How to Use Google Photos' New Video Editor to Create Professional Highlight Reels

Google Photos has introduced a major update that brings powerful video-editing tools directly into the app, making it easier than ever to create polished highlight reels. With new templates, a redesigned editor, improved music selection, and enhanced text customization, Google Photos now offers a more intuitive and CapCut-like editing experience for everyday users.

This step-by-step guide explains all the new features and shows you how to use them to produce professional-looking videos in minutes.

1. What Are the New Video Editing Features in Google Photos?

Google Photos' update focuses on making video creation faster, smarter, and more accessible. The major improvements include:

✔ New Smart Templates (Rolling Out on Android)

• Pre-built themes with coordinated music and text

• Auto-syncs clips to the beat

• Instantly creates highlight videos

Simply select a template, choose your photos and video clips, and Google Photos automatically generates a polished edit.

✔ A Redesigned Video Editor (Available on Android & iOS)

The new editor comes with several productivity-boosting tools:

• Universal Timeline

All clips are displayed on a single, unified timeline so you can easily view and adjust your entire project.

• Adaptive Canvas

The editing interface adapts to your video's aspect ratio and layout, making it easier to work in vertical, landscape, or square formats.

• Music + Text on Individual Clips

You can now layer both text and audio on the same clip, perfect for intros, titles, and callouts.

• Now the Default Android Video Editor

When Android users open a video, this redesigned editor appears automatically.

✔ Improved Music Library (Android & iOS)

Users can browse Google Photos' music collection and choose a soundtrack that fits the mood of their highlight reel.

✔ New Text Customization Tools (Android Only)

Add stylized text overlays with:

• Multiple font options

• Custom colors

• Background shapes

• Enhanced creative controls

Ideal for social media videos, travel recaps, and storytelling.

2. How Do You Create a Highlight Video in Google Photos?

Follow these steps to create a clean, professional highlight video using the new Google Photos editor.

Step 1: Open the Create Tab

1. Launch Google Photos.

2. Tap Create in the bottom menu.

3. Select Highlight Video.

Step 2: Choose Your Photos and Clips

Pick the images and videos you want to include in your reel. Google Photos will automatically generate a first draft.

Step 3: Apply a Template (Android Only)

If templates are available on your device:

• Go to Templates

• Select a theme

• Let Google Photos auto-edit your video

The app automatically adjusts pacing, transitions, titles, and music sync.

Step 4: Fine-Tune with the Redesigned Editor

Use the new tools to customize your video:

On the Universal Timeline

• Rearrange clips

• Trim unnecessary sections

• Adjust transitions

Using Adaptive Canvas

• Change aspect ratios (e.g., 9:16, 1:1, 16:9)

• Let the editor auto-fit your layout

Step 5: Add Music

Tap Music and choose from:

• Google's built-in soundtrack library

• Automatically recommended tracks

All tracks are cleared for use, so you can safely publish your video.

Step 6: Add Text and Titles

Android users get additional styling options:

• Stylish titles

• Colored backgrounds

• Font adjustments

• Subtitle-style overlays

This is perfect for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and travel diaries.

Step 7: Save or Share Your Video

You can export the final version or share it directly to:

• TikTok

• YouTube

• Instagram

• Facebook

• Your device's gallery

3. Why Is the New Google Photos Video Editor Important?

The new Google Photos editor brings several long-term benefits:

✔ A More CapCut-Like, User-Friendly Experience

Great for users who want strong results without learning complex editing software.

✔ Faster Workflow for Creators

Perfect for quick event recaps, holiday highlight reels, and social-ready content.

✔ Ideal for Vertical Video Platforms

Templates and adaptive canvas make it easy to produce Reels, Shorts, and TikToks.

4. Who Should Use Google Photos' New Editing Tools?

This update is especially useful for:

• Beginners learning basic video editing

• Students and travelers making recap videos

• Social media creators posting vertical content

• Families organizing memories and special events

• Anyone wanting quick, professional-looking results

Final Thoughts

With smart templates, a redesigned timeline, a more flexible canvas, and enhanced music and text tools, Google Photos has evolved into a capable video editing platform. If you want fast, simple, and high-quality video creation directly from your mobile device, this update is worth exploring.