Google Photos has released its latest year-end Recap feature, providing users with a curated review of their past year's photographic memories. This iteration introduces enhanced highlights, graphics, and photo statistics, with a new integration of Google's Gemini AI for U.S. users, according to company statements.
The Recap, initially launched in 2024, aligns with a broader industry trend of data-powered annual reviews. For the current release, Google is utilizing Gemini AI to analyze users' photo archives, aiming to surface more personalized and contextually relevant moments. The company stated that Gemini models are designed to understand the content within images, identifying elements such as a user's "one true passion" and four additional top highlights that defined their year within the Recap.
In addition to AI-driven selections, the latest Recap includes updated photo statistics. Users can view their total photo count, identify top people featured in their images, and access a new total selfie count for the year. The feature also provides new user controls, allowing individuals to hide specific people or photos from their Recap and subsequently regenerate an updated version.
Sharing capabilities for the Recap have been expanded, enabling easy distribution across social media platforms and other channels. A new integration with CapCut offers a direct export option at the end of the Recap, facilitating further customization through the video editing application's templates. Furthermore, a new carousel featuring short videos, photos, and collages has been added, with an option to share directly to WhatsApp Status.
Users who do not immediately see their Recap can request its generation via an option within the Google Photos app. The Recap will remain accessible within the app throughout December, located in the Memories carousel or pinned in the Collections tab. Google also noted plans to release a series of 2025 highlights throughout December.
