Vietnam bans unskippable online video ads longer than 5 seconds from next month

The rule is set out in Decree No. 342/2025, which caps the mandatory viewing time for video or animated ads at five seconds and bans any waiting period to close static image ads, according to the text issued by the government.

Platforms must also provide clear and easy-to-use options that allow users to skip, close or refuse ads, and may not design confusing icons or require multiple steps to exit advertising content, the decree said.

The regulation effectively ends the use of non-skippable video ads that previously required viewers to watch 15-30 seconds before continuing.

The decree assigns ministries and local authorities responsibility for monitoring, detecting, and ordering the removal of illegal online advertisements. 

When the advertiser cannot be identified, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism will act as the lead agency to request the blocking or removal of violating ads.

Advertisers, platforms, and distributors must take down unlawful ads within 24 hours of receiving an official request, while ads deemed to threaten national security must be removed immediately and no later than 24 hours, the decree said.

If platforms fail to comply, authorities may apply technical measures to block ads or restrict access, in coordination with police, telecom operators, and Internet service providers.

The decree also tightens rules on advertising for regulated products such as health supplements, cosmetics, medicines, and alcoholic beverages, requiring accurate information and clear warnings.

Cross-border platforms that provide advertising services to users in Vietnam are also subject to the rules and must fully comply with Vietnamese law.