What Is Hulu? Plans, Pricing, & How to Sign Up

Connected TV

In an era where streaming dominates entertainment and advertising landscapes, Hulu stands out as a versatile platform that caters to diverse viewer preferences while offering targeted opportunities for brands. With over 55 million subscribers as of early 2025, Hulu blends on-demand content with live options, making it a go-to for binge-watchers and real-time event enthusiasts alike.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Hulu, for both consumers and advertisers.

What Is Hulu?

Hulu is a leading streaming service that provides access to a vast library of TV episodes, movies, and original content, available on multiple devices for flexible viewing. Owned by Disney, it combines traditional broadcast elements with modern digital precision, allowing users to stream current hits and classics while enabling advertisers to reach audiences through sophisticated targeting based on viewing habits and demographics.

Types of Content Available

Hulu’s extensive library spans various genres, ensuring something for every taste, from family-friendly options to edge-of-your-seat dramas that keep viewers engaged for hours.

• TV series: Viewers can stream full seasons and current episodes from top networks, giving them instant access to the shows they’re invested in.
• Movies: Hulu delivers everything from blockbuster premieres to indie standouts, making at-home streaming feel like a theater-quality experience.
• Hulu Originals: Exclusive productions push creative boundaries and consistently draw critical acclaim, proving that audiences are hungry for bold, fresh storytelling.
• Kids shows: A wide range of age-appropriate series, combined with parental controls, makes Hulu a trusted choice for families.
• Documentaries: Nonfiction content runs the gamut from investigative to cultural, offering thought-provoking perspectives for audiences looking for something more than scripted entertainment.
• Sports and news: With a Hulu + Live TV subscription, viewers get real-time coverage of major sporting events and breaking news.

How to Sign Up for Hulu

Getting started with Hulu is straightforward, requiring just a few steps to access its content ecosystem.

• Visit the Hulu website: Head to hulu.com on your browser to begin the registration process and explore available plans tailored to your needs. Alternatively, download the app from the Apple or Android app stores.
• Select your plan: Choose from standalone options like the basic ad-supported tier or the premium ad-free version.
• Create an account: Enter your email address, create a secure password, and provide basic personal information to set up your profile.
• Enter payment details: Add a valid payment method to activate your subscription.
• Confirm and start streaming: Verify your details via email confirmation, then log in to immediately begin watching on your preferred device.

Hulu Standalone Plans & Pricing

Hulu’s standalone plans focus on on-demand streaming without live TV, offering flexible pricing that balances affordability with enhanced features for a seamless experience.

Hulu

This entry-level plan provides access to Hulu’s full library with limited commercial interruptions, priced at $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious viewers. It supports streaming on up to two devices simultaneously and includes high-definition playback where available, ideal for casual watchers who don’t mind occasional ads.

Hulu Premium

For an uninterrupted viewing session, Hulu Premium eliminates most ads from the on-demand library at $18.99 per month, allowing users to dive deeper into content without breaks. This plan also enables offline downloads on mobile devices for select titles, perfect for travelers or those in low-connectivity areas seeking a premium, ad-free escape.

Keep in mind, there are actually a variety of other plans as well that include optional addons, such as Disney+, ESPN Unlimited, and HBO Max. You can get the full breakdown, here.

Does Hulu Have Ads?

Hulu incorporates ads primarily in its basic plan to keep subscription costs low, with commercials appearing during natural breaks in programming to minimize disruption. 

However, the premium plan removes these for most content, though certain shows may still include brief promotional spots before or after episodes due to licensing agreements. This structure not only supports affordable access for consumers but also creates valuable inventory for advertisers, who can leverage Hulu’s engaged audience for targeted Connected TV advertising campaigns.

How Does Hulu Advertising Work?

Hulu advertising operates through an over-the-top (OTT) model, enabling brands to deliver video ads during streaming sessions on ad-supported plans, where viewers encounter commercials similar to traditional TV but with digital precision. Advertisers use Hulu’s self-serve Ad Manager to launch campaigns, selecting formats like 15- or 30-second video spots that integrate seamlessly into content breaks.

Targeting options draw from user data, including demographics, location, and interests, ensuring OTT ads reach relevant audiences and drive measurable outcomes like ROAS.

What Devices Support Hulu?

Hulu compatibility extends across a broad range of devices, ensuring easy access whether you’re at home or on the go, with support for high-quality streaming on modern hardware.

• Mobile Devices: Android phones, tablets, iPhones, and iPads allow portable viewing with the Hulu app, supporting features like offline downloads on premium plans for content on the move.
• Streaming Devices: Apple TV (4th generation or later), Chromecast, Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Roku enable big-screen experiences, connecting seamlessly to your TV for enhanced audio and video quality.
• Smart TVs: Models from LG, Samsung, and VIZIO come with built-in Hulu apps, offering intuitive navigation and 4K streaming capabilities where supported by the device.
• Gaming Consoles: PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch transform your console into a streaming hub, ideal for gamers who want to switch between play and entertainment sessions.
• Computers: Mac and PC browsers via Hulu.com provide desktop access, with options for multi-tasking or casting to larger screens for a versatile setup.

Why You Need Performance TV

Want to reach audiences streaming beyond Hulu? While Hulu offers a popular ad-supported tier, MNTN’s platform gives you access to premium CTV inventory across other leading networks—ensuring your streaming ads run where viewers are actively engaged. With AI-powered targeting, automated optimization, and real-time attribution, your TV advertising campaigns deliver measurable results without relying on a single platform.

Here’s how MNTN Performance TV helps marketers capture streaming audiences outside Hulu:

• Premium CTV Inventory – Run ads across top ad-supported streaming networks with guaranteed, brand-safe placements.
• MNTN Matched – AI-powered targeting ensures your ads reach the right audiences most likely to convert.
• Verified Visits™ Attribution – Tracks site visits and conversions tied directly to ad exposure, giving you clear performance insights.
• Automated Optimization – AI continuously fine-tunes campaigns in real time, maximizing efficiency and eliminating wasted spend.
• Reporting Suite – Access real-time insights into performance, audience engagement, and ROI to refine your strategy.

Expand your reach beyond Hulu with performance-driven CTV—sign up today to get started with MNTN’s self-serve software.

Hulu: Final Thoughts

Hulu’s blend of affordability, diverse content, and device flexibility positions it as a strong contender in the streaming market for both everyday viewers and strategic advertisers. As consumer habits shift toward on-demand entertainment, platforms like Hulu adapt with data-backed features that enhance engagement without overwhelming users.