New language requirements for TV and streaming in Ukraine

Who is subject to the new rules

New regulations The Law of Ukraine «On Media» fall into two main categories:

• Providers of audiovisual services - companies that form TV channel packages (cable, satellite TV, IPTV).
• Video on demand (VOD) services - online platforms where the user chooses the content (streaming, online cinemas).

Important: these requirements are do not apply to music services and podcasts.

What are the requirements for television

There is a clear rule for providers:

• At least 60% TV channels in each package must be in Ukrainian.

This category includes channels that:

• have a Ukrainian licence or registration;
• comply with Ukrainian legislation;
• or are foreign channels from EU countries permitted for retransmission.

This means that operators will no longer be able to create packages with predominantly foreign content.

What are the requirements for streaming platforms

A separate rule has been introduced for online services:

• At least 25% of content in the catalogue must be in Ukrainian.

We are talking about:

• dubbing;
• Ukrainian dubbing;
• or original content in the state language.

This rule stimulates the development of Ukrainian dubbing and localisation.

An important rule about the default language

If a movie or programme has multiple audio tracks:

• The Ukrainian language (if available) should be set to the first language by default.

This will directly affect the user experience - viewers will automatically receive content in Ukrainian.

Combined services: double requirements

Platforms that connect:

• television (channels),
• and streaming (catalogue),

must simultaneously comply with both standards:

• 60% Ukrainian-language TV channels;
• 25% of Ukrainian-language content.

Whether access to foreign content is restricted

The law does not ban foreign channels, but sets conditions:

• channels from EU countries are allowed;
• they must comply with Ukrainian law;
• the general quota of the Ukrainian language (60%) remains mandatory.

Context: broader language policy

The new requirements are part of the state's overall language policy. In particular:

• in 2025, publishers met the standard for the first time at least 50% books published in Ukrainian.

This indicates a systematic strengthening of the state language's position in the information space.

Conclusion.

New language rules:

• increase the share of the Ukrainian language in the media;
• stimulate the development of local content;
• change the way TV channels and streaming work.

For viewers, this means more content in Ukrainian, and for businesses, it means new requirements that they will have to adapt to.