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Is Seventeen Magazine Still in Print?

Published in Teen Media 3 mins read

No, Seventeen magazine is no longer published in print.

Seventeen, a long-standing icon in the world of teen publications, transitioned away from its traditional print format. This significant move marked the conclusion of its regular print editions and, in a broader sense, signaled the end of an era for teen-focused print magazines.

The Shift to Digital-First

Established in 1944, Seventeen magazine was a cultural touchstone for generations, providing guidance on fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and relationships to its young female readership. However, the media landscape evolved dramatically with the rise of digital platforms, leading many print publications to re-evaluate their strategies.

In 2018, Seventeen made the strategic decision to adopt a digital-first approach. This change meant that the magazine would discontinue its consistent monthly print issues, instead concentrating its content creation and distribution efforts primarily online. While the brand might occasionally release special print editions, the regular, widely available monthly magazine that graced newsstands for over seven decades ceased its consistent publication.

This move exemplifies a larger trend within the publishing industry, where numerous long-established magazines have adapted their models to connect with audiences through digital channels. For Seventeen, this involved prioritizing its website, social media channels, and digital content to engage with its target demographic, who are increasingly active online.

Print vs. Digital: A Comparison

The transition of Seventeen from a print-centric model to a digital-first one highlights key differences in how content is delivered and consumed:

Feature Print Era of Seventeen Digital Era of Seventeen
Primary Format Physical magazine, typically monthly publication Online articles, videos, interactive web content, social media posts
Accessibility Purchased at newsstands, by subscription Available globally via websites, apps, and social media platforms
Interactivity Limited (e.g., letters to the editor) High (comments, shares, polls, direct engagement with content)
Content Updates Periodic (e.g., monthly) Real-time, continuous updates and breaking content
Audience Reach Primarily through physical distribution and subscriptions Global, instantly accessible to a broader online and mobile audience

The digital-first strategy offers several advantages for Seventeen:

  • Timely Content Delivery: It enables the immediate sharing of fashion trends, news, and pop culture insights, ensuring relevance.
  • Enhanced Audience Engagement: Through social media and interactive features, readers can more directly connect with the Seventeen brand and each other.
  • Broader Reach: Online content is not constrained by geographic distribution or physical availability, allowing for a wider, more diverse readership.

Today, Seventeen continues its legacy as a prominent online destination for young people, providing a rich array of content that mirrors the topics of its print predecessor, all tailored for the dynamic digital age.