Sara Moonves, editor in chief of W magazine, is launching a new print publication aimed at teenagers, marking a notable effort to revive a genre that has largely receded from the print landscape. The magazine, called WYouth, debuted its first issue this week as a biannual title designed to serve as a "teenage sister" to W.

The idea originated from a 2025 conversation between Moonves and director Sofia Coppola, who suggested the possibility of a teen-focused version of W. Moonves, who previously interned at Teen Vogue and grew up reading tween magazines such as Tiger Beat and Sassy, saw an opportunity to fill a void left by the decline of traditional teen print magazines. Many longstanding titles for adolescent readers have either ceased print publication or significantly scaled back: Seventeen ended print issues in 2018, Teen Vogue folded its print edition into its website last year, and other magazines like Glamour and Cosmopolitan have reduced print frequency amid industry-wide challenges.

Moonves, 41, previously rescued W magazine from potential sale in 2020 by securing investors and partnering with Bustle Digital Group, then expanded its print schedule from four to seven issues annually. She also assumed the role of chief executive at W Media, overseeing both editorial content and business operations. Under her leadership, W has maintained its reputation for blending high art and celebrity culture while adapting to digital trends.

WYouth was developed with Ava Nirui, a former youth fashion entrepreneur at Marc Jacobs. The new publication aims to blend nostalgic elements reminiscent of classic teen magazines with contemporary content and a tactile, collectible experience that contrasts with the digital saturation of today’s youth. Nirui asserts that a generation growing weary of constant digital stimulation seeks physical media they can share and engage with offline.

The inaugural 182-page issue, roughly half the size of the standard W issue, features elements typical of teen magazines—horoscopes, quizzes, and interviews with emerging artists such as Clairo, conducted by Charli XCX. It balances aspirational fashion editorials, including work by Japanese photographer Shoichi Aoki, with relatable features, like an essay from a teenager about attending classes in a temporary location after California wildfires affected her school.

WYouth’s content deliberately spans luxury brands such as Dior and Saint Laurent, prompting discussions about the target age group. Both Moonves and Nirui emphasize that they do not have a fixed age demographic in mind, reflecting the evolving identities and interests of contemporary teens.

Advertising revenue remains critical, with Moonves noting that print is the largest revenue source for W despite challenges in the magazine industry. The new title has attracted both established luxury advertisers and emerging youth-oriented brands, signaling commercial interest in print media for younger audiences.

Elsewhere in the teen media space, Teen Vogue maintains a digital presence focused on youth culture but has scaled back political coverage. Mi-Anne Chan, its creative editorial director, acknowledges WYouth as a positive sign of investment in teen magazines despite the overall contraction of the market.

Consumer interest appears cautiously optimistic. A visit to a New York City magazine retailer found few teenagers browsing print magazines, but in casual conversations, young readers expressed openness to a publication tailored to their age group, particularly if it offered a fashion and culture mix beyond screen time.

WYouth represents a calculated gamble on reviving print media for teens at a time when many have shifted to digital platforms. Its success will test whether a refreshed print product can carve out a meaningful niche alongside the social media channels that dominate youth attention today.