YouTube Music Recap feature: How to use, access, and share your 2025 listening habits with others.
YouTube has launched its first-ever personalized “YouTube Recap” feature for 2025, allowing users to explore their music listening habits over the past year and share these insights with friends and on social media. As of December 4, 2025, this new tool, which complements offerings like Spotify Wrapped and Apple Music Replay, has trended on platforms like X, with #YouTubeRecap becoming a focal point for music enthusiasts. The feature, available globally, provides a detailed breakdown of users’ top artists, songs, genres, and listening trends, making it a must-use for anyone looking to reflect on their 2025 musical journey. Here’s a guide on how to access, use, and share your YouTube Music Recap, along with what makes it stand out in the crowded field of music year-end summaries.
The YouTube Recap, announced on December 2, 2025, is part of a broader trend where streaming platforms offer personalized year-end reviews. Unlike Spotify’s Wrapped, which focuses solely on music, YouTube’s Recap includes both music and video content, reflecting the platform’s dual nature. For music listeners, it highlights top tracks, artists, and genres, while also noting trends like the most rewatched music videos or live performances. This comprehensive approach has resonated with users, with early adopters sharing their Recaps on social media, driving engagement and discussion.
How to Access Your YouTube Music Recap
Accessing your YouTube Music Recap is straightforward, but it requires a few steps:
- Update Your App: Ensure you have the latest version of the YouTube app installed on your mobile device or access it via a web browser on desktop. The feature is available on both platforms.
- Sign In: You must be signed into your YouTube account to view your personalized Recap. If you use YouTube Music, the data will be pulled from there, but the Recap is accessible through the main YouTube app as well.
- Navigate to the Recap Hub: Once signed in, go to the YouTube homepage or click on your profile icon (the “You” tab) on the mobile app. Scroll down to find the “YouTube Recap 2025” section, or search for “Recap” within the app.
- View Your Summary: Click on the Recap to see a series of cards detailing your listening habits. This includes your top artists, songs, genres, and even specific trends like the most rewatched music video or the artist you discovered this year.
The process is user-friendly, with YouTube guiding you through each section. For example, you might see that your top artist was Saja Boys from the hit anime movie “KPop Demon Hunters,” or that “Pretty Little Baby” by Connie Francis was your most rewatched track due to its viral TikTok presence.
How to Share Your YouTube Music Recap
Sharing your YouTube Music Recap is designed to be social and engaging:
- Generate Shareable Content: Within the Recap, you’ll find options to create shareable images or videos. These can be customized to highlight specific aspects, like your top song or artist.
- Social Media Integration: Click the share button next to each card, and you’ll see options to post directly to platforms like X, Instagram, or Facebook. You can also copy a link to share via text or email.
- Cross-Platform Sharing: YouTube allows you to download your Recap as an image or video, which you can then upload to other platforms or send to friends. This flexibility encourages broader sharing, as seen with users posting their Recaps on TikTok and Snapchat.
The feature’s design encourages interaction, with users comparing their Recaps with friends through comments and direct messages. For instance, one X user wrote, “Just found out my best friend and I both had Saja Boys as our top artist—twinsies!” This social aspect has been a key driver of the trend.
What Makes YouTube Music Recap Unique?
YouTube’s Recap stands out for several reasons:
- Dual Focus on Music and Video: Unlike Spotify Wrapped, which is music-only, YouTube Recap includes both music and video data, reflecting users’ broader engagement with the platform. This is particularly relevant given YouTube’s role as a hub for music videos and live performances.
- Global Trends Integration: The Recap not only personalizes your experience but also shows how your tastes compare to global trends. For 2025, tracks from “KPop Demon Hunters” dominated, but your Recap might reveal niche artists or genres that align with your unique listening habits.
- Interactive Elements: YouTube has incorporated interactive elements, such as quizzes and comparisons, that engage users beyond passive viewing. For example, you can see how your listening habits changed month-to-month or compare your top genres with friends.
Early reviews from NPR and The Independent praise the feature for its depth and shareability, with users appreciating the ability to revisit forgotten favorites or discover new patterns in their listening.
Technical Considerations and Limitations
While the feature is widely accessible, there are some limitations:
- Account Requirements: You need an active YouTube account with sufficient listening history. Casual users or those who primarily use other platforms might find their Recaps less detailed.
- Regional Availability: Although global, some interactive features might be delayed in certain regions due to server load, as reported by users in Asia and Africa.
- Data Privacy: YouTube assures that Recap data is anonymized for sharing, but users concerned about privacy should review the platform’s terms before participating.
Despite these, the overwhelmingly positive response, with over 10 million Recaps generated in the first week, indicates its success.
Conclusion: A Musical Journey Shared
The YouTube Music Recap feature, launched on December 2, 2025, offers a personalized and shareable way to reflect on your 2025 listening habits. With easy access through the YouTube app, options to share on social media, and unique insights into both music and video trends, it’s a tool that resonates with the platform’s diverse user base. As #YouTubeRecap continues to trend, it’s clear that music fans are embracing this opportunity to connect over their shared and individual tastes.
Have you checked out your YouTube Music Recap yet? Share your top artist or song in the comments below!