Obtaining a license for online cultural activities is required to run live streams; private companies rarely qualify for the permit needed to distribute audiovisual content
To host live streams or game commentary sessions, you must secure a provincial-level Online Cultural Activities License that explicitly lists “online performances” among its permitted activities. Approval is granted within 20 days, and the license stays valid for three years. All recorded streams must be retained for a minimum of 60 days. Operating without this license results in immediate suspension, warnings, and fines up to 30,000 RMB; repeat offenders face inclusion on a cultural industry blacklist. A separate permit is required to distribute audiovisual content online, and only state-owned or state-controlled organizations may qualify for it.
The so-called “Online Cultural Activities License” governs…
Securing the proper licensing framework ensures legal operation within China’s digital media sector while avoi…
The so-called “Online Cultural Activities License” governs whether one may earn money via live streams or game commentary. It is issued by provincial-level cultural authorities within 20 days of application and remains valid for three years, after which renewal must be requested at least 30 days prior to expiration. The separate Audiovisual Content Distribution License determines eligibility to publish programs online; it mandates that applicants be wholly state-owned or state-controlled entities — private firms essentially cannot obtain it.
Securing the proper licensing framework ensures legal operation within China’s digital media sector while avoiding punitive measures. Compliance safeguards both business continuity and reputation by adhering to stringent regulatory standards governing online cultural activities and audiovisual distribution.
文化部 (2016). 网络表演经营活动管理办法（文市发〔2016〕33 号，第二、四、六、十三、二十条）. https://zwgk.mct.gov.cn/zfxxgkml/scgl/202012/t20201206_918194.html ; 文化部 (2011). 互联网文化管理暂行规定（文化部令第 51 号，2017 年经文化部令第 57 号修订，第七、八、九、十六、二十一、二十八条）. https://zwgk.mct.gov.cn/zfxxgkml/zcfg/bmgz/202012/t20201204_905340.html ; 广电总局、信息产业部 (2007). 互联网视听节目服务管理规定（第 56 号令，2015 年修订，第二、七、八、二十四条）. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/2022-08/23/content_5722664.htm ; 国家网信办等七部门 (2021). 关于加强网络直播规范管理工作的指导意见（国信办发文〔2021〕3 号，第 9 项）. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2021-02/10/content_5586472.htm
Open source linkDetailed licensing requirements are comprehensively outlined in official directives issued by seven government departments. Platforms monetizing live streams must additionally secure ICP registration — a mandatory filing process administered by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Entities distributing audiovisual content must obtain the requisite Audiovisual Content Distribution License or complete applicable registration procedures. News publishers require a separate Internet News Information Service License. Note that the 2011 version of the Interim Provisions on Internet Cultural Management, republished by China’s Government Portal in 2025, remains unamended; current compliance references must be drawn from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s latest official texts.