Discover 5 Surprising Google Photos Features You Didn’t Know​

Google Photos is widely regarded as one of the leading cloud storage solutions for managing photos and videos. The app has evolved significantly since its launch, particularly during its 10-year anniversary in 2025, when it introduced exciting AI features. Beyond mere storage and organization, Google Photos offers a plethora of hidden features that enhance user experience. Here, we delve into five surprising Google Photos features you probably didn’t know about.

Five Surprising Google Photos Features You Didn’t Know

1. Enhanced Handwritten Text Transcription with Ask Photos

The Ask Photos feature leverages advanced AI technology from Gemini to accurately transcribe handwritten text. This functionality surpasses the capabilities of Google Lens, especially with unclear handwriting. To utilize Ask Photos:

• Open the image with the handwritten text.
• Long-press the image and select “Ask” from the menu.
• Type “Transcribe this” into the textbox and wait for the transcription.

This feature can also answer follow-up queries related to the image.

2. Adding Music to Videos on Android

Google Photos allows Android users to enhance their videos by adding soundtracks. This feature transforms Google Photos into a capable video editing tool. Here’s how to add music:

• Open your video in Google Photos.
• Select “Edit,” then navigate to “Music.”
• Choose your desired song from the list or upload your own.

You can also adjust the original audio volume or mute it entirely.

3. Simplifying Video Creation with Highlight Videos

Creating short-form videos such as Reels and TikToks can be labor-intensive. Google Photos offers a Highlight Video feature that streamlines this process. To create a Highlight Video:

• Go to the “Create” tab and select “Highlight Video.”
• Pick a template and choose your preferred photos and videos.
• Edit using built-in tools and save the final version.

You can even let Google Photos select the best content based on themes or locations.

4. Custom Stickers from Photos

With the introduction of custom sticker creation, Google Photos now enables users to extract subjects from images seamlessly. To create a sticker:

• Tap on the desired photo and hold to select the subject.
• Choose “Copy sticker” to use it in your preferred app.

Your stickers are automatically saved in the Stickers album for future use.

5. Sharing Albums via QR Codes

Sharing photos has never been easier, thanks to the QR code feature in Google Photos. This function allows for hassle-free sharing of albums. To generate a QR code:

• Create a new album and add your selected photos.
• Access the album and tap the share icon.
• Select “Show QR Code” and then create the link.

Anyone can scan the QR code to access the album, leaving them free to interact with the content.

These five features reveal the depth of functionality within Google Photos, enriching the user experience far beyond basic photo storage. Explore these hidden gems to maximize your photo management and sharing capabilities.