You can now share Google Photos' Memories as video files

The Memories feature has been available in Google Photos for a while now. However, hardcore users of the service will know how cumbersome or frustrating it can be to try to share the slideshows. Fortunately, Google Photos is now making it easier to share Memories with everyone else. This is in addition to other changes that the app has been receiving recently.

Memories is a feature that uses the photos and videos you’ve taken over the years to create a themed animated slideshow. According to Google, Memories “automatically organize your photos and videos into a timeline of meaningful moments.” You also have the option to tweak the final output if you want.

Google Photos now converts Memories you share through other apps into video files

Google Photos users can easily receive Memories from others. Now, when you share Memories, Photos will automatically convert them into a traditional video format, allowing users of other gallery apps to view them without any issues. Being a traditional video file, Memories are also compatible with multimedia viewers in messaging apps. Therefore, you won’t even need to launch your device’s gallery app to play the Memories you receive.

As spotted by Smartdroid, the new feature is already arriving in the Google Photos app. You won’t have to update the app to receive it, as it’s a server-side change. You will know that you can use the option thanks to a new popup that will notify you when opening your Memories. Once available, you’ll just need to select a Memory, tap the “Share” option, and choose an app other than Google Photos (such as messaging apps). The other party should receive a video file showing the slideshow as you can see it in your Photos app, including effects and music.

It’s not yet known if Google is rolling out the option to share Memories in video format en masse, as the company hasn’t confirmed it. Anyway, Google initially announced the feature in 2023, so it took its sweet time to ship it.