Vietnam to Limit Online Ad Skip Time to Five Seconds

Vietnam’s new regulation will require online video and moving image advertisements to allow users to skip them within five seconds, effective Feb. 15, 2026. This decree prohibits digital service providers from forcing viewers to watch unskippable ads longer than five seconds.

The government recently issued Decree 342/2025, which details provisions of the Advertising Law specifically for digital advertising. Some providers currently offer "non-skippable" video ad formats that range from seven to 30 seconds.

The regulation also applies to static image advertisements, mandating that advertisers must not force viewers to wait to dismiss or skip these banners. Additionally, non-fixed-position ads, such as pop-up windows that block content, must not use fake or hard-to-detect close buttons.

Users must be able to dismiss pop-up ads with a single, clear interaction. Online advertisements must also include visible icons and clear instructions, allowing users to report illegal content, opt out of certain ad types, or choose not to see inappropriate ads.

The decree places responsibility on advertisers, advertising service providers, ad content distributors, and publishers to remove any ad deemed illegal no later than 24 hours after being requested to do so by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism or other competent authorities under the relevant laws.

Failure to comply will lead to enforcement action. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Public Security will apply technical measures to block unlawful ads and services, taking further legal steps if necessary.

Telecommunication companies and internet service providers are also required to restrict access to illegal ads or advertising services. This must occur within 24 hours of receiving a formal request from the authorities.

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• Online video and image ads in Vietnam must be skippable within five seconds, effective Feb. 15, 2026.

• Decree 342/2025 also prohibits fake or hard-to-detect close buttons on pop-up ads.

• Advertisements must include clear options for users to report illegal content or manage ad preferences.

Source: VIETNAMNET GLOBAL