removing duplicate videos from Photos library

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removing duplicate videos from Photos library

For some reason, Photos has created multiple duplicates of .mov files in the Photos library, exploding the size of my library. They will not be recognized by the duplicates Utility. I cannot find this issue online for other people. A lot of advise talks about using Photo Sweeper (bought it, works for photos only) or using built in duplicates Utility (OSX 16 onward), but neither works. I'd really like an automated solution, to not have to select 1000s of files manually.

Posted on Aug 28, 2025 02:43 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 29, 2025 07:36 AM in response to jasperfromwaalre

You didn't say, but you're talking about Mac Photos, is that right? iPhone or iPad would be more difficult. I

just tried using the trusted 3rd party app PowerPhotos ($35) on my Mac, and you can see here

that it has found two videos. I had actually just created a duplicate for it to find, so they are identical except for the title.

We use PowerPhotos for lots of stuff; it's indispensable with multiple Libraries. PowerPhotos uses Photos' own routines, so it doesn't endanger the Photos Libraries' databases. And it offers list views of pictures, metadata editing, and tons of stuff. PowerPhotos is open on my Mac any time I'm using Photos. And they are very helpful when you have questions.

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