Genres
Each teen publication can be broken down into three content/target characteristics, gender, topic and age group.
Gender
The teen magazine industry is overwhelmingly female-oriented. There are several mixed-gender publications, but few male publications exist and those of the past were not very successful. Teen Ink, Teen Voices and Scholastic Teen Magazine Network 'zines all cater to both sexes. Sports Illustrated for Kids and many gaming, sports and men's magazines have a strong teen male following.
Topic
While some teen magazines have topic matter that is comprehensive (CosmoGIRL!, Seventeen, Justine and Girls' Life), others focus on niche topics. These include beauty and fashion (Teen Vogue, Jane and Elle Girl), entertainment and celebrities (J-14 and Pop Star!), self development/social issues (Teen Voices), diversity (Word Up! and LaTeen) and hobbies (American Cheerleader and Young Rider).
Age Group
Some teen mags cater to a general adolescent audience. Others target to certain age ranges within the adolescent years. Still other magazines market to teens only in part through a children/tween focus or older teen/young adult focus.