YouTube Unveils First-Ever Personalized Video Recap, Assigning Viewer Personality Types

YouTube has launched its first-ever personalized year-end recap for videos watched on its main platform, a feature long-requested by users. As reported by TechCrunch on December 2, 2025, with the tweet stating, ">YouTube releases its first-ever recap of videos you’ve watched," this new "YouTube Recap" experience allows users to revisit their viewing habits in a format reminiscent of Spotify Wrapped. It marks a significant expansion beyond the existing YouTube Music recap, focusing specifically on general video content.

The YouTube Recap presents up to 12 personalized cards that highlight a user’s top channels, interests, and the evolution of their viewing habits throughout the year. A unique aspect is the assignment of a "personality type" based on watching preferences, with examples including "Skill Builder" for those drawn to educational content, "Sunshiners" for positive content, and "Trailblazers" for original material. Other types mentioned in the announcement include "Wonder Seeker," "Connector," and "Dreamer."

This new feature directly addresses user demand, with YouTube stating it conducted over 50 different concept tests and nine rounds of feedback sessions before finalizing the product. While YouTube Music has offered its own annual recap for several years, this marks the first time the primary video platform provides a comprehensive, personalized summary of general video consumption. The company aims to build something genuinely personal that helps users rediscover videos and creators.

The YouTube Recap began rolling out on December 2, 2025, for users in North America, with a global expansion planned for the same week. Users can access their personalized recap directly on the YouTube homepage or under the "You" tab on both mobile devices and desktop. The feature is based on watch history, and certain privacy settings or account types, such as managed accounts or paused watch history, might affect availability.

YouTube's entry into the personalized video recap space positions it alongside other major platforms like Apple Music's Replay and Amazon Music's 2025 Delivered, all vying for end-of-year social media engagement. Alongside the Recap, YouTube also released trend charts showcasing the top creators, podcasts, and songs of the year, with MrBeast securing the top creator spot for the sixth consecutive year. This strategic timing aims to ensure YouTube's video-first identity is part of the annual recap conversation.