YouTube has launched a new feature that provides users with an annual review of their watched videos, marking a significant milestone in the platform's history. For the first time ever, the app will now showcase a personalized recap of its users' favorite channels, topics, and other entertaining insights gathered throughout the year.
To access this recap, simply navigate to the "You" tab at the bottom of the main app, or head over to youtube.com/recap for a web-based view. The feature is available to both free and premium users alike. What's more, users can now share their personalized recap across social media platforms just like other popular services such as Spotify and Apple Music.
One notable exception to this rule is YouTube Music, where users will be redirected to the dedicated music app for a separate recap after completing the 2025 video highlight reel. However, unlike its mainstream counterpart, this feature is only available to users who have spent at least ten hours on the platform in 2025, indicating that it's geared towards more avid music enthusiasts.
In addition, YouTube has taken steps to ensure parental discretion by making these recaps exclusive to adults only, a measure designed to shield parents from an unfiltered list of their kids' favorite videos. As this marks the platform's 20th anniversary, some might remember our own rundown of top videos since 2005 – a nostalgic reminder of how far YouTube has come in the past two decades.
The introduction of this recap feature underscores YouTube's commitment to delivering more personalized experiences for its users and providing a deeper dive into the content that resonates with them most.
To access this recap, simply navigate to the "You" tab at the bottom of the main app, or head over to youtube.com/recap for a web-based view. The feature is available to both free and premium users alike. What's more, users can now share their personalized recap across social media platforms just like other popular services such as Spotify and Apple Music.
One notable exception to this rule is YouTube Music, where users will be redirected to the dedicated music app for a separate recap after completing the 2025 video highlight reel. However, unlike its mainstream counterpart, this feature is only available to users who have spent at least ten hours on the platform in 2025, indicating that it's geared towards more avid music enthusiasts.
In addition, YouTube has taken steps to ensure parental discretion by making these recaps exclusive to adults only, a measure designed to shield parents from an unfiltered list of their kids' favorite videos. As this marks the platform's 20th anniversary, some might remember our own rundown of top videos since 2005 – a nostalgic reminder of how far YouTube has come in the past two decades.
The introduction of this recap feature underscores YouTube's commitment to delivering more personalized experiences for its users and providing a deeper dive into the content that resonates with them most.
I'm loving this new feature, feels like they're finally getting our nostalgia vibes right 
! Been thinking about how my viewing habits change from year to year... so this recap thing is super helpful in seeing what's been keeping me entertained 
. The fact that it's available on both mobile and web makes sense, but I'm kinda bummed they didn't include an option for users who don't have premium accounts 
. On the other hand, I guess it's a good way to encourage folks who are actually super into music to stick with YouTube Music 
. Can't wait to see what my recaps look like this time around! 
it's like they're speaking directly to my soul now! i mean, i already knew what i loved watching on youtube, but this feature just takes it to a whole new level. i'm gonna share mine with all my friends and family, no question 
i don't need any extra features to enjoy my yt experience, but it's cool that i can upgrade if i want to. and omg the music recap thing is genius 
. I mean, who doesn't love looking back at what made their year so special? It's like having your own personal highlight reel 
. I've always wondered if my kids would even know what some of the old videos were about when they're older... it's nice to think that YouTube will be keeping an eye out for them, too 
. This feature is just another reason why I love using the platform - it feels like they really get us, you know? 
just thinking about all these fave channels & vids being bunched up together is kinda mind-blowing... like, what even makes our brains go back to those videos? 