Hulu

Definition

Hulu is a streaming service that offers a wide range of television shows, movies, and original content for subscribers. As a pioneer in the streaming landscape, Hulu has significantly influenced business models in television, offering both ad-supported and subscription-based viewing options that reflect current trends and challenges within the industry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hulu was launched in 2008 and initially operated as an ad-supported service, allowing users to access popular TV shows shortly after they aired.
2. In 2017, Hulu expanded its offering by introducing a live TV option, allowing subscribers to watch live programming alongside its on-demand content.
3. Hulu's original series, such as 'The Handmaid's Tale,' have garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, elevating the platform's status in the competitive streaming market.
4. Hulu operates under both ad-supported and ad-free subscription models, giving users flexibility in choosing their viewing experience.
5. In addition to its own content, Hulu also offers a vast library of shows from various networks, making it a go-to platform for viewers seeking diverse programming.

Review Questions

• How has Hulu influenced the business models of television by providing different viewing options for consumers?
  • Hulu has shaped television business models by offering both ad-supported and subscription-based viewing options. This dual approach allows consumers to choose how they want to access content, either through ads or by paying for an uninterrupted experience. By blending these models, Hulu caters to a wider audience and showcases the flexibility that modern viewers expect from streaming services.
• What challenges does Hulu face in the current streaming landscape compared to other platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video?
  • Hulu faces several challenges in the competitive streaming landscape, including intense competition from established platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. These competitors often have larger budgets for original content and wider international reach. Additionally, Hulu must navigate the complexities of licensing agreements and viewer expectations for both on-demand and live content, striving to maintain its unique position while attracting new subscribers.
• Evaluate how Hulu's model of offering original content impacts its market position and subscriber retention strategies in international TV markets.
  • Hulu's investment in original content plays a crucial role in enhancing its market position and subscriber retention strategies, particularly in international TV markets. By producing exclusive shows that resonate with diverse audiences, Hulu not only differentiates itself from competitors but also fosters brand loyalty among viewers. This strategy allows Hulu to expand into new regions while building a library that appeals to local tastes, making it more competitive globally as it seeks to capture an increasingly fragmented audience.

Related terms

SVOD: Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) refers to a service where users pay a recurring fee for access to a library of content, often without ads, which is a model that Hulu employs.

Original Content: Content produced specifically for a platform, which Hulu has developed to attract viewers and compete with other major streaming services.

Binge-Watching: The practice of watching multiple episodes of a TV series in one sitting, a behavior that Hulu promotes by releasing entire seasons of its original shows at once.