China introduces unified three-second mark for special-category micro-dramas

China has implemented a new, unified "Taihua" mark for a specific category of short-form micro-dramas as part of updated content-management regulations. The initiative aims to enhance transparency and oversight for digital content.

The mark will be displayed for three seconds at the start of each episode and remain visible in the upper-right corner throughout its duration. The system officially took effect on September 1, with 11 licensed productions identified as the initial batch.

Under the new stipulations, newly launched productions within this designated category are expected to adopt the mark by the end of October. This move reflects broader efforts by Chinese authorities to standardize and regulate the rapidly growing online video sector.