Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 8 hours ago
The FamilySearch merge tool changed… and if it feels harder, you’re not imagining it.
But here’s the truth: merging didn’t get harder—it just requires better decisions.
In this video, I walk through how the new Merge Experience and Merge Analysis tools work, using real examples from my own research. You’ll see when NOT to merge, what a simple merge looks like, and how to handle a more complex situation where names and details don’t match perfectly.
If merging on FamilySearch has ever felt frustrating or confusing, this will help you slow down, think clearly, and make better decisions in the tree.
👉 Have you ever had someone challenge a merge you made? Or have you found a merge that didn’t look right? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear how you handled it.
----------------
CONTINUE LEARNING
📺 Hillary Clinton Family Tree a Wake-Up Call for Genealogy megansmolenyak.com/hillary-clinton-family-tree-a-wake-up-call-for-genealogy
Beginner's Guide to FamilySearch youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcVx-GSCjcdmTQWonBrjNsalbOCH6ZcWx
↪️ Grab your FREE genealogy research guides and templates at familyhistoryfanatics.com/resources
⚡ Want to grow your family tree faster? Join our membership program.
youtube.com/channel/UCmkKepHoafldMRZ4UNt0Akw/join
📗 Like to read? Check out these books
familyhistoryfanatics.com/books
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CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
00:49 Merge Experience (Before the Merge)
01:27 Merge Analysis (After the Merge)
01:59 Clean Up Relationships Before the Merge
02:22 How to Use the New FamilySearch Merge Experience
09:38 Evaluating a Merge with FamilySearch Merge Analysis Tool - Example 1
13:57 Evaluating a Merge with FamilySearch Merge Analysis Tool - Example 2
17:55 Merges can be ‘undone’
18:08 Expect Your FamilySearch Merges to Be Challenged
----------------
✅ Let's connect:
✔️ Subscribe for more genealogy tips: tinyurl.com/FHFanaticsYouTube
✔️ Website: familyhistoryfanatics.com
✔️ Share Video Ideas: familyhistoryfanatics.com/contact
This video is a part of a series of genealogy research tutorials to help viewers to build their family tree or expand their family history research. Subscribe to our channel if you love genealogy like we do!
#FamilyHistoryFanatics #genealogy #FamilySearch
The FamilySearch merge tool changed… and if it feels harder, you’re not imagining it.
But here’s the truth: merging didn’t get harder—it just requires better decisions.
In this video, I walk through how the new Merge Experience and Merge Analysis tools work, using real examples from my own research. You’ll see when NOT to merge, what a simple merge looks like, and how to handle a more complex situation where names and details don’t match perfectly.
If merging on FamilySearch has ever felt frustrating or confusing, this will help you slow down, think clearly, and make better decisions in the tree.
👉 Have you ever had someone challenge a merge you made? Or have you found a merge that didn’t look right? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear how you handled it.
----------------
CONTINUE LEARNING
📺 Hillary Clinton Family Tree a Wake-Up Call for Genealogy megansmolenyak.com/hillary-clinton-family-tree-a-wake-up-call-for-genealogy
Beginner's Guide to FamilySearch youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcVx-GSCjcdmTQWonBrjNsalbOCH6ZcWx
↪️ Grab your FREE genealogy research guides and templates at familyhistoryfanatics.com/resources
⚡ Want to grow your family tree faster? Join our membership program.
youtube.com/channel/UCmkKepHoafldMRZ4UNt0Akw/join
📗 Like to read? Check out these books
familyhistoryfanatics.com/books
----------------
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
00:49 Merge Experience (Before the Merge)
01:27 Merge Analysis (After the Merge)
01:59 Clean Up Relationships Before the Merge
02:22 How to Use the New FamilySearch Merge Experience
09:38 Evaluating a Merge with FamilySearch Merge Analysis Tool - Example 1
13:57 Evaluating a Merge with FamilySearch Merge Analysis Tool - Example 2
17:55 Merges can be ‘undone’
18:08 Expect Your FamilySearch Merges to Be Challenged
----------------
✅ Let's connect:
✔️ Subscribe for more genealogy tips: tinyurl.com/FHFanaticsYouTube
✔️ Website: familyhistoryfanatics.com
✔️ Share Video Ideas: familyhistoryfanatics.com/contact
This video is a part of a series of genealogy research tutorials to help viewers to build their family tree or expand their family history research. Subscribe to our channel if you love genealogy like we do!
#FamilyHistoryFanatics #genealogy #FamilySearch
