Hulu is one of the most popular streaming platform in the world, hosting movies, series, TV shows and original content. It was Hulu is a leading streaming service that offers an extensive collection of movies, series, television shows, and original content. Established in 2007 and based in Los Angeles, California, Hulu provides subscribers with access to over 85 top channels, featuring live sports, news, and events. Furthermore, it includes the entire Hulu streaming library, DVR storage for up to nine months and the ability to fast-forward through recorded content. With the additional options of Disney+ and live sports through ESPN+, Hulu provides a vast array of entertainment choices for its viewers.

Hulu- Through the years

The idea for Hulu originated in 2006, when Jason Kilar and NBC Universal executive Beth Comstock collaborated with a group of companies including Yahoo, MSN, Myspace, Comcast, Facebook, and AOL. In contrast to other streaming service providers such as Netflix, Hulu does not have a singular, revolutionary origin story. Instead, it was a concept that was developed by a group of Hollywood executives who recognized the potential for streaming television content, which has since been validated by its success. In 2008, Hulu was officially launched to the public, though its website had been active since 2007, when NBC Universal acquired the domain and conducted tests on the site. During this period, there was no content available.

Initially, Hulu offered both paid as well as free subscription schemes. Under the free plan, we could access only unlimited content on a computer. On the other hand, paid subscribers had access to a vast collection of content on computers, mobile devices, and televisions that supported the internet.

By 2009, Hulu had come up with more than a hundred million USD in funding. In addition, it helped to increase its value and proved that the idea was a successful one.

In 2010 Hulu Plus was launched. The offering included a content library having full season episodes and a day after access to recent content streamed on television.

Hulu has experienced steady growth in its subscriber base over the years. In 2011, the platform made more episodes of various shows accessible through its free plan and began developing its own content. In 2017, it transformed into a live television streaming platform. As a result of these developments, Hulu’s subscriber base grew from around 23 million in 2018 to almost 31 million by the end of 2019. As of 2023, Hulu has continued to expand and now boasts 47.2 million subscribers.

The Hulu Business Model

In 2017, when Netflix was paving the way for on-demand streaming and was literally forcing uses to move away from the cable system, Hulu proved to be the savior of television content.

This American video streaming platform focused majorly on live streaming television shows instead of movies or other video creations. Hulu developed good relations with all the major cable television channels of the United States like CNBC, ABC, Fox, and NBC. As a result, it became one of the largest online libraries of television shows.

It also established partnerships with local and national television channels like Disney and National Geographic for providing live television content. In addition, the approach was online, and so there was no need to install cable television.

To watch content using Hulu, viewers need to register through the app. The registration process is simple and can be completed in just a couple of steps or so. Once the registration is complete, a free trial is offered, and various other schemes that users can buy to enjoy the latest movies and television shows.

The marketing strategy of Hulu is to target mass-market customers who are looking for on-demand quality movies and television programs from a variety of sources. Although this service is not available internationally, Hulu has managed to build a huge base of almost 30 million viewers in the United States alone.

Apart from subscribers, Hulu has a huge list of advertisers who can access captive viewers for marketing in the form of unskippable advertisements. However, the main value proposition is in its content which is hard to find elsewhere.

In the United States, Hulu TV is the prime service that provides access to ongoing television programs, including current-season episodes on the same day or the next day of the live stream on television.

Hulu generates revenue through the following three sources:

• Subscription.
• Advertisement revenue.
• Add-ons.

Although these methods contribute a lot to the total revenue of Hulu, more than half of the revenue is earned through user subscriptions. It is expected that the same trend will continue in the days to come.

There is an old saying – old is gold. And Hulu has proved it right. When Netflix had almost succeeded in labeling cable television as an old-school approach, Hulu came up with a different approach and gave people what they once adored.

The business model was to take advantage of the old love of the users. So the lesson is not to take destruction for granted. It is always possible to rediscover the old habits of users.

Hulu Subscription Plans in 2023

Hulu offers two subscription plans for its customers: Hulu (With Ads) and Hulu (No Ads). Both plans offer a 30-day free trial and provide access to Hulu’s streaming library, which includes a wide variety of television episodes and movies. Most new episodes are available the day after they air. Both plans also grant access to award-winning Hulu Originals and the ability to watch on a variety of devices, including TVs, laptops, phones, and tablets. Additionally, both plans allow for up to 6 user profiles and the ability to watch on 2 different screens at the same time.

The main difference between the two plans is that the Hulu (With Ads) plan includes commercials during the streaming library, while the Hulu (No Ads) plan does not have any advertisements in the streaming library. The Hulu (No Ads) plan also includes the ability to download and watch content offline.

The Hulu (With Ads) plan is priced at $7.99/month and the Hulu (No Ads) plan is priced at $14.99/month. Customers can also bundle and save by adding on other services like Disney+ and ESPN+.

Additionally, Hulu also offers a bunder plant with Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN together for price starting at 12.99 per month

How to Create a Streaming Platform Like Hulu?

With millions of users worldwide, video streaming platforms like Hulu have become increasingly popular. iScripts VisualCaster is a powerful on-demand video streaming solution that can help entrepreneurs launch their own video streaming platforms similar to Hulu. This software provides a comprehensive set of tools to manage, upload, distribute, and stream any video content.

Many entrepreneurs may be hesitant to start their own streaming services due to concerns about competition or a lack of technical or financial resources. However, iScripts VisualCaster provides a solution that can help turn this dream into a reality. The software offers all of the features and functionality of a world-class streaming solution, but at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, it does not require extensive technical expertise to operate, as the software provides a comprehensive dashboard that allows for customization of everything from content to users, and even the look and feel of the platform.

If you have an idea for a streaming app similar to Hulu, iScripts VisualCaster is the perfect choice. It is an open-source software, you can create an on-demand online streaming app that meets your specific needs and requirements. If you’re interested in learning more, you can contact iScripts and our team will assist you in creating a functional, user-friendly platform that meets your vision.

The post How to Create a Platform Like Hulu in 2023? first appeared on iScripts Blog.