China Enforces First Micro-Drama Regulations with Tiered Review and AI Labeling
China's National Radio and Television Administration has officially implemented the "Micro-Drama Development and Management Measures," introducing the nation's first specialized departmental regulation for the short-form drama sector. The measures establish a three-tier management system based on budget size and subject matter, while requiring explicit visual labels on all AI-generated content. This regulatory shift transitions micro-drama oversight from temporary guidelines to a formal, legally binding governance framework that sets clear compliance boundaries for creators and platforms. Furthermore, mandating AI disclosure protects consumer awareness and standardizes the use of generative AI technologies in digital media production. Under the new rule, micro-dramas are classified into Categories 1, 2, and 3, subjecting higher-budget or sensitive topics to stricter filing and approval processes. Additionally, production and broadcasting entities using AI tools must place prominent notices in visible locations on every episode.
## BACKGROUND
Micro-dramas are fast-paced, vertical-video short series that have grown rapidly in popularity across Chinese mobile platforms, leading regulators to establish formal content guidelines. At the same time, Chinese regulators have been implementing broader policies requiring mandatory labeling for synthetic media and AI-generated content across digital platforms.