelerate your growth. You'll also connect with hundreds of startups driving innovation across all sectors.

If your Recap isn't immediately visible, you can request Google Photos to generate it via an option at the top of the app. Once viewed, your Recap will stay accessible in the app throughout December. To find it again, check the end of your Memories carousel or look for it pinned in your Collections tab.

In addition to the annual Recap, Google Photos will roll out a series of 2025 highlights throughout December.