New Features and Apps Announced at RootsTech 2025

During the last in-person class I taught at RootsTech, on Saturday afternoon, I asked attendees which tech announcements they were most excited about. The answers included Ancestry’s upcoming clustering tool, FamilySearch’s new catalog, Ancestry Networks, and the FamilySearch Together app.

These are just a few of the many exciting announcements made at RootsTech 2025! It’s fun to see so many companies announce new technology that will help us with our genealogy research.

Here are a few of our favorites:

1. AncestryDNA “Matches by Cluster” Feature

This tool will be released later this year to Pro Tools users only. It is a visualization tool to identify DNA matches likely connected to a common ancestor, and looks very similar to other matrix cluster charts. The tool will let you easily see who is in each cluster in each axis as well as in a list view below with any notes and groups you’ve added the matches to in the past. You can filter by maternal or paternal side and adjust cM ranges, or choose specific matches to include in the cluster. The range of matches used in this cluster view will be 65-1300 cM in the first release with the option to adjust the cM range to less than 65 in a subsequent release.

Learn more at this RootsTech video: Using AncestryDNA to Power Family History by Kelly Becker and Caity Selleck (starting at 6:35 in the video)

2. AncestryDNA Feature to Attach DNA Matches’ Lines to Your Tree

The feature that allows you to add DNA matches to your tree from Thrulines was expanded and improved. You can now see hints about DNA matches who are descendants of particular ancestors in your tree while visiting your tree, and add the full lineage down to and including the DNA match to your tree.

Learn more at this RootsTech video: Using AncestryDNA to Power Family History by Kelly Becker and Caity Selleck

3. FamilySearch’s New Catalog

The FamilySearch catalog received some updates to its outdated site architecture and place standardization. The process is ongoing and will eventually result in the new digitized images being included in the final catalog. Robert Raymond discusses current challenges and issues, especially with current and historical place names, and current workarounds.

The New FamilySearch Catalog by Robert Raymond; see also the syllabus

4. Ancestry Networks Feature

This Pro Tools feature allows people to create networks of friends, family, associates, and neighbors within an Ancestry tree. This tool is in beta. Several sessions at RootsTech addressed this new feature. Here’s the official announcement from Ancestry.

What’s New at Ancestry in 2025 by Crista Cowan

How to Use Ancestry Networks by Anne Mitchell

5. MyHeritage CousinFinder Feature

This tool helps you find cousins without taking a DNA test. It uses SmartMatch technology to search for common ancestors between your tree and other users’ trees so you can collaborate.

Official announcement: Introducing Cousin Finder™: Gain DNA-Level Insights, Without a DNA Test

6. Together App from FamilySearch

This new app is designed to help families connect, share, and save their stories in a private, ad-free space. Capture and share important memories with select family groups. There are even prompts to help you record the story of your life.

Learn more: FamilySearch Global and Tech Forum 2025  and What to Expect from FamilySearch in 2025

7. DNA Painter: Places Feature

Jonny Pearl announced that you can upload a GEDCom and then you’ll see your ancestor’s migrations mapped out by family line.

Read more: Introducing Places, a new geographical map of your Ancestral Tree

 

What were your favorite new technology announcements at RootsTech 2025? Share below!