 Testing Google NotebookLM’s new AI video feature for family history and ancestor storytelling If you read my earlier blog post on Google NotebookLM for Genealogy, you know how impressed I was with its ability to organize research, create summaries, generate timelines, and even produce audio overviews and podcasts from uploaded research, notes, sources, and more. Well, there’s an exciting new update that takes things a step further—and it’s one genealogists are going to love. Google NotebookLM has recently introduced a video generation feature, and I had the chance to test it out quite a few weeks ago. The result? A surprisingly powerful and creative new way to share your research and tell your ancestors’ stories. What’s New: Video Creation in Google NotebookLM NotebookLM’s latest feature allows users to automatically generate videos from the materials within their notebooks. Using your uploaded content—whether that’s family history notes, ancestor profiles, research summaries, or even blog posts—the AI can now create visually engaging, narrated videos that summarize and bring your work to life. You can upload:
Once your sources are uploaded, the AI processes your uploaded content and crafts a dynamic video complete with text narration, visuals, and effortless transitions. You can customize the tone and style, edit the output, or even download and refine it further in your preferred video editor. My Test Projects To see what it could really do, I tested the feature using two of my existing projects—both of which I had already created while exploring NotebookLM’s earlier capabilities. 1. The Life and Times of Samuel Steinman You may recognize this one from my previous blog—Samuel Steinman, my 2nd great-grandfather, is my official AI ancestor tester! This project already contained a rich mix of uploaded materials, including:
2. African American and Native American Research (Client Case) For a second test, I used an existing client project notebook that focused on a dual-heritage case study. Instead of starting from scratch, I simply uploaded my case notes, ancestor profiles (with tons of facts, details, and sources), and a blog post on that case into the notebook. NotebookLM used it to generate a compelling video titled “A Grandmother’s History,” highlighting key moments from the research in an accessible and visual format. The end result showed real potential for client work, offering a fresh and engaging way to share discoveries beyond the traditional written report. Why This Feature Is a Game-Changer for Genealogists The new video generation tool isn’t just fun to experiment with—it’s genuinely useful for a range of genealogical purposes: 🎞️ 1. Storytelling Made Easy Turn your ancestors’ research files, notes, and timelines into short, captivating videos. Perfect for family reunions, online sharing, or preservation projects. 🗂️ 2. Project Summaries Quickly create visual summaries of client research or ongoing projects to share progress or updates in a professional, creative format. 🎙️ 3. Companion to Audio Overviews Pair NotebookLM’s existing audio overview feature with the new video output to create both podcast and video versions of your work—ideal for multi-format storytelling. 🧬 4. Educational and Presentation Uses For genealogical educators and speakers, this feature offers new ways to present case studies or historical examples in a visual and engaging way, possibly using them for video blogs. 👩💻 5. Enhanced Family History Sharing Not everyone wants to read a 20-page narrative or research report. With these videos, you can share your family stories with relatives in a format they’ll actually watch and enjoy. Creative Possibilities for the Future The ability to turn your compiled notes, research, and documents into a video has tremendous potential for genealogists, educators, and storytellers. You could:
Final Thoughts Testing this new feature was a lot of fun. Seeing my ancestor Samuel Steinman’s story transformed into “The Steinman Family” video—and my client’s “A Grandmother’s History” brought to life—was incredibly rewarding. It’s one thing to read an ancestor’s timeline; it’s another to watch it unfold before your eyes, told in a narrative voice, backed by visuals that highlight the journey of discovery. This new video capability opens up endless creative possibilities for genealogists, family historians, and educators alike. Whether you’re preserving stories for your family, creating educational materials, or experimenting with AI-powered storytelling, Google NotebookLM is quickly becoming one of the most innovative tools available to us. Have you tried creating videos with NotebookLM yet? I’d love to hear how you’re using it in your own research or storytelling! More AI VideosSee more AI video testers and examples on my YouTube channel. More AI and Genealogy Learn about more AI in Genealogy updates, tips, and resources, along with other family history and genealogy resources under the AI in Genealogy and Genealogy Resources categories and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page. #Genealogy #FamilyHistory #AIinGenealogy #GoogleNotebookLM #GenealogyVideos #GenealogyTech #GenealogyTools #GenealogyInnovation
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 Using Google NotebookLM’s report features to enhance genealogy work Have you explored Google’s NotebookLM lately? If not, you’re in for a surprise. In just a few short months, it has rolled out a ton of new features — including something that immediately caught my eye: Reports. These preset, research-based templates automatically generate summaries, narratives, and even biographical sketches directly from your uploaded materials. Naturally, I had to see what it could do for genealogy research. Testing the New Report Formats When I opened NotebookLM to test out the new video overview feature, I noticed the addition of a Report section — something that wasn’t there the last time I explored it back in May and June. The new section offers several preset report themes (you can also choose Custom and input your own prompt), each already built with a distinct writing style and purpose. What’s especially interesting is that NotebookLM doesn’t just create a format — it actually chooses the topic based on the content you’ve uploaded. The first option I tested was the Historical Narrative Report, which automatically selected my great-grandparents, Cora Alice Taylor and Edmond Cole Steinman, as the focus. The result was a detailed six-page narrative that wove together years of research into a cohesive story — complete with historical context and biographical highlights. While the tone wasn’t exactly my own (a bit more academic and formal than my typical writing), it did an excellent job organizing, summarizing, and connecting information. It’s impressive to see AI pull together genealogical data into a complete, research-based family narrative.
Personal Story and Biographical Sketch Reports Next, I tried the Personal Story report option. This one, again automatically generated, chose my great-grandmother as the subject. The focus shifted to her personal journey and experiences, rather than the couple’s shared life. Then came the Biographical Sketch format, which NotebookLM titled “A Research-Based Biographical Sketch of the Taylor and Steinman Families.” This one took a broader approach — summarizing key facts and life events across multiple generations. It was almost like a “family summary report,” offering a high-level overview of several branches at once. Each of these formats demonstrated NotebookLM’s growing ability to interpret, organize, and write from complex genealogical notes, timelines, and records. Creating Custom Reports One of the most exciting additions is the “Create Your Own” option. This feature lets users design their own report from scratch or modify an existing preset. To test it, I copied the automatically generated text from the Historical Narrative report and repurposed it using my own chosen couples — my 2nd great-grandparents and my 3rd great-grandparents. NotebookLM successfully reshaped the text to fit the new subjects while maintaining the same structure and flow. This custom feature is especially useful for genealogists who prefer to keep their own tone and perspective while still using AI as a framework to organize their material. More Report Types (and What’s Coming Next) Along with the Historical Narrative, Personal Story, Biographical Sketch, and Create Your Own options, there are several other preset reports. Some are reimagined versions of older features that used to stand alone but are now neatly grouped under the Report category. One that particularly caught my attention — and that I plan to test next — is the “Blog” report option. This format could be a real time-saver for genealogists who write family stories, project updates, or research summaries online. If the existing report types are any indication, it could be a useful draft generator for writers who want to spend more time polishing than structuring. Final Thoughts The new Report options in Google NotebookLM is another leap forward for AI-assisted genealogy writing. These tools don’t just summarize data — they organize it, interpret it, and transform it into readable family narratives in minutes. Of course, while AI can’t replicate the unique storytelling voice or emotion genealogists can bring to their writing, it’s becoming an incredibly valuable assistant for structuring and streamlining the process. I’ll be diving deeper into the Blog report format next and sharing how genealogists can use it to make writing family histories faster and easier — without sacrificing the personal touch. Stay tuned! 💬 Have you tested out the new NotebookLM Report options yet? I’d love to hear your impressions and how you’re using AI in your genealogy writing. More AI and GenealogyLearn about more AI in Genealogy updates, tips, and resources, along with other family history and genealogy resources under the AI in Genealogy and Genealogy Resources categories and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page. #Genealogy #FamilyHistory #AIinGenealogy #GoogleNotebookLM #GenealogyWriting #GenealogyTech #GenealogyTools #GenealogyInnovation
 Crafting fictionalized family letters in genealogy with AI, using ChatGPT-5 Even when we have detailed genealogical research, we often lack the most personal artifacts—letters, journals, or conversations. While we can’t recreate these exactly, we can use documented facts to write fictionalized letters that feel authentic to the time, place, and relationship, while remaining transparent about what’s imagined. For my research on Samuel Steinman (1855–1925), I tested ChatGPT-5’s ability to write a series of period-appropriate letters based on known facts about his life, his family, and his travels for work. 1) The Concept These letters are not invented out of thin air. They’re based on:
2) Example: Samuel Writes to Hattie, 1910 I know from records that in the spring of 1910, Samuel was temporarily in El Dorado, Kansas, working as a butcher, while his wife Hattie and two youngest children remained in Albany, Missouri. This scene became the basis for a fictionalized letter. Excerpt: El Dorado, Kansas – April 12, 1910 My dearest Hattie, The mornings here start earlier than I expected. The market bell rings just as the sun breaks the horizon, and before long the air is heavy with the smell of fresh beef and sawdust. Business is steady, though I find myself glancing out toward the street more often than I should, thinking of home. Tell Arthur and Lillie I am saving them each a peppermint stick from the mercantile, and please keep an eye on the garden until I return. Yours always, Sam
3) Why This Works for Genealogy Writing
4) How GPT-5 Helped
5) Could Older ChatGPT Do This? Yes--GPT-4 could produce fictionalized letters, but GPT-5 improved in:
6) Practical Tips (if you want to try this)
Quick-Start Prompt for Fictionalized Family LettersAnd because many seem to ask; although, it is no longer necessary to craft the perfect prompt, here is a prompt you can utilize to generate this: Write a historically accurate fictionalized letter based on the ancestor details below. Keep the tone, wording, and daily-life details appropriate for the time and place. Use only the confirmed facts I provide, and fill in small everyday details that fit the era. Label the final result as a fictionalized letter inspired by historical research. Ancestor Name: [Insert Name] Writing To: [Insert Name] Date/Year: [Insert] Location: [Insert] Known Facts: [Insert key details (or upload your research notes, timelines, ancestor profiles, etc.)—job, family members, where they lived, what was happening at the time] Write the letter as something this person could realistically have written during this period. More AI and Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more AI in Genealogy and other family history and genealogy resources under the AI in Genealogy and Genealogy Resources categories and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
 DNA and historical records—two essential tools working together in genealogy research DNA and the Paper Trail: Why Both Are Essential in Genealogy Genealogy often feels like putting together a giant puzzle with missing, faded, or mismatched pieces. For decades, genealogists relied entirely on the “paper trail”—records such as census schedules, deeds, wills, church registers, and immigration documents—to reconstruct family stories. These records remain at the heart of family history research. But in recent years, DNA testing has become another powerful tool, offering clues and connections that records alone can’t always provide. The fact is: DNA and the paper trail go hand in hand. When used together, they can break through brick walls, confirm long-standing theories, and reveal hidden branches of the family tree. Especially in difficult cases, neither DNA nor documents alone usually give the full answer—they work best in conjunction with one another. The Paper Trail: Foundation of Research Historical records provide the structure of genealogical research. They give names, dates, places, and relationships, painting a timeline of our ancestors’ lives. Birth and marriage records, for example, can connect parents and children. Census schedules show household structures and migration patterns. Probate files and land deeds can tie families to specific communities over generations. But records aren’t perfect. They can be missing, incomplete, or totally misleading. Clerks made errors, families used nicknames, and sometimes people intentionally hid or altered information. For African American, Indigenous, immigrant, or poor ancestors, records may be especially sparse. This is where DNA steps in. DNA: Evidence Written in Our Cells DNA testing gives us genetic connections that no courthouse fire or missing parish register can erase. It allows us to:
When DNA and Records Work Together Case Example 1: Unknown Parentage Someone searching for a biological parent may have many close DNA matches, but without records those relationships are a tangled web. A genealogist uses documents—marriage records, obituaries, census schedules—to map out the families of each DNA match. This combined approach narrows the possibilities until the parent is identified. Case Example 2: The Disappearing Ancestor An ancestor seems to vanish after the 1880 census. A cluster of DNA matches points to a family living in another state. By following probate and land records for that family, a genealogist uncovers that the missing ancestor remarried, changed locations, and lived under a slightly altered name. DNA provided the direction, records confirmed the story. Case Example 3: Deep Ancestry For those researching immigrant ancestors from countries with poor record survival, DNA matches often cluster in a specific region. Combined with church and civil records that still exist, DNA leads the genealogist to the correct village or townland, providing context and confirmation. Best Practices for Combining DNA and the Paper Trail
The Power of Both Neither DNA nor a paper trail is enough on its own for solving the most difficult genealogical problems. But together, they form a powerful alliance. Records give us structure; DNA gives us proof. Records give us names; DNA gives us connections. And when combined, they let us reconstruct not only family trees, but also the full, complex stories of the people who came before us. For genealogists facing brick walls, it's pretty plain to see: don’t choose between DNA and the paper trail. Use both—and watch as the puzzle pieces finally come together. #GenealogyResearch, #DNAGenealogy, #BrickWallBusting More Genetic Genealogy/DNA in GenealogyFind more DNA genealogy resources, tips, and other info under the Genetic Genealogy and DNA category. More Genealogy Research Tips11/2/2025 Immersive Genealogy with ChatGPT-5: Turning Research into “A Day in the Life” StoriesRead Now Bringing ancestor research to life with immersive storytelling, with the help of ChatGPT and AI Genealogical research can give us the facts about an ancestor’s life—but those facts alone don’t always help readers picture the world they lived in. That’s where immersive storytelling can make history feel alive. For my research on Samuel Steinman (1855–1925), my official AI tester ancestor, I tested ChatGPT-5’s ability to take verified facts and create short narrative scenes imagining what an ordinary day in his life might have been like. Then, I paired each scene with a historical context blurb so whoever is reading enjoys both the immersive moment and the educational background. 1) A Day in the Life ScenesWhat they are: Short, stand-alone portraits that place the reader right beside the ancestor in a specific time and place. These aren’t fictional in the sense of “made-up events”—they’re built from factual research (your research) about where the ancestor was, what they were doing, and what their environment was like. Example: Albany, Missouri, Spring 1910 — Samuel’s hands worked quickly, trimming the fat from a slab of beef as the morning rush began at the market. The wooden counter smelled faintly of sawdust from the day before, and the bell over the door jingled with each new customer. He glanced out the window toward the dusty street, thinking of Hattie tending the garden back home. Why I use them:
How GPT-5 helped:
2) Historical Context Blurbs What they are: Brief factual side notes that explain the real-world background to each scene—placed directly after the short narratives so they feel connected, not like an appendix. Example paired with the above scene: Historical Context – Butchering in Missouri, 1910 In the early 20th century, local butchers were central to small-town economies. Shops often relied on deliveries from nearby farms, and refrigeration was limited to iceboxes. Skilled butchering meant not just cutting meat but also advising customers on the best cuts for stews, roasts, or Sunday dinners. Why I use them:
How GPT-5 helped:
3) Pairing Scenes and Context for Maximum ImpactWhen paired, the scene and context work together like this:
This approach creates a “Life in Scenes” section that’s especially engaging for books and blogs because it blends the emotional connection of narrative with the reliability of factual context. A Day in the Life Scenes ExampleThis is any example of one, of many, A Day in the Life Scenes of Samuel Steinman. *Click to zoom in
What GPT-5 Did Better (vs. earlier ChatGPT)
(Could older ChatGPT do this?) Yes--GPT-4 could write both scenes and context notes, but GPT-5 reduced the amount of rewriting I needed to align them in tone and detail. Practical Tips (if you want to replicate this)
PromptAnd because many seem to ask; although, it is no longer necessary to craft the perfect prompt, here is a prompt you can utilize to generate this: Prompt: Write a detailed “Day in the Life” story for [full name] in [year or period], based on the following known facts: [insert facts/research notes, etc. here—location, occupation, events, family, etc.]. Use historically accurate details about the time period, location, and occupation to make the scene vivid. Blend the documented facts with realistic daily activities for that era, but avoid adding major fictional events. Keep the tone immersive and narrative, as if the reader is experiencing the day alongside the person. Include sensory details (sounds, smells, sights) and interactions with family or community. More AI and Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more AI in Genealogy and other family history and genealogy resources under the AI in Genealogy and Genealogy Resources categories and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
10/25/2025 Meta AI Photo Animation for Genealogists: My Hands-On Tests & How It Can Bring Ancestor Photos to LifeRead Now Bringing ancestor photos to life — exploring Meta AI’s new photo animation tools for genealogists Meta AI Photo Animation for Genealogists: My Hands-On Tests & How It Can Bring Ancestor Photos to LifeAs genealogists, we’re constantly exploring tools that help us tell our ancestors’ stories in fresh, engaging ways. Recently, I had the opportunity to test one of Meta’s newest innovations--Meta AI’s photo animation feature—and I was genuinely impressed by its potential for genealogy and family history storytelling. This new tool can take a still image and bring it subtly to life—creating a short, moving video clip from a single photo. I wanted to see how it handled both vintage ancestor images and my own test photos—and to evaluate whether it could be useful (and ethical) in the genealogical space. What Is Meta AI and What Can It Do?Meta AI is the company’s integrated artificial intelligence system now available through Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. It can answer questions, generate content, edit or restyle images, and—most recently—animate photos. In August 2024, Meta announced that it had developed new methods to animate AI-generated or user-submitted images at scale across its platforms.1 This is part of Meta’s broader push to integrate generative AI directly into social experiences. My Hands-On TestsI first saw the Meta AI photo animation option appear in my Facebook feed as an invitation to try “Meta AI creations.” Naturally, I had to see what it could do. 1. Initial Test: I used a slightly older photo of myself, simply to test the feature’s capabilities. Meta AI quickly created a smooth, realistic animation and offered to “Restyle” it. Out of curiosity, I tried the Academia restyle (again, just on my own photo for testing). Within seconds, the scene changed—proof that the system could modify tone, color, and clothing while retaining realism.
2. Ancestor Photo Tests: After experimenting with my own photo just to see how Meta AI handled modern images, I moved on to what really mattered—testing it with vintage ancestor photos. The results honestly surprised me in the best way.
Each of these tests showed me that Meta AI’s animation feature has real potential for genealogy—especially when used thoughtfully and respectfully. It doesn’t replace the original photo, but it does offer a beautiful, emotional way to reconnect with our family’s past and share those memories with others. 3. Family Storytelling Potential: From four tests, I see enormous potential for genealogists:
Cost and AccessibilityCurrently, Meta AI’s animation feature is free to use for anyone with a Meta (Facebook or Instagram) account.2 I have not encountered any subscription requirements or limits at this time, but like most free tools, that could change in the future. You can try it by visiting meta.ai or accessing it through Facebook’s integrated “Meta AI” chat and image creation pop-ups. Risks and Limitations of Using Meta AIAs promising as the feature is, there are several risks and ethical considerations genealogists should be aware of—especially when working with historical or family photos.
How to Access and Try ItHere’s how to explore the feature yourself:
Final ThoughtsAfter several tests, I’m impressed with how well Meta AI handles vintage photos—particularly in maintaining facial integrity and creating natural movement. Used responsibly, this could become another tool in the genealogist’s creative storytelling kit. Still, I encourage genealogists to use it thoughtfully--with respect for authenticity, ethics, and privacy. Keep original copies safe, label animated versions clearly, and always disclose when motion was AI-generated. AI isn’t replacing historical truth—it’s helping us reimagine how we share it. Footnotes
More AI and Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more AI in Genealogy and other family history and genealogy resources under the AI in Genealogy and Genealogy Resources categories and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
 Apply now for the 2025 Genealogy Wish Grants Program before November 11! Have you ever wished for a little help breaking through a tough genealogy brick wall or finding that missing piece of your family story? 🌿 The Genealogy Wish Grants Program is your chance to make that wish come true — and there’s still time to apply before the November 11, 2025 deadline! The Genealogy Wish Grants initiative is a unique opportunity I created for those who are truly passionate about uncovering their family history. Each year, one devoted follower is selected and awarded a personalized genealogy research wish within practical limits, just in time for Christmas. It’s my way of giving back to the genealogy community — by helping someone dig deeper into their roots, uncover ancestral stories, and connect with their past in a meaningful way. ✨ What the Program Offers The chosen recipient receives up to 10 hours of professional genealogy research focused on their specific wish. Depending on the project, that may include a summary of findings (either written or verbal), grouped and noted DNA matches (if applicable), and access to a built tree with sources and citations. While findings may sometimes be inconclusive (as with all genealogy), each grant is designed to move the recipient closer to their goal — whether that’s breaking through a long-standing brick wall, finding living relatives, or uncovering new family connections through DNA analysis. 📅 Important Dates for 2025
📋 How to Apply Applying is simple — just visit my Genealogy Wish Grants Program page and submit your entry through the Contact form (choose “Genealogy Wish Grants Application” from the dropdown). Your entry must include:
🕵️♀️ What Makes a Strong Entry Every year, the winner is chosen based on three key factors: 1️⃣ Agreement to all rules 2️⃣ A feasible application 3️⃣ A compelling story A strong entry tells the story behind your research — what you’ve discovered so far, what challenges you’ve faced, and why this particular wish matters to you and your family. 💚 A Few Notes Please keep in mind that I specialize in:
While I don’t specialize in lineage research or every time period or location, I’ll do my best to take on a project that fits within my expertise and the program’s scope. There’s still time to share your story, refine your wish, and submit your entry before the November 11 deadline. I can’t wait to read your stories and see where your family history journey leads.
👉 Apply or update your entry today: Genealogy Wish Grants Program  A new era in genetic genealogy: MyHeritage introduces Whole Genome Sequencing for its DNA test kits I’m thrilled to share some major news from MyHeritage: as of today, MyHeritage is the first major consumer DNA company to adopt whole genome sequencing (WGS) for its DNA test kits. In partnership with Ultima Genomics and processed at the Gene by Gene lab, this transition marks a turning point in how consumer DNA testing is done — with far richer data and greater potential for discovery. What Is Whole Genome Sequencing, and Why It MattersTraditional consumer DNA tests (including MyHeritage until now) use genotyping arrays that read about 700,000 selected positions (single-nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) in your genome. In contrast, WGS reads almost the entire human genetic code — roughly 3 billion base pairs (nucleotides). In short: much more data. Here’s why that matters:
MyHeritage confirms that kits already processed via the older genotyping method will not be reprocessed by WGS. Only new kits (or ones currently in the lab pipeline) will use the new approach. Customers whose kits are WGS-based will receive the full genome download automatically. Importantly, MyHeritage emphasizes that it will not license or sell customer data to third parties — privacy and data protection remain core commitments. What to Expect — Practical Tips & PerspectiveAs genealogists, this development is exciting but also calls for careful expectations and informed use. Here are a few thoughts and tips:
Why This Is a Milestone for Genetic GenealogyFrom a genealogical perspective, breaking the barrier of genotyping into full-genome territory is a major turning point. Over the years, we’ve been limited by how many SNPs a chip can assay; we’ve faced missing segments, “no-call” zones, unclear matches. WGS offers the possibility to detect smaller shared segments, rare variants, and genealogical clues previously inaccessible. Also, having access to full-genome downloads totally empowers serious users and researchers to layer in their own analyses, cross-compare results, or use emerging tools as they come online. It also encourages the DNA testing industry to raise the bar for accuracy, transparency, and data quality. This is why I believe today’s announcement is more than a marketing move — it marks a shift in expectations for how consumer DNA can support meticulous genealogy. What You Can Do Right Now
I’ll be watching closely as users unpack how WGS changes what we can do in genetic genealogy. Stay tuned — more insights will emerge as this unfolds! More Genetic Genealogy/DNA ResourcesFind more DNA genealogy resources, tips, news, and updates under the Genetic Genealogy and DNA Category. More MyHeritage and Other Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more MyHeritage Features and tools, along with other family history and genealogy resources under the MyHeritage and Genealogy Resources categories of the blog and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
 AncestryDNA’s 2025 ethnicity update introduced over 3,600 global regions—see how my results changed! Ancestry has just rolled out its biggest ethnicity update ever—and like many other users, I was eager (and a little nervous!) to see how my results would change this time around. Their last major update was in July 2024, and I received my newly updated AncestryDNA Origins (Ancestral Regions) results on October 9, 2025. Let’s just say—Ancestry definitely shook things up! My 2025 AncestryDNA ResultsHere’s a look at my brand-new 2025 results, which now include 11 ancestral regions:  My Ancestry 2025 DNA Origins Update, 1  My Ancestry 2025 DNA Origins Update, 1-2 You’ll notice that my English regions are now far more specific, broken into multiple new areas, while my Celtic and Gaelic regions—especially Scotland and Ireland—grew significantly. Comparing 2024 vs. 2025: What Changed?Ancestry’s new update completely reshuffled several of my regions. Here’s a quick comparison:  My Ancestry Ethnicity Update 2024-2025 Comparison Chart This year’s update replaced many of the broad continental or country-level regions with more precise subregions. For example, “England & Northwestern Europe” was broken down into Southeastern England, Northern Wales & North West England, East Midlands, North East England, and West Midlands. Similarly, “Germanic Europe” was divided into more refined zones like Southern Germanic Europe. My Reactions: Interesting, but a Little OffWhile I always appreciate the increasing detail in these updates, I have to admit—some of my new results made me pause. The surge in Scottish and Irish percentages felt a bit overestimated, especially since my paternal side has no known Scottish or Irish ancestry. My paternal great-grandparents were from Mexico and Germany (both families rooted there for many generations), and my other paternal great-grandparent line descends primarily from Germany and England. Although, who's to say where they were thousands of years ago, right? There is Irish and Scottish ancestry on my mother’s side, but this new update seems to have assigned some of it to my father’s line as well—where it doesn’t belong. Still, it’s a good reminder that DNA ethnicity estimates are just that--estimates. They’re based on evolving databases, shifting scientific models, and complex patterns of shared DNA that can cross regional borders. What’s New in the 2025 UpdateAccording to Ancestry, this update is “the most exciting and detailed one yet,” introducing over 3,600 global regions (up from about 2,200 last year) and powered by an expanded reference panel of more than 185,000 DNA samples. A few highlights of the science behind this update:
What This Means for GenealogistsFor genealogists and family historians, these updates can be both exciting and confusing. The increased detail can help narrow down migration patterns and regional origins, but it can also raise new questions—especially when percentages shift dramatically. When you see unexpected results:
Tracing My AncestryDNA Updates Through the YearsIt’s always fascinating to look back and see how much AncestryDNA’s ethnicity estimates have evolved over time. From the early, broad regional groupings to today’s ultra-detailed breakdowns, these updates tell as much about the advancement of DNA science as they do about our ancestral origins. 2014 to Summer 2018: The Early Years (Few Changes) From 2014 through mid-2018, my ethnicity results remained nearly identical. Ancestry made only one small adjustment in 2018, changing Italy/Greece to the broader region of Europe South. Other than that, there were no real differences for several years—until the first major overhaul later that same year. *Click to view
September 2018 to 2025: Major Updates and Refinements Ancestry rolled out its first significant ethnicity update in late 2018, which completely reshaped many users’ results—including mine. From that point forward, Ancestry continued refining and expanding its reference panels almost every year, introducing more precise regions and new tools along the way. Each update has reflected both technological advances and a growing database of DNA samples—culminating in the biggest update ever in October 2025. *Click to view
Final ThoughtsI love seeing how Ancestry’s science continues to evolve, and I’m always fascinated by how my results shift with each major update. Even though some of this year’s changes don’t quite align with my documented family lines, I’ll be exploring them further—particularly the English subregions, which now offer much more specificity. As always, I recommend saving your screenshots from each version of your ethnicity results, so you can track how your ancestry story evolves over time. More about DNA "Ethnicity resultsTo learn more about DNA "ethnicity" results, check out my post: Genealogy DNA Testing: Understanding Your Real DNA Ethnicity Results. More Genetic Genealogy/DNA ResourcesFind more DNA genealogy resources, tips, news, and updates under the Genetic Genealogy and DNA Category. More Ancestry and Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more Ancestry updates, tips, tools, and features and other family history and genealogy resources under the Ancestry.com and the Genealogy Resources categories of my blog and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
 23andMe’s 2025 ethnicity update (v7.0) introduced my new DNA results with more detailed ancestry breakdowns 23andMe just released their biggest ethnicity update since 2022, rolling out Ancestry Composition v7.0 this September. I received my updated results on September 14, 2025, and as always, it’s interesting to see what has shifted, what’s stayed the same, and what new insights have been added. In this post, I’ll share:
What’s New in Ancestry Composition v7.0 23andMe made several major improvements with this update:
My New 2025 Updated 23andMe Ancestry CompositionHere are my new updated Ancestry Composition results:  My 2025 results (v7.0): new detail with English, Scottish, Welsh, Swiss, Danish, and more, Page 1  My 2025 results (v7.0): new detail with English, Scottish, Welsh, Swiss, Danish, and more, Page 2  My 2025 results (v7.0): new detail with English, Scottish, Welsh, Swiss, Danish, and more, Page 3 My Updated Ethnicity Breakdown (2025 vs. 2022) Here’s how my results changed between v6.0 (2022) and v7.0 (2025):  Comparison of my 2022 and 2025 results highlights the added detail in v7.0, Page 1  Comparison of my 2022 and 2025 results highlights the added detail in v7.0, Page 2  Comparison of my 2022 and 2025 results highlights the added detail in v7.0, Page 3 What stands out the most to me is the much finer detail in my British & Irish and Western European ancestry, where before it was a single broad category. Now, 23andMe has teased out English, Scottish, Welsh, and Irish separately—something that wasn’t possible before. A New Assignment: Additional Ancestry Region Another exciting update is that I was placed in a new Additional Ancestry Region called: European Diaspora → Mountaineer Country Early British/Irish Americans  New assignment: European Diaspora → Mountaineer Country Early British/Irish Americans According to 23andMe, these regions reflect mixed ancestry or more recent migration patterns. In my case, this reflects the historical settlement of British and Irish immigrants in early America, particularly in the Appalachian and surrounding regions. It’s really interesting to see my DNA aligning with known migration stories that also appear in my family history research. Final ThoughtsThis update shows just how much DNA technology has improved in just a few years. Where I once had broad categories like “French & German” or “Scandinavian,” I now have much more precise detail—like Swiss, Austrian, Danish, and even Andalusian. For genealogists and family historians, updates like this aren’t just fun—they provide clues that can guide research into more specific regions and historical migrations. To learn more about DNA "ethnicity" results, check out my post: Genealogy DNA Testing: Understanding Your Real DNA Ethnicity Results. 👉 Have you received your updated 23andMe results yet? What surprised you the most about your changes? Didn't test at 23andMe? Did you know that it's better to fish in all the ponds to get a more accurate look at your results, let alone more matches? More Genetic Genealogy/DNA ResourcesFind more DNA genealogy resources, tips, news, and updates under the Genetic Genealogy and DNA Category. More Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
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Author, Diane HenriksHi, I'm Diane Henriks, a professional genealogist, speaker, author, investigator, and the founder of Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family who... Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family: Family History and Genealogy BlogI hope my family history and genealogy blog on genealogy research tips, resources, events, and more, along with my own genealogy journeys, will help you in your research and in building your family tree to learn more about your ancestors and family history to preserve for future generations to come! Categories
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