When Instagram users try to change their stated age from under 18 to 18 or older, they may be asked to complete an AI-powered face scan to estimate their age. Separately, Meta uses a background AI system that monitors Instagram account behavior to detect users who may be younger than they claim. Both systems are specific to Instagram's teen safety program.

The facial age estimation uses technology from a company called Yoti, which analyzes a short video selfie to estimate age from facial features. The video is deleted immediately after analysis. Approximately 81% of teens who need to verify their age on Instagram choose this method over uploading a government ID. Meta's "adult classifier" — disclosed in November 2024 — proactively scans account content, follower lists, engagement patterns, and birthday mentions in comments to infer whether a user is likely under 18, automatically moving suspected minors into Teen Account restrictions. Meta has not disclosed the accuracy rate of the adult classifier.