YouTube plans to limit recommendations of certain health and fitness videos for teenagers, particularly those that “idealize” specific body types. The platform states that users aged 13 to 17 will still be able to search for and watch fitness-related content, but they won’t be prompted to repeatedly view similar videos. YouTube is taking this step due to concerns that repeated exposure to such content may lead young people to develop “negative beliefs” about themselves. Experts have welcomed the move but suggest it should be part of a “broader discussion” on fitness and health for young people.

Typically, YouTube’s algorithm suggests similar videos for users to watch after they finish a particular video, and displays related content on the sidebar. However, this will no longer apply to teens when they watch certain types of content, such as:

• Videos comparing physical features and idealizing certain types over others
• Videos that promote specific fitness levels or body weights as ideal
• Videos showing social aggression through non-contact fights or intimidation

YouTube introduced these measures after its Youth and Families Advisory Committee found that teens are more likely than adults to develop negative self-perceptions when exposed to repeated messages about ideal standards in online content.

However, these restrictions on video recommendations will only work if the user is logged into a YouTube account and has provided an accurate date of birth. The platform does not automatically verify new users’ age.

New users must be at least 13 years old, and if YouTube suspects an incorrect age has been provided, it may ask for age verification. If the user fails to verify, they will be required to add a parent or guardian to supervise the account – failing to do so will result in account deactivation.

Dr. Petya Eckler, a senior lecturer at the University of Strathclyde who researches the relationship between body image and social media, welcomed the announcement, citing the link between young people’s social media use and their perceptions of body image.

However, she emphasized that more action is needed: “This should go hand in hand with a broader conversation about fitness and health within families, stressing that exercise is essential for overall health and wellbeing, rather than just for appearance.”