Starting in June 2021, everything we upload to Google Photos will count toward the 15 GB of storage that Google provides when we open a Gmail account. If you want or need more, you'll have to pay.
“Since many of you trust Google Photos to store your memories, it's important that it not only be a great product, but also continue to meet your needs in the long term. In order to accommodate even more of your memories and build Google Photos for the future, we are changing our unlimited high-quality storage policy.” Google said in a statement on its official blog.
What does this mean? It means that free unlimited storage in Google's image and video hosting service is over. Starting in June 2021, everything you upload to the service will count toward the 15 GB that Google offers when you open an account, joining the shared space of Drive and Gmail.
In search of long-term sustainability
According to Google's statement, “today, more than 4 billion photos are stored in Google Photos, and 28 billion new photos and videos are uploaded every week,” implying that such a volume of files could make the service unsustainable if the company does not find a way to monetize it. “We know this is a big change and it may come as a surprise, which is why we wanted to let you know well in advance and give you resources to make it easier.”
The good news? Any photo or video you uploaded in High Quality before June 1, 2021 will not count toward your 15 GB of free storage. Take advantage now! On the other hand, if you have a Pixel 1-5, photos and videos uploaded in High Quality from that device will continue to be exempt from this change, even after June 1, 2021. You can check the backup quality at any time by going to Backup & sync in the app's settings.
Google One plans for more storage
As mentioned, if starting in June 2021 you need more space to store your photos (or anything else in your Google account), you'll have to shell out some money by opting for one of the Google One plans. Plans start at 100 GB for $1.99 (or euros, depending on where you live).
- 100 GB: $1.99 per month or $19.99 per year
- 200 GB: $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year
- 2 TB: $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year
In short: the free-for-all storage in Google Photos is over, and starting in June 2021 you'll have to buy a Google One plan if you need more. All in the name of making the service sustainable in the long term, maintaining its quality and commitment not to use Google Photos information for advertising purposes. Until then, Google assured that you won't have to take any action; it just wanted to warn you in advance so you can prepare for the measure. What do you think?
