California bans louder streaming ads starting next week

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California will soon require streaming ads to match the volume of the shows and movies they accompany, ending one of streaming’s most common annoyances.

The new law takes effect next week, extending existing TV and cable ad loudness rules to streaming platforms.

To clarify, ads aren’t going away. They’ll simply have to play at a more consistent volume.

Ever settled in for a late-night movie, found the perfect volume, and then nearly jumped out of your seat when the ad break started? It’s a common streaming frustration that never seems to get fixed.

Thankfully, that frustrating routine could soon become a thing of the past. Per The Hollywood Reporter , streaming platforms serving viewers in California will no longer be allowed to air commercials that sound noticeably louder than the movies or TV shows they’re paired with. The requirement takes effect next week under a law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom last year that extends loudness rules that have long applied to traditional TV and cable.