The short version
A shared album lets family add and see photos in one place, without emailing or texting them one by one. Google Photos albums work on any phone or computer. Apple Shared Albums work best when everyone has an Apple device. Check who can see the album, especially if it uses a link.
Your choices
- Google Photos shared album: works on iPhone, Android and computers. Invite people, or share a link. Turn off link sharing if you only want invited people.
- Apple Shared Albums: built into Photos on iPhone, iPad and Mac. In iOS 27 you can share the album with a link so relatives without an Apple device can join on the web (in iOS 26 and earlier, this is called Public Website). Shared Albums don’t count against your iCloud storage.
- iCloud Shared Photo Library: one combined library for you and up to five others. Good for a household, but everyone can add, edit and delete.
Think of it like this: a shared album is like a family fridge door. Everyone can pin pictures up and look, but you decide who’s allowed in the kitchen.
Privacy checklist
- Prefer inviting people over “anyone with the link”.
- Remove location details if the album is shared widely (both apps have an option).
- Ask before posting photos of other people’s kids.
- A shared album isn’t a backup. Keep your own copy too.
Step-by-step: how to share a photo album.
Quick tips
- Make one album per event, like “Grandma’s 80th”.
- Show relatives how to add their own photos.
- Check the album’s link setting once a year.
Sources
- Google Photos Help: Share photos and videos
- Apple: Use Shared Albums in Photos on iPhone
- Apple: Use iCloud Shared Photo Library
Test yourself: play Safe or Risky?, a quick free game.