Question 1

Is my location data really private?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your file is read and the video is rendered entirely on your device. The only network requests are for map tile images from CARTO.

Question 2

Which browsers are supported?

Accepted Answer

Chrome, Edge and Safari 16.4 or newer (iPhone and Mac) can create the MP4. Firefox can preview but cannot export H.264 video yet.

Question 3

Why is my file empty?

Accepted Answer

If Timeline was turned off, the export contains no visits or trips. In Google Maps open your profile picture → Your Timeline → ⋯ → Location & privacy settings and make sure it says "Timeline is on"; then export again after a few days of travel. On iPhone the export is named location-history.json — that file works here too.

Question 4

How long does rendering take?

Accepted Answer

Usually one to three minutes for a 30-second video on a recent phone, longer for 1080p or long durations. Keep the tab open while it renders.

Question 5

Can I use it on a computer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Export the file on your phone, send it to your computer (AirDrop, cloud drive, email) and open this site in Chrome or Safari. Google removed the web version of Timeline, so this is also a simple way to view your Google Timeline on a PC or Mac.

Question 6

Is this the Google Timeline Visualizer from GitHub?

Accepted Answer

It is based on the same open-source project (google-timeline-visualizer, MIT), rebuilt as a web app with 9:16 / 1:1 / 16:9 output, 720p and 1080p, background music and Japanese / Korean interfaces. It is not affiliated with Google or the original author, and it needs no APK or app install.

Question 7

Does it work with Google Location History or Google Takeout?

Accepted Answer

It reads the Timeline.json exported from the Google Maps app (current format and the older semanticSegments format). Google Takeout archives usually no longer contain Timeline data since Timeline moved on-device in 2024, so export from your phone instead.

Question 8

How do I share the video on X, Instagram or TikTok?

Accepted Answer

Tap Share to open the system share sheet on your phone, or download the MP4 and upload it in the app. The default 9:16 format fits Reels, TikTok, Shorts and X; use #TimelineVisualizer so others can find it.

Turn your Google Maps Timeline into an animated travel map video

How it works

Questions