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Snapchat Restricts Under-16s to Private Sharing
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Snapchat Restricts Under-16s to Private Sharing

WireByte Staff · June 10, 2026

Snapchat is limiting users under 16 to share videos with friends only, removing public reach and engagement metrics. This change aims to shield younger teens from strangers and reduce pressure to chase numbers. Users aged 16-17 will have optional limited public sharing with safeguards.

Key points

  • Snapchat restricts users under 16 to share videos with friends only, removing public reach and engagement metrics.
  • Users aged 13-15 get a dedicated profile for friends-only sharing, while those aged 16-17 have optional limited public sharing with safeguards.
  • Snapchat aims to shield younger teens from strangers and reduce pressure to chase numbers.
  • The move follows similar restrictions introduced by Instagram and other social media platforms.

Snapchat has announced a change to its platform, restricting users under 16 to share videos with friends only. This move aims to shield younger teens from strangers and reduce pressure to chase numbers. Users aged 13-15 will get a dedicated profile for friends-only sharing, while those aged 16-17 will have optional limited public sharing with safeguards.

The change is part of Snapchat's efforts to protect its younger users. The company has already introduced strict default settings, blocks on contact from strangers, and pre-moderated public content. The Family Center tools also allow parents to see a child's friends and recent contacts.

This move follows similar restrictions introduced by Instagram and other social media platforms. As social media continues to evolve, companies are taking steps to protect their younger users from online harassment and exploitation.

The impact of this change is yet to be seen, but it is clear that Snapchat is taking a proactive approach to protecting its users. As the tech industry continues to grapple with issues of online safety, it will be interesting to see how other companies respond to this move.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.