Contributors

Keeping Teen Mag Culture Alive!

Teen mag culture is alive and well online, sthanks to podcasts, e-zines and social media accounts created by other teen magazine enthusiasts. Check out the list below for some of my favorites!

Podcasts

Girly Mags
Part of Elizabeth Banks' podcast network, this comedic review of vintage teen magazines from the 80s, 90s and 2000s brings both nostalgia vibes and big laughs. Though the podcast is on indefinite hiatus, they still regularly post magazine scans on their Instagram, and there's plenty of old episodes to binge — and rumors it may relaunch in the future!

Teen People
Teen People magazine was adored by its readers for its respectful tone that didn't talk down to them and this podcast recaptures that energy. More than surface-level nostalgia, this is a serious, journalistic and anthropologic exploration of the people behind Teen People. Created and hosted by artist and librarian Anna Soper, the Teen People podcast aims to present "a unique portrait of the Millennial and Gen X experience today." It's available on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Websites

Youth Culture 2000
This website and zine perfectly captures the Y2K aesthetic, while offering in-depth, creative reflections on Y2K culture in their original e-zines and on Instagram. There's also a community with close to 1,000 members that aims to capture the energy of early social media and web forums.

Social Media Creators

Y2K Magazines
A project of self-described "teen magazine archivist" @hotlocalsingle, this account regularly posts scans from 2000s-era teen magazines. There also appears to be an online store launching soon!

misss2005
There are countless creators on social media who post nostalgic sketches referencing the 2000s, but this girl is the real deal. There's not a green screen to be found — she has a massive collection of Y2K-era tech, fashion and accessories, and — most importantly! — magazines. She regularly posts videos flipping through back issues to a soundtrack of Y2K hits on her Instagram.

ThankYouAtoosa
Curated by Teen Vogue alum Casey Lewis, this tribute to iconic teen mag titan Atoosa Rubenstein regularly features scans and video reviews of vintage teen magazines from the Y2K era. Lewis also publishes a Substack newsletter analyzing Gen Z trends and youth culture.