From a Timeline file to a travel video

Import and shape a short journey

Choose your Timeline JSON on the home page, or try the Japan sample before using personal data. Select the dates for one trip, give the video a title and choose its shape: portrait for a phone, square for a compact post or wide for a larger screen. Review the frequent-place protection and date visibility controls before previewing.

Preview, create and check the download

Open Preview and allow map loading when prompted if you want a basemap. Watch the beginning, transitions and ending for jumps or unwanted places. Return to the editor if needed, then choose Create video. Keep the page open while it renders. Download the MP4 when ready and play the saved file once before sharing; a preview is not proof that the final download completed.

Make your first video

1. Export the Timeline JSON from the phone that contains the trip. On Android, look in device Settings → Location → Location services → Timeline → Export Timeline data. On iPhone, look in Google Maps settings for Export Timeline data and save the result to Files. Follow Google Help if your menus differ.
2. Choose the exported file on the home page. Check the dates detected from the file; the Japan sample is available if you want to learn the controls first.
3. Select the journey period. Start with a few days rather than a whole year, and confirm there are locations in that range.
4. Set the title, aspect ratio, resolution and duration. Explore camera and music options if needed. Use only audio you are entitled to share.
5. Review privacy controls, then allow map requests when prompted. Map providers receive network information and requested map areas, but not your source file.
6. Preview the route. Scrub or replay to check the start, transitions and final view. Return to settings to correct anything you do not want in the video.
7. Create the video, keep the page open and wait for completion. Save the MP4 and play the downloaded file before sharing it.

What to check

The video is based on the source data. Location gaps and inaccurate points can affect the line, distance and timing.

• Choose a supported Timeline JSON file, geotagged photos or the public Japan sample.
• Select dates and format, consent to map tiles if needed, preview the route and create an MP4.

Further reading

• Google Maps Timeline Help

Related articles