Dog & Cat Year in Review Video Ideas for 2026
December is when everyone posts their "year in review". Your pet had a big year too: new tricks, new naps, maybe a new sibling. Here are simple ideas to turn your dog's or cat's year into a short recap video that friends actually stop scrolling for.
Why a pet recap works so well
- Short vertical videos (9:16, about 30 seconds) fit Instagram Reels, TikTok and Stories.
- One photo per month is enough, so you don't need perfect footage.
- Pets are the most shared content in December feeds, right next to holiday photos.
3 example recaps you can copy
1. "The Glow-Up Year" in Warm Film style
A rescue dog's year, month by month: the shy first day home in January, the first beach run in summer, the cozy sofa nap in December. Soft film grain and golden light leaks make every phone photo look like a memory. End card: "Best year yet."
2. "12 Months of Naps" in Scrapbook style
A cat who did nothing but sleep, shown as a scrapbook: paper texture, washi tape and doodle hearts around each nap spot. Funny captions per month ("March: tried the laundry basket"). Perfect for cat people who love self-aware humor.
3. "Our Little Story" in Storybook style
A puppy's first year as soft watercolour pages, chapter by chapter: January, Spring, Summer, Autumn, Holidays. Gentle motion on each page and warm music. It works great as a gift for family who live far away.
How to make one in a few minutes
- Pick 6 clear photos of your pet (one face per photo, good light, no people in the frame).
- Choose a style: Warm Film, Scrapbook or Storybook.
- Add your pet's name and get a free watermarked preview first.
- Download the 30-second 9:16 recap with music plus 6 HD memory images.
Try it on the pet year in review video maker. You only pay if you love the preview.
Tips for a recap people share
- Start with your strongest photo; the first second decides the scroll.
- Keep captions short: one line per month.
- Post between Christmas and New Year, when "year in review" interest peaks.
- Tag the shelter or breeder; they often reshare.
FAQ
Can I include my family in the photos? No. The tool works with pets only, so pick photos where only your pet is visible.
What do I get? A 30-second vertical recap video with music and 6 HD images. The Cards tier adds a story card and a New Year card.
How long does it take? The preview takes about a minute; the full recap is usually ready within a few minutes after checkout.