It was developed as a Google Summer of Code 2007 project by Daniel G. Siegel.

It has gained features and usage and can now be used in many ways that were not possible at its first release.

Cheese can record photos as well as video, and can use a timer before shooting as well as taking pictures in burst mode.

Version 2.28 brought the ability to switch between multiple webcams with one click.

The application has built-in sharing so that photos or videos can be uploaded to photo-sharing sites or used on a computer.