YouTube introduces video viewing recap feature for users

The feature, called YouTube Recap, presents users with up to 12 information cards that highlight their most-watched channels, dominant interests and notable shifts in content consumption. It is designed to provide a broad overview of user behaviour on the platform, similar in structure to annual summary tools offered by other streaming and content services.

“YouTube Recap uniquely highlights interests, deep dives, and moments you explored this year, based on your watch history,” YouTube said in a blog post. “You’ll get a set of up to 12 different cards that spotlight your top channels, interests, and even the evolution of your viewing habits, or which personality type you fall into based on the videos you loved to watch.”

In addition to viewing preferences, the recap also assigns users a “personality type” based on their watching habits. These include categories such as Adventurer, Skill Builder and Creative Spirit. The classifications are intended to reflect patterns in how and what users consume on the platform.

The feature began rolling out to users in the United States and is scheduled to be made available globally throughout the same week. It can be accessed on both mobile and desktop devices via a dedicated button on the YouTube homepage or through the “You” tab in the user menu.

While the recap includes some information related to music videos and listening activity, such as frequently played artists and songs, it does not replace the existing YouTube Music Recap. The music-specific recap will continue to provide a separate summary within the YouTube Music app, focusing on top artists, songs, genres and podcasts.

Alongside the launch of the recap feature, YouTube shared broader viewing trends in the United States. The new recap feature forms part of YouTube’s broader strategy to increase personalisation and user engagement by allowing individuals to reflect on their activity and viewing habits over the past year.