What is Timeline Visualizer?

A free browser tool that reads your exported Google Maps Timeline.json and creates an animated travel recap MP4. It runs entirely in your browser — your location data is never uploaded.

Is my Timeline data uploaded to a server?

No. Your Timeline JSON is read locally in the browser. The only network requests are for map tiles from CARTO.

How do I get my Timeline.json file?

Export directly from Google Maps on iPhone or Android. See our export guide for step-by-step instructions.

Which browsers support video creation?

Video creation requires WebCodecs with H.264. Safari 16.4+ on iPhone and recent Chrome or Edge on desktop work best.

Timeline Visualizer — Free Google Timeline to Travel Video

Create your video

Choose Timeline.json

Drop your file here, or browse

Browse files

Need to export first? See the export guide

No Timeline loaded

Checking video support…

Language Distance unit

Create video Timeline file

Choose your exported Timeline.json. The file stays on this device, and only map images are requested from the map provider.

How to export Timeline on iPhone Open Google Maps and tap your profile picture. Open Settings, then Personal content. Select Export Timeline data. Save Timeline.json in the Files app, then return here. To keep this app on your iPhone, use Safari’s Share menu and choose Add to Home Screen. Third-party notices

Create your journey

GPS outlier filtering Conservative filtering ignores only short, impossible round trips. Your Timeline file is never changed.

Select exact dates

From To

Video title Duration Camera movement Video format Larger formats take longer to create and produce larger files. Frame rate Higher frame rates look smoother but take longer and create larger files.

Before loading the map

Your Timeline file is never uploaded. CARTO receives the tile coordinates for map areas in the selected journey, along with normal network information such as your IP address. This may reveal places in your Timeline to CARTO.

I understand and want to load the map Read the web app privacy policy

How Timeline Visualizer Works

Three steps from Google Timeline export to shareable travel video — no account, no install.

Export your Timeline

Google Maps stores location history on your phone. Export it as Timeline.json from iPhone or Android.
Export guide →
Upload in your browser

Drop your file here or browse. Your data stays on your device — we never receive your location history.
Upload Timeline.json →
Download your MP4

Pick dates, camera style, and format (Portrait for Reels, Landscape for YouTube). Create and share your recap.

Why Use Timeline Visualizer?

Private by design

Your Timeline.json is parsed locally. Nothing is uploaded to our servers — only map tile coordinates go to CARTO.

Free, no account

No sign-up, subscription, or app install. Open the page, upload your file, and download your video.

Works on phone & desktop

Export on your phone, create the video in Safari or Chrome. Portrait and landscape formats included.

Shareable MP4 output

H.264 video ready for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or messaging apps. Preview before you export.

Export Your Timeline First

Choose your platform for step-by-step instructions on getting Timeline.json from Google Maps.

iPhone

Export via Google Maps → Settings → Personal content → Export Timeline data.

iPhone guide →

Android

Export from Google Maps or Android settings — two methods depending on your device.

Android guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my location data uploaded?

No. Timeline Visualizer reads your file locally in the browser. Map tiles are fetched from CARTO, which may receive coordinates for areas in your journey.

Which browsers can create MP4 video?

Safari 16.4+ on iPhone and recent Chrome or Edge on desktop support WebCodecs H.264 encoding. Other browsers can load data but may not export video.

Does Google Takeout still work for Timeline?

For newer on-device Timeline data, export directly from Google Maps on your phone. Takeout no longer includes the same data for many users.

Is this an official Google product?

No. Timeline Visualizer is an unofficial third-party tool and is not affiliated with Google.

Read all FAQ →

Ready to visualize your timeline?

Try the demo journey first — no file needed — or upload your own Timeline.json.

Create your video

Turn Google Timeline into a Travel Video Google Timeline Visualizer — location history to animated travel recap

Shared Android preset

Create your video

Create your journey

Preview

How Timeline Visualizer Works

Export your Timeline

Upload in your browser

Download your MP4

Why Use Timeline Visualizer?

Private by design

Free, no account

Works on phone & desktop

Shareable MP4 output

Export Your Timeline First

iPhone

Android

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to visualize your timeline?

Only raw location data found