The Most Loved Group Cards? The Ones with Photos

Every day, thousands of people around the world create and send group cards through Sendwishonline.com. They do it to celebrate birthdays, say farewell to coworkers, congratulate teammates, and share appreciation with loved ones across time zones.

Some cards get a few smiles. Others? They spark tears, laughter, memories, and replies like “This made my day!” or “I’m saving this forever.”

So what’s the difference?

We dug into in-house data from 10,000+ cards and saw a strong, consistent trend:

The most loved, most preferred, and most emotionally resonant cards are PHOTO cards.

Photo-performing cards outperformed on every measurable metric—engagement, sentiment, and even recipients looking at the card over and over again.

Today, we're pulling back the curtain to tell you why photo cards are the way to go and how to create your own that's memory-making.

Want to know why more people are shifting from paper cards to digital? Here’s why digital eCards always win.

What Our Stats Tell Us (And It's Pretty Solid)

What did we find when we tested Sendwishonline.com-made cards last year?

Photo cards received 60% more recipient engagement

This means things like hearts, emojis, and clicks.

Comment rates were doubled on cards that included images.

Viewers spent an average of 3x longer on cards when photos were added to the cards.

Emotional response—everything from smile-triggering responses to sincere thank-yous—was much more likely on image cards.

80% of recipients saved or downloaded photo cards, compared to just 35% for text-only cards.

These aren't statistics—these are signals that photos make cards more than just messages, they become memories.

If you’re curious which platforms deliver the best group eCards, check out this list of the top free eCard sites.

Why Do Photos Have Such an Impact?

At its simplest, a group card is an emotional gesture. It's one way that a family, team, or group of friends can show:

"We see you. We see you. You matter."

But words themselves—no matter how lovely—can never quite capture the reality of relationships. Here come pictures.

1. Photos Give Flesh to the Message

It's nice to get a "We'll miss you!" message.

But a "We'll miss you!" signed below a team lunch photo with everyone's mouths open laughing? That comes close.

Pictures supply context, texture, and emotion. They put faces to names. They cause people to remember actual moments, not gooey feelings.

2. They Elicit Nostalgia and Memory

Photos can unlock memories you didn't even know you'd forgotten.

A silly group photo at the end of the project wrap-up. Last year's virtual holiday party selfie. When that person walked in for the office costume party, dressed like a pineapple.

They remind the recipient of the moments you've shared. And it's those shared moments that make group connections last.

3. Visuals Create Keepsakes

Cards that include photos don’t just get read—they get saved.

People screenshot them, download them, and revisit them months (sometimes years) later. Some even print them out. The card becomes a keepsake instead of a fleeting message.

This is why photo-filled work anniversary eCards make such memorable keepsakes for colleagues.

What Makes a Great Photo Card?

The best photo cards we’ve seen have a few things in common:

1. A Mix of Group and Candid Shots

Don't settle for posed group photos. Include the candid shots, the behind-the-scenes outtakes, the Zooms, the slice-of-life bites. Those are the ones that get the biggest smiles.

2. Photos + Personal Notes = Magic

Include a short message or comment with each photo. Even just a "Throwback to this great day!" or "Still laughing at this moment" makes it personal.

3. Use Layout in a Creative Way

In Sendwishonline.com, place the photos anywhere you prefer on the card—top, bottom, side by side with messages. It's a canvas, not a form. Be creative. Talk in pictures.

Real Stories from Real Users

Here is what our users have to say about their photo card experience:

• "As our manager retired, we created a retirement card and added photos of all the major team milestones. He texted us all after that and said, 'I've never felt so appreciated.'" — Ritika, HR Manager, Mumbai
• "For my best friend's birthday, we added pictures of us as kids—childhood photos, high school, college, vacations. She cried tears of joy. Literally."  — Jamie, Brooklyn
• "COVID kept us from spending time together in the same room, but that hello, picture-filled card my team sent? It was a huge hug."  — Arjun, Remote Engineer

Try It Yourself: Photo Cards Are 100% Free

One of the best things about Sendwishonline.com? You can add as many photos and contributors as you want without upgrading or paying extra to create great, photo-filled group cards.

• Add photos without limits
• Invite contributors without limits
• Make for any occasion—birthday, leaving, wedding, get well, promotion, or just to say thanks

You can even add GIFs and videos to make the card come alive.

Want to send a meaningful goodbye? Farewell eCards work beautifully with photo memories.”

Last Thoughts: Don't Just Sign the Card. Make It Special.

In an era dominated by frantic emails and instant messages, there's something particularly sweet about a thoughtful group card. And when the card is filled with photos? It doesn't just reach hearts—it stays there.

Whether you're doing it for a colleague, friend, family member, or educator, if you want to create a group card that will be cherished long after it's read, include photos.

Make your folks recall memories you've shared. Make them laugh again. Make them feel heard.

Because the most treasured group cards?

They don't merely say something. They say everything.

Ready to create yours? Begin testing out photo cards for free for any reason

You can start right away at Sendwishonline.com and create your first free photo group card today.