YouTube is testing an artificial intelligence-powered age estimation system in the United States to better safeguard younger users. The Google-owned video platform announced that the technology will predict whether a user is under 18, regardless of the date of birth entered in their account, and apply appropriate restrictions automatically.

AI-driven age estimation rollout

The system, which will initially be tested on a small group of US users, aims to ensure “teens are treated as teens and adults as adults,” said James Beser, YouTube’s senior director of product management for youth products. If the AI model determines that a user is likely under 18, the account will have certain protections enabled by default.

Users who believe the system’s assessment is incorrect will be able to verify their age through government-issued identification, a selfie, or a credit card. YouTube stated that it has already deployed similar AI-based age estimation tools in other countries “for some time” with positive results.

How the system works

The model will analyse various factors such as viewing history, platform activity, and account age. Once a user is identified as under 18, YouTube will activate protections already in place for teen accounts, including:

  • Showing only non-personalised ads

  • Turning on “digital wellbeing” features such as break and bedtime reminders by default

  • Displaying privacy reminders when uploading videos or posting public comments

  • Limiting recommendations for potentially problematic content if watched repeatedly

  • Blocking access to age-restricted videos meant for 18+ audiences

    • Impact on creators

    For video creators, certain safeguards will also be enforced, including setting uploads as private by default for teen accounts and preventing monetisation from gifts on vertical live streams. While YouTube expects minimal disruption, the company noted that some creators may see reduced ad revenue if a larger portion of their audience is classified as under 18, as only non-personalised ads will be shown to them.

    Commitment to safe viewing

    “YouTube was one of the first platforms to offer experiences designed specifically for young people,” Beser said, adding that the new system aims to balance safety with privacy. The company pledged to monitor user feedback closely and collaborate with creators to ensure the ecosystem adapts smoothly.

    By implementing this AI-based age estimation, YouTube seeks to strengthen its role in providing a safe and enriching online environment, particularly for teenagers exploring the platform.