Some video platforms offer features to enhance youths’ engagement and/or to safeguard youth from inappropriate content. However, this may look different across different platforms. Some of these features could include auto-playing videos in quick succession and personalized content recommendations. Teens are in a critical stage of development where impulse control—the ability to pause and think before acting—is still maturing. During the teen years, the brain's reward centers are especially sensitive, while the parts that regulate self-control are still developing. This natural brain development can make it harder for teens to disengage from captivating content, even when they want to take a break.

Many video services incorporate social features such as reactions, “likes,” and comments that allow viewers to engage with content and connect with others. These interactive elements can significantly enhance engagement, especially for teens whose brains are naturally attuned to social feedback during this developmental stage. Studies indicate that adolescents are particularly responsive to peer feedback and social cues, making these features especially appealing for them.

Platform recommendation systems also suggest new content based on viewing patterns and engagement data like social interactions.

The combination of social features and recommendation systems can be particularly powerful during adolescence, when the brain’s social processing regions are highly active and responsive to peer influence.

While video service providers constantly evolve and new ones regularly emerge, research provides a reassuring insight: the quality and nature of the content matter far more than the specific platform delivering it. Rather than trying to track every new app, platform, or provider, focus on understanding what your teen watches and why they find it engaging.

Have open discussions about their viewing choices and work together to identify content that supports their well-being. You might ask questions like: “What kinds of videos do you enjoy most?” “Do you ever see recommended videos that you’d rather not watch?” or “How do you decide when to keep watching and when to take a break?”

Video service providers increasingly use AI technology to analyze viewing patterns and provide personalized recommendations. This can include tracking what users search for, which videos they watch, and even where they pause while scrolling—so it’s important for teens to understand how these systems work to make informed viewing choices.

AI tools are now deeply integrated into most video editing apps, making it easy to create and edit content. Teens frequently encounter edited videos from both influencers and friends, and it can be challenging to distinguish what’s real. This is particularly impactful with appearance-focused content, where AI editing can create unrealistic body shapes and beauty standards. When teens repeatedly see these enhanced versions of both celebrities and peers, it can create pressure to pursue artificially perfected appearances.

Teens might also encounter “deep fakes”—highly realistic fake videos that have been altered by AI—which can sometimes be used to spread misinformation or harass others. Understanding how AI shapes the content they see can help teens approach videos with greater awareness and critical-thinking skills.

Promoting Healthy Viewing Habits

Video content can significantly impact teens' development and well-being, from influencing their behavior and mental health to shaping their values and social connections. Parents can help by understanding different content types, maintaining open discussions about online experiences, and working together with teens to develop healthy viewing habits.