YouTube reportedly bringing AI-powered age estimation to US

YouTube has a vast audience base globally. From elders to Generation Alpha, viewers of all ages from worldwide locations use the video-sharing platform for several reasons.

Recently, the Google-owned social media platform has decided to start rolling out a new AI-powered age estimation feature in the U.S., reportedly starting in mid-August 2025. According to a Dexerto report, the primary feature of the model is to identify whether users are under 18 based on their behavior signals.

Despite providing details about everyone's birthdate in their profiles linked to their Google account, the advanced new system will require additional details and signals to evaluate netizens' age.

As the outlet confirmed, YouTube's new AI-powered age detection technology will emphasize checking users' video searches, account age, and viewing categories to infer if a user is likely a teenager.

Everything we know about YouTube's brand-new AI-powered model for U.S. viewers

On Tuesday, the video-sharing online platform announced the launch of its age estimation system to determine users who are under the age of 18 years. YouTube is all set to begin testing its newest technology for the U.S. market on August 13, 2025. In just two weeks, the AI-powered feature will simplify the age identification process. 

Along with analyzing the age of each account and the kind of content they are consuming, the new model assures checking users' activity and the topics they are searching for while scrolling on the platform. Time spent looking for content and watching videos will play a major role in coming to the conclusion of the audience's ages. According to the Dexerto report, YouTube will restrict content categories and put digital well-being tools voluntarily for teenage internet users.

Also, the team behind the significant decision aims to disable the appearance of personalized ads. One of the key objectives is to stop the young minds from looking into "problematic" content. The global firm has stated that the AI-powered age detection model will help in saving these youngsters from checking out harmful videos on YouTube, as reported by CBS News. 

Discussing the latest inclusion of artificial intelligence to modify their content consumption, YouTube recently explained in a blog post,

"We will only allow users who have been inferred or verified as over 18 to view age-restricted content that may be inappropriate for younger users."

Even before rolling out the new feature officially and starting the assessment of people's age groups, YouTube has already pointed out the probable chances of wrong evaluations and incorrect identifications. For confused YouTube surfers looking for a solution to this likely dilemma, the renowned company explained that individuals will be able to submit their identification forms, including government-verified information, and resolve the obstacle.

Dexerto cited a new statement by YouTube in its recent support update, noting,

"You’ll have the option to verify your age (through government ID, selfie, or a credit card) if you believe our age estimation model is incorrect."

CBS News confirmed that YouTube plans to conduct tests with its new system only with a certain number of online audience in the U.S. Over time, the company will release the tool to more people. The model to estimate the age of users based on their activities is already in action in different markets. Without disclosing the names of the locations, YouTube mentioned that the results show progress and positive outputs.