As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the moments that made it special – those holidays, birthdays, and even the quiet, everyday joys. With Spotify starting the trend with its ‘Spotify Wrapped’ feature allowing to check out your year in the music and podcasts you’ve listened to, Google Photos’ “Year in Review” feature is here to help you relive your favourite memories via snapshots. Let’s dive into how this feature works, why it’s a must-try, and how you can make the most of it.
What is Year in Review?
Google Photos’ “Year in Review” is like a personal time capsule. It uses smart AI to pick out your most meaningful photos and videos from the past year, creating a highlight reel that tells the story of your 12 months in just a few taps.
From standout moments to candid snapshots of loved ones, the feature gathers them all, delivering a walk down the 2024 memory lane. Accessible through your Google Photos app, it’s a delightful way to see the year’s highlights without scrolling endlessly through your gallery.
Why it’s the perfect way to reflect on your year
The magic of this feature lies in its ability to surface moments you may have forgotten. Whether it’s the smile of a loved one, the first signs of spring in your garden, or a group selfie from a memorable night out, it enables you to look back over your year and reflect on favourite moments.
Thanks to Google’s powerful AI, the feature goes beyond basic selection. It identifies faces, places, and events to create a recap that feels deeply personal, even though it’s a quick, meaningful way to sum up your year without sifting through thousands of images.
Year in review for businesses
It isn’t just for personal memories – it’s a fantastic tool for businesses too. From capturing milestones like product launches to team events and campaigns, businesses can use this feature to reflect on their journey throughout the year.
Consider creating a photo recap to share with clients or on social media. It’s a unique way to celebrate achievements and showcase your brand’s personality. Plus, organising your visual content ensures you’re prepared for future storytelling efforts.
How to use Google’s Year in Review
Getting started is simple:
- Open Google Photos: Navigate to the app and look for the “Year in Review” section on the main screen.
- Explore your highlights: Tap into the feature to view your curated photos and videos.
- Customise your recap: Edit the selection, remove images, or add ones that matter most to you.
- Save or share: Download your recap or share it directly with friends and family via social media or messaging apps.
Tips to get the most out of Year in Review
Here are some quick tips to elevate your experience:
- Stay organised: This one is for 2025, but throughout the year, tag your photos and create albums for key events. This makes Google’s AI even more accurate when putting together your recap.
- Backup regularly: Make sure your photos are synced to the cloud so no special moment gets left behind.
- Get creative: Use Google Photos’ tools to create custom collages or slideshows from your favorite highlights.
- Print your favourites: Turn digital moments into physical keepsakes by using Google Photos’ printing services for photo books or canvas prints.
Your year has been full of memories big and small. With Google Photos’ “Year in Review,” you can celebrate them all in one brilliant highlight reel. Whether you’re reminiscing on personal milestones or using the feature to reflect on your business journey, it’s the perfect way to close out the year.
