The Google Photos app on Android and iOS is getting a video editing overhaul with a redesigned editor, templates for highlight reels, and options for adding custom text overlays and music to individual videos.
Highlight reels, which automatically cut together a video featuring selected photos and videos, were already part of Google Photos, but now you’ll have more options for creating them. The previous version of the highlight reel feature had fairly limited editing and style options, and simply compiled selected photos and videos into a basic mashup video. The new themed templates have built-in music and text overlays that your photos and videos will automatically sync with. Note that the updated version of the highlight reel and custom text overlays will only be available on Android.
Additionally, Google has revamped the video editor in the Google Photos app with a new design that features a universal timeline where you can trim and reorganize clips, similar to the UI on TikTok’s Capcut app and others like Instagram. It also introduces options to add custom text and music to videos, which is easier now with a reworked UI for browsing through music in Google Photos.
The improved video editor and music library are rolling out now on the Android and iOS Google Photos app, and may already be available for some users.