Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about turning Google Timeline data into a travel video.
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 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, which may reveal the geographic areas shown in your journey.
How do I get my Timeline.json file?
Export directly from your phone. See our export guide for iPhone and Android steps. Google Takeout no longer works for newer on-device Timeline data.
Which browsers are supported?
Video creation requires WebCodecs with H.264 encoding. Safari 16.4+ on iPhone and recent Chrome/Edge on desktop work best. Browsers without WebCodecs can still load Timeline data but cannot create MP4 videos.
What video formats are available?
Square (480p–1080p), Portrait (1080×1920 for TikTok/Reels), and Landscape (1920×1080). Portrait is selected by default.
Can I try it without exporting my data?
Yes! Click Try demo journey on the homepage to load a fictional sample Timeline and preview the tool instantly.
Is this an official Google product?
No. Timeline Visualizer is an unofficial third-party tool and is not affiliated with Google. See About for attribution.