California Cracks Down on Loud Streaming Ads: A new Win for Quiet nights
Are you tired of streaming services blasting commercials that jolt you awake or,worse,wake up the entire house? You’re not alone. California has just enacted groundbreaking legislation aimed at leveling the playing field between streaming content and the advertisements interrupting it. This new law promises quieter viewing experiences and addresses a growing frustration for viewers across the state – and perhaps beyond.
This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about reclaiming control over your home entertainment and finally addressing a loophole that allowed streaming services to bypass long-standing regulations. Here’s a comprehensive look at California’s new law, how it builds on existing federal regulations, what it means for your favorite streaming platforms, and what the future holds for ad volume control.
The Problem: Why Were Streaming Ads So Loud?
For years, conventional television viewers have been protected by the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act. Passed in 2010, the CALM Act requires broadcast, satellite, and cable TV providers to ensure commercials aren’t significantly louder than the programs they accompany. This is achieved by adhering to standardized audio levels measured by a specific algorithm. the result? A more consistent and pleasant viewing experience.
However, the rise of streaming services created a significant gap in these protections. Streaming platforms weren’t subject to the CALM Act, leading to a noticeable disparity in volume between shows and ads. This often resulted in jarringly loud commercials that disrupted the viewing experience and, as highlighted by the story of “baby Samantha” - the daughter of a California legislative director – even interfered with sleep.
The issue isn’t simply about annoyance. Studies show that sudden loud noises can be disruptive to cognitive function and even contribute to stress. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5878488/
California’s Solution: Senate Bill 576
California governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 576 into law on Monday, October 7, 2025, effectively extending the principles of the CALM Act to streaming services operating within the state. The bill mandates that streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video are prohibited from playing commercials at a volume louder than the content they are presenting.
“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,” Newsom stated in a news release.
The law directly addresses the frustration voiced by countless viewers, finally acknowledging the need for consistent audio levels across all forms of video entertainment. You can review the full text of Senate Bill 576 here: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB576
How Will This Law Be Enforced?
This is where things get a little complex. While the law requires streaming services to adhere to the CALM Act’s standards, the specifics of enforcement within California are still being steadfast. The bill doesn’t outline a new regulatory body or specific penalties. Instead,it relies on the existing framework of the CALM Act and expects streaming services to implement automated checks and maintain consistent audio levels.
Jura Liaukonyte, a professor of marketing and applied economics at Cornell University, explains that the CALM Act utilizes a standardized algorithm to measure average loudness. Networks and providers use this algorithm to automatically adjust commercial volumes, ensuring they align with the surrounding programming.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) enforces the CALM Act for traditional broadcasters.while the FCC’s jurisdiction doesn’t directly extend to streaming services, the hope is that California’s law will encourage platforms to proactively adopt similar practices. The FCC has already been receiving complaints about loud streaming ads, as documented in this FCC report: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-409843A3.pdf
What Does This Mean for Streaming Services?
Streaming services will likely need to invest in technology and processes to ensure compliance. this could involve:
