Comparisons and prices

Growing-up film or memories film: what is the difference, and which should you choose?

The short answer

In a growing-up film, each photo flows into the next, so you watch one person grow up over the years. In a memories film, each photo gets a few seconds of its own and comes to life as a moment. Choose a growing-up film when all your photos show one person. Choose a memories film for a mix of family, places and events.

A grandfather and a boy comparing old photos on the sofa
Illustrative photo
An example film from the site: Alma's bat mitzvah
An example film from the site: Dad's 80th birthday

Both films are made from your own photos, and both can have music, an opening card and an ending card. The difference is the feeling they create. Neither one is better. One simply suits your photos, and what you want people to feel, more than the other. This article shows what each looks like and which one fits your occasion, so you do not have to guess.

What is the difference between the two films?

Growing-up filmMemories film
What happens between photosEach photo flows into the nextEach photo gets a few seconds of movement
What you seeOne person growing upFamily moments, places and events
Photos that fitThe same person at different agesA mix of photos, including several people
FeelingA journey through timeAn album that comes to life
ExampleA child from birth to bar mitzvahAn old album from grandparents

What does a growing-up film look like?

In a growing-up film, the photos do not simply switch. They flow from one to the next. A baby on a blanket turns into a child at nursery, then a teenager at school, and you see the child change along the way. It feels like a short film about a whole life.

It works best when the person is clearly visible in most of the photos. We suggest putting the photos in order, from earliest to latest.

For the flow to feel natural, you need a steady run of photos. If two photos are ten years apart, the viewer will feel a jump. The smaller the gap, the stronger the feeling of growing up without a break. So for a growing-up film, try to pick one or two photos from each period and avoid big holes. You can see examples on the growing-up video page.

What does a memories film look like?

A grandfather and a boy comparing old photos on the sofa
Illustrative photo

In a memories film, each photo gets a few seconds of its own, and during those seconds it comes to life. Then the film moves on to the next photo. The result feels like a family album waking up.

It suits a mix of photos: different people, holidays, homes, celebrations. You do not need one person in every photo.

The order is also more relaxed. You can order the photos by time, by place or by family member. You can even open with your strongest photo and then go back in time. Each photo stands on its own, so the run does not have to be perfect. For the whole process, see our guide on how to turn old photos into a video.

Which film suits which occasion?

OccasionBest fitWhy
A child's birthdayGrowing-up filmYou watch the child grow from year to year
Bar or bat mitzvahGrowing-up film13 years of growing up
A parent's milestone birthdayGrowing-up filmA whole life of one person
A gift for grandparentsMemories filmA mix of family photos
A wedding anniversaryMemories filmA couple, a home, children and shared moments
An old family albumMemories filmDifferent people and places

This is a general guide. If your photos could suit both, choose by the feeling you want to give: one person's journey, or an album of everyone.

Four questions that help you decide:

  1. Are most of the photos of one person? If yes, choose a growing-up film.

  2. Do the photos show several people, places and events? If yes, choose a memories film.

  3. Do you want to tell a story or show an album? A life story is a growing-up film. A family album is a memories film.

  4. Do you have photos from every period? A growing-up film needs a steady run. In a memories film, gaps are less noticeable.

What if I have both old photos and new ones?

This is very common. Say you have 10 photos of a grandmother when she was young and 10 from recent years. If her face is clearly visible in all of them, you can make a growing-up film that shows her journey from then until now. In general, if every photo is of the same person, a growing-up film can mix old and new photos, as long as the face is clearly visible. If the photos are varied and each shows different people, a memories film will suit you better.

One more thing to know: the film aims to keep everyone looking like themselves. Sometimes one photo comes out a little different. You can fix that with another try or by swapping the photo. Your photos are used as they are, and we do not restore old photos.

What do both films have in common?

Both are made the same way. You upload photos, choose music and an opening card, and get an HD film in 16:9 with no watermark. You can download it or send a share link. You can use music from the library or your own song, and add an opening card and an ending card. You can use anywhere from 2 to 100 photos, at about 12 photos per minute.

How do I start, and can I try it free?

The first 2 animations are free, with no credit card, once per person. That way you can see how your photos look before you pay.

The price depends on the length and the number of photos. One minute, with 12 photos, starts at ₪79.90, and 3 minutes, with 36 photos, is ₪219.90. The full film is usually ready 10 to 20 minutes after payment, in HD 16:9 with no watermark. If you are also wondering about a printed album, we wrote a comparison of the two.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make both films from the same photos?

It depends on the photos. Photos of one person over the years suit both. A mix of photos suits a memories film better.

Does the person need to be in every photo of a growing-up film?

They should be clearly visible in most of them. A group photo works, as long as you can easily find the person in it.

Can I add music and an opening card to both films?

Yes. Both have music from the library or your own song, an opening card and an ending card.

How many photos do I need?

From 2 photos up to 100. About 12 photos fit in a minute.

What if a face does not look right?

The film aims to keep everyone looking like themselves. If there is a small difference, you can try another version or swap the photo.

Can I get a refund?

You can ask for a refund within 30 days of purchase, under the refund policy on the site.