YouTube is officially entering the year-end review race. On Tuesday, the platform announced the launch of its first-ever “YouTube Recap,” a personalized experience that allows users to revisit their viewing habits, top channels, and content interests throughout the year.
Personalized Insights and Personality Types
The feature provides users with up to 12 custom cards. These visuals offer a deep dive into individual viewing patterns, the evolution of content preferences over the months, and even assigns a “personality type” based on specific watch behaviors.
YouTube has categorized users into distinct archetypes. For instance, “Skill Builders” are identified by their focus on educational content, while “Sunshiners” prioritize positive, uplifting videos. Other categories include “Trailblazers,” who consume original and unconventional content, alongside the “Wonder Seeker,” “Connector,” and “Dreamer” profiles.
Availability and Platform Access
The rollout begins today for users across North America, with a global launch scheduled for later this week. The Recap is accessible on both desktop and mobile devices, conveniently located on the YouTube homepage or within the “You” tab.
The feature is the result of extensive user feedback, with the platform conducting over 50 concept tests to refine the final experience. While the main service focuses on video consumption, users can still access deeper musical insights via the dedicated YouTube Music app, which began its annual recap rollout last week.
Top Trends of 2025
In addition to individual data, YouTube released its aggregate trend charts for the year. The platform’s top creator remains MrBeast, securing the number one spot for the sixth consecutive year. In other categories, “The Joe Rogan Experience” dominated the podcast charts, while the collaboration between Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga, “Die with a Smile,” claimed the top song title.
YouTube’s entry into the recap space arrives alongside similar initiatives from competitors like Apple Music’s Replay and Amazon Music’s 2025 Delivered, as platforms race to capitalize on the viral potential of user-generated end-of-year summaries.