Instagram’s introduction of a default PG-13 feed for teens will have significant implications for both young users and the creators who target them. The new system from Meta will change what content is seen and, potentially, what content is made for this demographic.
For users under 18, the “13+” setting will mean a more sanitized feed. Content with strong language, risky stunts, or promotions of harmful behaviors will be hidden or deprioritized. Their ability to search for certain topics will also be restricted, limiting their exposure to mature themes.
For creators, this change could impact their reach and content strategy. Those whose content frequently features profanity or edgy themes may see their visibility reduced among the under-18 audience. This could push creators to produce more “family-friendly” content to maintain engagement with this valuable demographic.
This new ecosystem is being created in the name of teen safety, following intense criticism of Meta’s handling of its younger user base. The company is essentially creating a more walled-off garden for teens, which can only be exited with parental permission.
As the system rolls out, the creative community on Instagram will need to adapt. The shift could lead to a bifurcation of content on the platform: one stream for the PG-13 teen audience and another, less restricted stream for adults.