California law caps streaming ad volume, July 1 2026

A new California law prohibiting streaming services from playing advertisements louder than the programs they interrupt will take effect on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The legislation extends long-standing federal rules for broadcast and cable television into the digital streaming era, aiming to eliminate the jarring volume spikes that have frustrated viewers during commercial breaks.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill, SB 576, in October 2025. The law mandates that advertisements on streaming platforms match the average loudness of the surrounding video content. This addresses a common complaint where quiet dialogue in a show or movie is suddenly interrupted by a significantly louder commercial.

The push for the law originated from everyday household frustrations. State Senator Thomas Umberg, who authored the bill, said it was inspired by the experience of an exhausted parent whose sleeping child was awakened by a blaring streaming ad. In a statement, Governor Newsom said the state had heard Californians "loud and clear" on their desire for consistent volume.

The change arrives as major streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, and Paramount+...