Title 59.1. Trade and Commerce
Chapter 63. Streaming Advertisement Volume Control
§ 59.1-624. (Effective July 1, 2027) Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Long-form content" means a film, show, or other video programming or video content that is the primary material a user of a video streaming service or social media video service consumes while using such service.
"Normalization" means adjusting the audio of short-form content by measuring and scaling the average loudness to match the target loudness of the accompanying long-form content distributed by a video streaming service, social media video service, or third-party advertising manager consistent with established industry standards such as Advanced Television Systems Committee Recommended Practice A/85, Techniques for Establishing and Maintaining Audio Loudness for Digital Television.
"Short-form content" means commercial advertising, promotional, and public service-related video programming or video content that is interspersed in long-form content on a video streaming service or social media video service.
"Social media video service" means an online platform that (i) is open to the public; (ii) allows a user to create an account; (iii) consists primarily of content that is user-generated and not preselected by the provider; and (iv) provides a landing page, main feed, or search function that presents the user with video content generated by other users.
"Third-party advertising manager" means an entity that manages the distribution of short-form content on a video streaming service or social media video service and can adjust the loudness of such content.
"Video programming" means programming provided by, or generally considered comparable to programming provided by, a television broadcast station. "Video programming" does not include user-generated media.
"Video streaming service" means an online platform the primary purpose of which is to make video programming available directly to consumers. "Video streaming service" does not include a television broadcast station, cable operator, or other multichannel video programming distributor, an internet service provider, a service that makes available video programming or video content without commercial advertisements, or a website or application that does not make video programming available to consumers as its primary purpose.
2026, c. 1057.
