Google Photos’ 2025 Recap turns to Gemini to find your highlights

Google Photos users can now access their year-end Recap, the photo-hosting platform’s version of a Spotify Wrapped-style review. Like other annual lookbacks, the Google Photos Recap lets users revisit the past year through memorable photos, combining standout moments with graphics, visual effects, photo stats, and more.
This year, U.S. users are also getting a new Gemini-powered feature designed to spotlight their hobbies and top highlights, Google says.

First introduced in 2024, Google Photos Recap builds on the growing popularity of data-driven year-end summaries — a trend made mainstream by platforms like Spotify Wrapped and earlier by nostalgia apps like Timehop. But in 2025, the Recap also functions as a testing ground for Google’s Gemini AI, which analyses users’ photo libraries to surface additional moments they may want to revisit.
Google explains that Gemini models can interpret photo context to identify key themes from the year. This includes discovering your “one true passion” along with the following four major highlights that “made your year” in the Recap.

Image Credits: Google

The Recap will also display photo stats such as total photos taken, top people, and — new this year — a count of selfies. Users can hide certain people or pictures from their Recap, then regenerate a refreshed version after making those adjustments.

Sharing remains a significant focus. Users can easily share Recap photos and memories across social platforms. A new CapCut integration adds an export button, allowing Recap content to flow directly into the editing app, where users can further customise using Google Photos templates.

Image Credits: Google

Another new addition is a carousel at the end of the Recap containing short videos, images, and collages formatted for social media or group chats. One option lets users share directly to WhatsApp Status.

If the Recap doesn’t appear immediately, Google Photos offers an option at the top of the app to generate it manually. Once viewed, the Recap remains accessible throughout December and can be found again in the Memories carousel or pinned under the Collections tab.

Image Credits: Google

Beyond the main year-end feature, Google Photos will also roll out a series of 2025 highlights throughout December, the company added.