Google is shaking up how we look back at our digital lives. A new feature is currently in testing that turns your video library into a vertical scrolling feed. This tool mimics the popular style of TikTok to help you find forgotten clips. It uses artificial intelligence to group related videos so you do not have to search manually. This exciting update could change how we consume our own personal history.
A New Way to Watch Old Memories
Social media apps have changed how we consume content. Vertical scrolling is now the standard for viewing videos on phones. Google Photos is finally adopting this familiar format to make your gallery more engaging. Reports indicate that the app is testing a “Related videos” button. This button appears when you open a single video in your library.
The interface looks remarkably similar to TikTok or YouTube Shorts. Users can simply swipe up to see the next video in a seamless stream. This design choice keeps you engaged and encourages you to watch more of your own content. It removes the friction of swiping sideways or going back to the grid view.
This feature was spotted in version 7.60 of the Google Photos app. It is currently hidden behind software flags and is not yet available to everyone. Google often tests features like this with small groups before a wide release.
Google Photos app interface displaying vertical video feed on smartphone
Artificial Intelligence Powers the Experience
The core of this new feature is Google’s advanced artificial intelligence. The system automatically analyzes the video you are currently watching. It then hunts through your massive library to find clips that match the context. The AI looks for similarities in location, time, and specific events to build the playlist.
You might click on a video from a birthday party five years ago. The feed will likely populate with other clips from that same party. It might also show videos from other birthdays or events at that same location. This creates a curated journey through your past without any manual effort.
However, early testing shows the system is not perfect yet. The grouping can sometimes be inaccurate or mix in unrelated clips. This is common for features in the development stage. Google will surely refine the algorithm to ensure the matches are logical and emotionally resonant.
Key Features of the New Feed:
- Vertical Scrolling: A familiar swipe-up interface for easy viewing.
- Smart Grouping: AI connects videos based on time and place.
- Quick Actions: Options to save, share, or view details instantly.
- One-Tap Access: A simple button overlay launches the experience.
Features Inside the Explore Page
The new interface is more than just a video player. It serves as a mini explore page for your memories. When you tap the “Related videos” button, you get a clean view of your content. Beneath each clip, users will find essential tools. You can easily share a rediscovered funny moment with friends directly from this feed.
There is also a very useful “View Day” button. This option takes you out of the video feed and shows you everything from that specific date. It allows you to see the photos that were taken alongside those videos. This connects the moving images back to the static ones for a complete picture of the day.
Navigating this feed feels natural for anyone who uses modern social apps. The learning curve is practically zero. It transforms a boring file directory into an interactive entertainment center starring you and your loved ones.
Light Mode Enters the Editing Suite
Video discovery is not the only thing Google is working on. The company is also refining the photo editor interface. A new light mode option is being tested for the editing suite. This feature provides a brighter background which helps when editing dark images.
Many users struggle to see the edges of a photo when the background is black. A white or light gray background creates better contrast for dark borders. This ensures you do not accidentally crop out important details.
This tweak seems small but it is significant for power users. It shows Google is paying attention to the actual usability of their tools. Just like the video feed, this is in testing and should arrive in a future update.
Summary
Google Photos is evolving from a simple storage locker into an active memory player. The new TikTok-style vertical feed uses AI to surface related videos effortlessly. While it is still in testing, it promises to make rediscovering old moments fun and addictive. The addition of a light mode for editing further polishes the user experience. These updates show Google is committed to keeping the app fresh and useful.
We all have thousands of videos sitting unseen in our clouds. This feature might finally help us watch them. What do you think about turning your gallery into a social-media style feed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. If you are excited about this, share this news on social media using #GooglePhotosUpdate.
