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# How to Create a Shared Album in Photos App: Step-by-Step Guide
- URL: https://macfixly.com/create-shared-album-photos-app/
- Published: 2026-10-06T08:54:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-06T08:54:00.000Z
- Description: Step-by-step guide to creating a shared album in Photos app for easy photo sharing and collaboration with friends and family.
- Author: Macuser
- Tags: Photo Sharing, Mobile Apps, Apple Photos, Google Photos

You have just returned from a weekend trip with friends or family, and now you want to share the best photos effortlessly. Creating a shared album is a great way to gather and exchange pictures in one place without sending individual files.

This article guides you through how to create a shared album in Photos app, covering both Apple Photos and Google Photos. You will learn step-by-step instructions on setting up shared albums on iPhone, Mac, and the Google Photos app, along with tips on adding photos, managing albums, and troubleshooting common issues. By the end, you’ll be able to decide which platform better suits your sharing and collaboration needs.

## Key takeaways

- Apple Photos shared albums integrate smoothly across iOS and Mac devices with easy invite options.
- Google Photos allows cross-platform sharing with flexible collaboration and automatic syncing.
- Adding photos and managing permissions differs slightly between apps but remains straightforward.
- Troubleshooting often involves checking iCloud or Google account settings and internet connectivity.
- Choosing the right app depends on your device ecosystem and how you want to collaborate with others.

## Before you start: What you need to create a shared album

A shared album allows you to collect and share photos and videos with others, letting invited people view, comment, and sometimes add their own content. Both Apple Photos and Google Photos offer this feature, but they have different requirements and limits you should know before creating your first shared album.

To use Apple Photos shared albums, you need an Apple device with iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, an Apple ID, and iCloud Photos enabled. For Google Photos, a Google account is necessary, and the app must be installed on your device or accessed via a web browser. Both platforms require an active internet connection to sync and share content.

Permissions are important: you need to grant the Photos app access to your photos and contacts to invite others. Also, understand that Apple Photos shared albums have a maximum of 5,000 photos or videos per album and store shared content in iCloud but do not count against your storage quota. Google Photos allows up to 20,000 photos or videos per shared album, and content counts against your Google Drive storage unless backed up in original quality with available free storage.

| Requirement                 | Apple Photos                                               | Google Photos                       |
| --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| Account Needed              | Apple ID with iCloud                                       | Google Account                      |
| Device Compatibility        | iPhone, iPad, Mac with compatible OS                       | iOS, Android, Web                   |
| Internet Connection         | Required for syncing and sharing                           | Required for syncing and sharing    |
| Photo/Video Limit per Album | 5,000                                                      | 20,000                              |
| Storage Impact              | Shared album content does not count against iCloud storage | Counts against Google storage quota |
| Permissions Needed          | Photos and Contacts access                                 | Photos and Contacts access          |

Before you create a shared album, make sure you meet these requirements and understand the differences. This preparation helps you decide which platform suits your sharing needs best and avoids surprises with limits or storage.

## How to create a shared album in Apple Photos on iPhone

Creating a shared album on your iPhone using the Apple Photos app is straightforward and lets you easily share moments with family or friends. Follow these steps to set up your shared album and invite others to view or contribute photos and videos.

1. **Open the Photos app** and tap the **Albums** tab at the bottom of the screen. You will see all your current albums organized here.
2. **Tap the '+' button** in the upper-left corner and select **New Shared Album** from the menu that appears. This starts the process of creating a new album that others can access.
3. **Name your shared album** in the text field that appears. Choose a clear and descriptive name so invitees recognize the album’s content. Then tap **Next**.
4. **Invite people** by entering their Apple ID email addresses or phone numbers linked to iMessage. You can also invite via regular email if the recipient has an Apple ID. Tap **Create** once you’ve added everyone you want.
5. **Add photos or videos** to the shared album by tapping **Add Photos or Videos**. Select items from your library and tap **Done** to include them. The invited participants will be notified about the new shared content.

Once invited, users can view the shared album in their Photos app under the Shared tab. If you allow it, they can also add their own photos and videos, comment, and like items. This makes collaboration and sharing easy within Apple’s ecosystem.

## How to create a shared album in Apple Photos on Mac

Creating a shared album in Apple Photos on your Mac is straightforward and lets you collaborate easily with friends or family. Start by opening the Photos app on your Mac. Once inside, you can create a new shared album either from the menu bar or the sidebar.

![How to create a shared album in Apple Photos on Mac – how to create a shared album in Photos app](https://macfixly.com/content/images/2026/10/create-shared-album-photos-app-2.webp)

1. Click **File** in the menu bar, then select **New Shared Album**. Alternatively, look for *Shared Albums* in the sidebar, click the plus (+) icon next to it, and choose **New Shared Album**. A small window will appear prompting you to name your album.
2. Enter a clear, descriptive name for your shared album to help your invitees recognize it easily. After naming it, click **Create**. You’ll then see an option to add contacts by typing their Apple IDs, phone numbers, or email addresses associated with iCloud. Add all the people you'd like to share the album with and click **Create** again to send invitations.
3. Now, add photos or videos by dragging and dropping them directly into the shared album in the sidebar. You can also select items in your main library, right-click, choose **Add to Shared Album**, and select the album you created.
4. To manage your shared album settings, click the album and then the **People** button (a silhouette icon) near the top right. Here you can adjust who can view or add photos, enable or disable notifications for new activity, and allow subscribers to add comments or like photos.

This process lets you create and control a shared space for your media on Mac efficiently. Screenshots typically show the menu bar with the File menu open, the new shared album dialog box, and the People settings pane to illustrate these steps clearly.

## How to create a shared album in Google Photos app

Creating a shared album in Google Photos is straightforward and works similarly on both mobile devices and the web. Start by opening the Google Photos app on your iPhone or Android device, or visit photos.google.com on your browser. The process involves creating a new album, adding photos, then sharing it with others to collaborate.

1. Tap **Library** at the bottom of the app or the left sidebar on the web, then select **New album**. You will see a screen to add photos to the new album.
2. Choose photos from your collection to include in the album, then tap **Add** or **Create**. The album is now created and ready to share.
3. Open the album and tap the **Share** button (a square with an arrow pointing upward). You will see options to invite people or create a shareable link.
4. To share directly, enter the email addresses or select contacts from your Google Contacts. Invited people receive an email with access to the album. Direct sharing limits access to invited users only.
5. Alternatively, create a **link** that anyone with the URL can use to view (and depending on settings, add to) the album. This is convenient but less private, as the link can be forwarded.
6. Adjust sharing settings by tapping **Options** (gear icon). You can allow collaborators to add photos and comments, or restrict the album to view-only.
7. Collaborators can add photos from their devices, comment on photos, and receive notifications about new additions if notifications are enabled.

By understanding the difference between direct sharing and link sharing, you can control who sees and contributes to your album. Direct sharing is more secure, while link sharing is easier for large groups but less private.

## How to add photos and manage a shared album

Once you have created a shared album, you can continue to add photos and manage it easily on both Apple Photos and Google Photos. Adding new photos keeps your album fresh and allows all collaborators to stay updated. Managing the album’s settings lets you control who can contribute, receive notifications, or leave the album.

### Adding photos to a shared album

1. Open the shared album in Apple Photos or Google Photos. You should see the existing photos and the list of collaborators.
2. Tap or click the add button (usually a “+” icon). In Apple Photos, this is labeled “Add Photos or Videos.” In Google Photos, it’s “Add photos.”
3. Select the photos or videos you want to add from your library. After selection, confirm by tapping “Done” or “Add.”
4. The photos will upload and sync automatically, and all collaborators will see them appear in their album view shortly.

### Removing photos or leaving the album

1. To remove a photo in Apple Photos, open the album, select the photo, tap the trash icon, and confirm deletion. Note that only you see the removal if you are the owner or have permission; otherwise, it may remove it for all.
2. In Google Photos, select the photo, tap the three-dot menu, and choose “Remove from album.” This removes it only from the shared album, not your library.
3. To leave a shared album, in Apple Photos go to the album’s People tab and tap “Leave Album.” In Google Photos, open the album, tap the three-dot menu, and select “Options,” then “Leave album.”

### Managing notifications and permissions

In Apple Photos, you can control notifications by opening the album, tapping the People tab, and toggling “Notifications” on or off. This controls alerts when new photos are added or comments made.

Google Photos allows you to manage collaborator permissions by opening the album, tapping the three-dot menu, selecting “Options,” then controlling whether collaborators can add photos or only view them. You can also turn off notifications here.

### Syncing and updates across devices

Both Apple Photos and Google Photos automatically sync shared album changes across all devices linked to your account and those of your collaborators. When you add or remove photos, or when others do, updates appear within moments if connected to the internet. This seamless syncing ensures everyone always has the latest version of the album.

## Troubleshooting common issues when creating or using shared albums

Shared albums are convenient but can encounter a few common problems. One frequent issue is invitations not being received or accepted. This often happens when the invitee’s email address or phone number is incorrect, or when the invitation lands in spam folders. Make sure to double-check contact details and ask invitees to check their spam or junk mail. If using Apple Photos, ensure both you and the invitee have iCloud Photos enabled and are signed in with the correct Apple IDs.

Another common problem is photos not syncing or appearing for all members. Sync delays can occur due to slow or unstable internet connections. Also, if a member’s device is low on storage or has restricted background data, syncing may pause. Refresh the album by opening and closing it or restarting the app. For Google Photos, confirm that collaborators have accepted the sharing invitation and that the album is set to allow contributions if desired.

Insufficient storage or quota warnings can prevent adding new photos. Apple Photos shared albums use iCloud storage, so check your available iCloud space in Settings > \[your name\] > iCloud. Google Photos uses Google Drive storage; check storage at drive.google.com. Free tiers have limits, so you may need to delete items or upgrade your plan to continue sharing.

Compatibility issues arise when sharing across different platforms. Apple Photos shared albums work best within Apple devices, while Google Photos offers broader compatibility including Android and Windows. If collaborators can’t access albums, verify the app versions and device compatibility. Also, some features like comments or reactions may differ or be unavailable depending on the platform.

Privacy concerns or accidental sharing can happen if albums are shared with unintended contacts. Review shared album members regularly by opening the album’s sharing settings and removing anyone who should no longer have access. Both apps allow you to stop sharing or delete albums to immediately revoke access. Always double-check sharing settings before inviting people.

## Choosing the right photo album sharing app for your needs

Deciding between Apple Photos and Google Photos for shared albums depends on your priorities like ease of use, collaboration, privacy, and device compatibility. Apple Photos offers a streamlined experience for users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. It features simple sharing with iCloud, good privacy controls, and seamless syncing across iPhones, iPads, and Macs. However, it is limited when sharing with users on non-Apple devices.

![Choosing the right photo album sharing app for your needs – how to create a shared album in Photos app](https://macfixly.com/content/images/2026/10/create-shared-album-photos-app-3.webp)

Google Photos excels in cross-platform accessibility, working well on iOS, Android, and web browsers. It supports real-time collaboration with comments and reactions, which can enhance group engagement. Google Photos also provides automatic sorting by people, places, and things, aiding in organization. Keep in mind that Google Photos shared albums count against your Google Drive storage quota, which may require a paid plan for large collections.

Below is a comparison chart highlighting key pros and cons:

| Feature         | Apple Photos                                         | Google Photos                                                    |
| --------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Ease of Use     | Intuitive on Apple devices, tight integration        | Simple interface, works on multiple platforms                    |
| Collaboration   | Basic sharing and invites; no comments or reactions  | Supports comments, likes, and real-time collaboration            |
| Privacy         | Strong Apple privacy policies, end-to-end encryption | Google account privacy controls, less encryption                 |
| Compatibility   | Best for Apple users; limited on Android/Windows     | Cross-platform, accessible via web and apps                      |
| Storage & Cost  | Uses iCloud storage; 5GB free limit                  | Uses Google Drive storage; 15GB free limit                       |
| Unique Features | Live Photos, Memories, and shared albums             | Automatic sorting, facial recognition, and assistant suggestions |

To choose the best app:

1. Identify which devices you and your collaborators use—the app that supports all devices will ease sharing.
2. Consider if you want interactive collaboration features like comments and reactions; Google Photos supports these, Apple Photos does not.
3. Evaluate your existing storage plans and whether you are willing to purchase additional space if needed.
4. Review privacy preferences, as Apple offers tighter encryption, while Google provides flexible sharing but with different privacy trade-offs.
5. Test creating a small shared album in both apps to see which feels more intuitive and meets your sharing style.

## Frequently asked questions

### How to create a new shared album in apple photos?

Open the Photos app on your iPhone or Mac and go to the Albums tab. Tap or click the plus (+) icon, then choose "New Shared Album." Name your album, invite people by entering their Apple ID email addresses or phone numbers, and tap "Create." You can then start adding photos to share with your invited participants.

### How to make shared photo album apple?

To make a shared photo album in Apple Photos, first enable iCloud Photos and Shared Albums in your device settings. Then create a new shared album by tapping the plus (+) button in the Albums section and selecting "New Shared Album." Add a title, invite contacts, and begin sharing photos and videos with them.

### How to make a shared album?

Shared albums can be made in both Apple Photos and Google Photos. For Apple Photos, create a new shared album via the Albums tab and invite people using their Apple IDs. In Google Photos, tap "Library," select "Shared albums," then tap the plus (+) to create and share with Google accounts or email addresses. Both platforms allow collaborative additions and comments.

### What is a shared album in photos?

A shared album is a photo album that you create and share with other people, allowing them to view, comment, and sometimes add their own photos or videos. In Apple Photos, shared albums are managed through iCloud and are accessible on all Apple devices. Google Photos offers similar functionality with collaborative sharing and storage tied to your Google account.

### How to create a shared album in Apple Photos?

On your iPhone or Mac, open the Photos app, tap or click Albums, then the plus (+) icon, and select "New Shared Album." Give the album a name, invite contacts by entering their Apple ID email or phone number, and confirm. After the album is created, you can add photos and videos to share instantly.

## What This Guide Does Not Cover

This guide focuses exclusively on creating and managing shared albums within Apple Photos and Google Photos. It does not cover third-party photo album sharing apps, which may provide different features, privacy options, or collaboration workflows. If you require advanced editing, specialized organization, or integration with other platforms, exploring those alternatives might better suit your needs. Additionally, this guide assumes you have basic familiarity with your device’s settings and app installations.

For users managing very large photo libraries or professional photographers seeking detailed metadata control and backup solutions, dedicated photo management software or cloud services beyond these apps may be more appropriate.

## Next Step: Start Creating Your Shared Album

Now that you understand the essentials of both Apple Photos and Google Photos shared albums, the most practical next step is to open the app you prefer and begin setting up your first shared album. Focus on inviting a small group of family or friends to keep collaboration simple and manageable. Pay special attention to sharing permissions and notifications to ensure everyone stays connected without feeling overwhelmed. This hands-on experience will clarify which platform fits your sharing style and needs best.

**See also:** [How to Hide Photos in the Photos App: A Step-by-Step Guide](https://macfixly.com/p/9c5ff9d4-54da-4e54-b661-e646b4c7a3e3/) · [How to Remove Duplicate Photos in Photos App: Step-by-Step Guide](https://macfixly.com/p/a52c198c-0287-4c39-b327-92a4970d6270/)