Google Tests Video Maker Branding In Photos App

The tech giant is experimenting with new names and playback controls in the latest version of its photo storage platform.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Scrapbooking

Google Tests Video Maker Branding In Photos App

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Google is testing a rename of its Highlight video feature to Video maker within the Google Photos app. The potential change was identified in version 7.98 of the software alongside new user controls for motion photos and background music.

Why it matters

These adjustments suggest Google is working to simplify how users navigate video creation and media playback settings. The updates aim to give individuals more direct management over automated features that currently require menu navigation to adjust.

The potential changes appear in Google Photos version 7.98. These updates specifically impact the Create menu and the Gemini-backed Help me create tool.

The players

Google

Google is a global technology company that develops the Android operating system and the Google Photos service.

The details

Evidence for the rebranding to Video maker was discovered by back-engineering the app code, which also revealed planned shortcuts for disabling background music and motion photo playback directly from the photo grid. These features currently require users to enter deeper settings menus to manage automated playback.

December 2025: Google released a redesigned video editor in the Photos app.
October 2026: Evidence of the new feature testing was spotted in app code.

Culture Shift

This potential update to the Google Photos app follows a broader industry trend of prioritizing generative AI and simplified automation for hobbyist creators. It reflects a shift toward more intuitive digital scrapbooking where users demand faster control over personalized media.

Users may soon see a more streamlined interface when creating videos directly within the app. These shortcuts will likely save time by eliminating the need to navigate through complex settings menus to disable motion or music.

The takeaway

These pending updates highlight an effort to make digital scrapbooking tools more accessible through direct interface toggles. Users should keep an eye on future app updates to see if these experimental features move from the code stage to general availability.