The primary focus of Barely Legal is the depiction of women who have reportedly just turned 18, the minimum legal age for appearing in adult media in the United States.

Barely Legal has faced significant criticism and legal scrutiny due to its name and focus, which critics argue exploits the boundary of adulthood and social taboos. Barely Legal Magazine

The magazine's launch was a major industry event that triggered a wave of similar "niche" titles. At one point, more than 20 copycat publications were active in the market, forcing established adult magazines to adjust their own formats to compete with the new trend.