Google to Roll Out an Age Estimation Model Next Month for YouTube in US, Extending its Protections to More Teens

The California-based tech maker – Google is planning to roll out an age estimation model next month in the US region, which will help in determining whether or not a user is actually under 18 years of age. This is believed to offer extended protections to more teens and prevent them from coming across age inappropriate contents.

Here’s more about it.

Google’s Age Estimation Model for YouTube to Roll Out Soon for US Audience

Next month from the 13th of August 2025, Google will start the age estimation model roll-out in the US, and regardless of the birth date entered by users, it will help in effectively determining the actual age by analyzing signals such as the longevity of the account and YouTube activity. Once a user is determined as under 18 years of age, he or she will be notified of it and the age-appropriate product experience and protection will be offered to them automatically. However, the user will still have the option to verify their age – with the help of a valid government ID, credit card, or selfie. Just to add, the brand had previously followed this approach in other regions and it worked well, and this is why it is being gradually rolled out for US audience too.

So what will change once a user is determined as under 18 years old?

For viewers, as indicated above, the teen protections will be enabled. Do note that this feature is enabled by default on accounts where users have themselves mentioned that they are below 18 years old. Notably, on such accounts, only non-personalized ads are displayed and the digital well-being tools like ‘take a break” and ‘bed time’ reminders will be active. Privacy reminders will also be shown when uploading a video or when commenting. Problematic video contents that may cause issues when watched a lot will also be reduced in recommendations.

For creators, the uploads will be set as private by default. Moreover, under 18 years old creators won’t be able to earn gifts from vertical live streams as well. Additionally, other creators over the same period might see a shift in their audience as their revenue might be decreasing as non-personalized ads that are shown to users under 18 years of age won’t get them paid.