Snapchat is tightening content-sharing rules for younger users, limiting how people under 16 can share posts through its Spotlight feature.
Under the changes, users aged 13 to 15 will only be able to share Spotlight posts with people they follow who also follow them back.
New profiles for younger users
Snap said users under 16 will have separate profiles for Stories and Spotlight content that are visible only to mutual friends.
The company said content posted by these users will not display engagement metrics such as:
- Favorite counts.
- Popularity indicators.
The change is intended to reduce pressure tied to likes and rankings.
Previously, users in this age group could share Spotlight posts with everyone. Although those posts were not linked to their profiles and other users could not directly contact them, the content itself remained publicly viewable.
Restrictions for older teens
For users aged 16 to 18, Spotlight posts can still be shared publicly.
However, visibility will be limited to:
- Friends.
- Followers.
- Users who share mutual friends.
Parents will also be able to monitor how much time their children spend on different parts of Snapchat, including Stories and Spotlight, through the platform’s Family Center.
Existing safeguards
Snap already restricts interactions involving teenage users.
Current protections include:
- Blocking strangers from sending friend requests or messages.
- Displaying warnings when teens start conversations with unknown users.
- Limiting the types of content teenagers can view.
Industry-wide push
Several social media companies have introduced additional protections for younger users in recent years.
Instagram, for example, has launched specialized accounts designed for teens.
Snap’s latest move comes months after the company settled a lawsuit alleging it contributed to social media addiction. It continues to face similar cases elsewhere in the United States.
Speaking to CNBC, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel cited studies that he said show Snapchat has a “positive impact” by helping users connect with friends.
He argued that the platform should not be grouped together with services such as TikTok and Instagram.
TL;DR
Snapchat is limiting Spotlight sharing for users aged 13 to 15, allowing them to share posts only with mutual friends. The company is also removing engagement metrics from younger users’ content and expanding parental oversight tools.
AI summary
- Snapchat has introduced new restrictions for users under 16.
- Users aged 13 to 15 can only share Spotlight posts with mutual friends.
- Engagement metrics will be hidden for younger users.
- Parents can monitor Stories and Spotlight usage through Family Center.
- Snap says the changes are aimed at improving safety for teens.
