California Cracks Down on Loud Streaming Ads on Netflix, YouTube, and Other Streaming Services

California has passed a new law that will make streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and YouTube keep their ads at the same volume as the shows and movies viewers are watching.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed the law on Monday, and it will go into effect in July 2026.

The issue comes from streaming ads being much louder than the content they interrupt. Many viewers find this jarring and annoying, especially late at night.

California State Senator Tom Umberg said the idea for the law came from a personal experience. “Every exhausted parent who’s finally gotten a baby to sleep, only to have a blaring streaming ad undo all that hard work,” he explained. Umberg introduced Bill 576 in February to address the problem.

The law is based on the federal CALM Act, which has regulated loud commercials on traditional TV since 2010. T

hat law doesn’t cover streaming platforms, so this California legislation fills that gap. Governor Newsom highlighted the benefit for viewers: “We heard Californians loud and clear, and what’s clear is that they don’t want commercials at a volume any louder than the level at which they were previously enjoying a program. By signing SB 576, California is dialing down this inconvenience across streaming platforms.”

Loud ads are more than just annoying, they can disturb sleep, startle viewers, and interrupt the flow of a show or movie. With California enforcing limits, streaming services will now have to ensure their commercials don’t blast viewers’ ears or ruin quiet moments.

This law could also influence the rest of the country. Since California is such a big market for the entertainment industry, other states or platforms may follow suit to keep audiences happy.

This is a win for viewers everywhere. Loud ads have been a frustrating problem for years, and it’s about time streaming platforms are held to the same standards as TV. What do you think about California’s new law on streaming ads? Share your thoughts in the comments.