Video Playback Speed: The Missing Feature Arrives
Previously, if you wanted to change the speed of a video in Google Photos on Android, you were out of luck. Unlike YouTube, which has offered playback speed controls for years, Google Photos had only one setting—1x. If you wanted to speed up or slow down a video, you had to export it to another app. Users regularly called out this omission in forums and app store comments.
That’s finally changed. Google confirmed that the new Playback speed option is available in the Google Photos video player on Android. According to Google, “the ability to modify the playback speed of your videos in Google Photos on Android is now available. This feature was highly anticipated by our community and we’re happy to finally make it accessible.”
How It Works: Speeds, Controls, and Editing
The first appearance of this new function was noticed in Google Photos 7.58 by Android Authority, and it was later confirmed by Google. The Playback speed setting is being distributed to users via a server-side update, so you may notice it appear without needing to install an update from the Play Store. Supported playback speeds in the video player are 0.25x, 0.5x, 1x, 1.5x, and 2x.
This adjustment is temporary: once you close a video or start playing another, it reverts to the standard 1x speed. If you want to make a lasting change to a video's speed, you need to use the built-in video editor. Open the video, tap “Edit,” then “Speed,” and pick from 0.25x, 0.5x, 2x, or 4x. This lets you create slow motion or time-lapse effects without extra software or special filming techniques.
How to Get the Feature and What’s Coming Next
Since the update comes server-side, it can show up without needing a fresh Play Store installation. Still, ensure you have a recent version of Google Photos (versions 7.58 or 7.64 are recommended in reports). If “Playback speed” doesn’t show up, try closing and reopening the app or restarting your phone.
As of now, this feature is only available on Android. Though not confirmed, a future rollout to iOS would be logical. This change comes as Google is also rolling out the “Enhance with AI” photo editing button. With direct video speed controls, Google Photos for Android is closing one of its most glaring feature gaps, letting users manage video playback on the spot instead of turning to third-party tools.
