When Google launched Google Photos in 2015, its proposal was to allow users to save an unlimited number of photos in "high quality". Now, five years later, Google has announced that starting June 1, 2021, photos will again count as occupied space in the 15GB storage included with the Google account.
Google tweeted about the change from the official Google Photos account on Twitter.
As many as 28 billion new photos and videos are uploaded to Photos every week. To welcome even more memories and create Google Photos for the future, we are announcing a change to our storage policy.
Find out more here: https://t.co/SuS34HFjAu
– Google Photo (@googlephotos) 11 November 2020
Google says the reason for the change is that it wants to offer users a higher quality experience and wants to improve Google Photos performance in the future. But we all know this is marketing language to justify that free has to end at some point because, ultimately, it's not free.
Only photos that are uploaded from June 1, 2021 will be considered as occupied space in the 15 GB included in the Google account, or against the additional space that was purchased.
Also, please note that Google account storage is common for Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos, which means that the new photos will be added to the space you have already occupied by emails (and their attachments) and files. you have saved to Google Drive.
Pixel users (Google phones) are the only ones who don't have to worry about the change. All your high-quality photos and videos will remain free from editing beyond June 1, 2021.
Google offers a custom estimate that could help you predict how long you have to reach your storage limit.
This says Google in their help document
Google Photos storage changesWhat will change?
Google Photos currently offers the following backup options:
- High quality unlimited free storage.
- Free express quality storage (only available in select markets).
- Free original quality storage up to 15GB (shared between Photos, Gmail and Drive), with additional storage available through Google One.
Starting June 1, 2021, high-quality and express-quality content will be taken into account in your Google Account storage. If you run out of storage, you can sign up for Google One (if available) to get more, or you can delete the content to continue with Photos' free storage option.
If you are using a family, work, school, or other group account, you may be affected by this change depending on the plan you use. Ask your account administrator how storage works.
Important:
- Photos and videos backed up in high quality and express quality before June 1, 2021 will not count against your Google Account storage.
- Original quality photos and videos will continue to be taken into account in your Google Account storage.
