China issues new regulations for short-form dramas, requiring AI content labeling

China's National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) has announced new regulations for the development of short-form dramas, officially titled the "Measures for the Administration of the Development of Micro-dramas." These regulations will be implemented starting September 1, 2026, establishing the country's first department-level rules specifically for this rapidly growing genre.

The NRTA defines short-form dramas as series with episodes under 20 minutes, featuring clear themes and continuous storylines. These dramas can be distributed across various platforms, including websites, apps, and television channels, and viewed on devices ranging from smartphones to televisions.

Under the new rules, short-form dramas will be categorized into three classes based on investment levels and thematic content. High-investment or sensitive-themed dramas (Class 1) and moderately invested dramas (Class 2) will require broadcast approval and licensing from provincial or higher-level authorities. Lower-investment, general-themed dramas (Class 3) will be subject to content management by the broadcasting entities themselves.

A significant aspect of the regulations requires that any short-form drama content generated or produced using artificial intelligence must be clearly labeled in each episode. Furthermore, platforms distributing these dramas are prohibited from employing algorithms designed to induce user addiction or excessive consumption. The measures also mandate the establishment of a chief editor content responsibility system.

The short-form drama market in China is reportedly valued at over 100 billion yuan, with an estimated 700 million users. The NRTA aims to guide the healthy development of the industry while encouraging content creation.