What Hulu is and how to watch it

Hulu is a streaming service owned by Disney that lets you watch TV shows, movies, and original programs on demand — meaning you choose what to watch and when, rather than following a broadcast schedule. You watch through an app on your phone, tablet, computer, or connected TV device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick.

To use Hulu, you create an account, choose a subscription plan that fits your budget, and then log in whenever you want to watch. The service has a library of thousands of titles, including current and older TV seasons, films, and shows Hulu produces itself. You can pause, rewind, and rewatch anything in your plan at no extra cost.

Hulu is available in the United States. If you live elsewhere, the service may not work, or you may need to use a different streaming option in your country.

Key Takeaways

  • Hulu offers three main subscription tiers: a basic plan with ads, a plan without ads, and a plan that bundles Hulu with Disney+ and ESPN+.
  • Monthly costs vary by plan and change periodically, so you should check Hulu's website directly for current pricing before signing up.
  • You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, and TV devices, and you can use your account on multiple devices at the same time depending on your plan.
  • Hulu includes both licensed content (shows and movies from other studios) and original series and films made by Hulu itself.

Hulu's subscription plans and what they include

Hulu offers three main ways to subscribe. The ad-supported plan is the lowest-cost option and includes most of Hulu's library, but you will see advertisements during shows and movies. The ad-free plan costs more per month but removes those ads. Both of these are standalone subscriptions to Hulu alone.

The third option is a bundle that combines Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ into one subscription. This bundle comes in two versions: one with ads on Hulu and one without ads on Hulu. The bundle typically costs less per month than paying for all three services separately, but the exact savings depend on current pricing.

Pricing for all three plans changes periodically. You should visit Hulu's official website or contact their support team to see the current monthly cost before you sign up. Some plans may also offer a free trial period, though the length and availability of trials can change.

How many devices you can use at once

The number of people who can watch Hulu at the same time depends on which plan you choose. On the basic ad-supported and ad-free plans, you can typically stream on two devices at the same time. If a third person tries to watch on a third device, the service will stop the stream on one of the other devices.

The bundle plan that includes Disney+ and ESPN+ may allow more simultaneous streams, but the exact number varies. Check your plan details in your account settings or on Hulu's website to confirm how many devices your specific subscription supports.

This limit applies to devices, not people — so if two people in your household want to watch different shows at the same time, they each need their own device, and you need a plan that allows at least two simultaneous streams.

What content is available on Hulu

Hulu's library includes TV shows from major networks and studios — both current seasons and older episodes you can watch anytime. You will find dramas, comedies, reality shows, documentaries, and news programs. The exact titles available change as Hulu adds new content and removes shows whose licensing agreements expire.

Hulu also produces its own original series and films. These are shows and movies made by Hulu or commissioned by Hulu that you cannot watch anywhere else. Some of these originals have won major awards, and new ones are added regularly.

The library also includes movies from various studios, though the selection of films is typically smaller than the TV show selection. The specific movies and shows in the library at any given time depend on licensing deals, so what is available today may not be available next month.

How to sign up for Hulu

To start using Hulu, go to Hulu's website and click the button to create a new account. You will need to provide an email address and create a password. Hulu will ask you to choose which subscription plan you want and enter a payment method — usually a credit card or debit card.

Once your account is set up and payment is processed, you can read the Hulu app on any device you own or log in through a web browser. You use the same email and password to sign in on all your devices. After you log in, you can start browsing and watching when ready.

If Hulu offers a free trial with your plan, the trial period will begin when you sign up. After the trial ends, your payment method will be charged the monthly subscription cost automatically each month unless you cancel before the trial period ends.

Canceling your Hulu subscription

You can cancel your Hulu subscription at any time through your account settings on Hulu's website or app. Go to your account, find the subscription or billing section, and look for the option to cancel. Hulu will ask you to confirm the cancellation.

When you cancel, your access ends at the end of your current billing period — you do not lose access when ready. If you cancel in the middle of a month, you can still watch until the end of that month. After that date, you will need to sign up again and pay to watch.

If you signed up through a third-party service like Apple, Google, or Amazon, you may need to cancel through that service instead of through Hulu directly. Check your account settings to see where your subscription is managed.

Troubleshooting common Hulu problems

If you cannot log in, first check that you are using the correct email address and password. If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it. Make sure you are using a supported device and that your internet connection is working.

If a show or movie will not play, try closing the app and opening it again, or log out and log back in. If you are using an older device, the app may need to be updated — check your device's app store for Hulu updates. If the problem continues, contact Hulu's support team through their website.

If you are having trouble with simultaneous streams — for example, you are getting an error that says too many people are watching — make sure no one else is using your account on another device. If you are the only one using your account, log out on all devices and log back in on the device you want to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Hulu outside the United States?

Hulu is designed for use in the United States only. If you are traveling or living outside the U.S., the service may not work. Some people use a VPN (virtual private network) to try to access Hulu from abroad, but Hulu's terms of service do not permit this, and the service may block your account if it detects VPN use.

Does Hulu have a free plan?

Hulu does not currently offer a completely free plan with full access to its library. However, the service sometimes offers free trial periods to new subscribers, though the length and availability of these trials change. Check Hulu's website to see if a trial is available when you sign up.

Can I share my Hulu password with family members who live in a different house?

Hulu's terms of service state that your account is for your personal use and the people in your household. Sharing your password with people outside your home violates the terms. Hulu may detect this activity and suspend or cancel your account. If family members in other homes want to watch, they should have their own subscriptions.

What happens if I do not cancel before my free trial ends?

If you do not cancel before the trial period ends, Hulu will automatically charge your payment method the full monthly subscription cost. The charge will continue every month unless you cancel. If you do not want to be charged, cancel through your account settings before the trial ends.

Can I change my subscription plan after I sign up?

Yes, you can change your plan at any time through your account settings. If you upgrade to a more expensive plan, you may be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of your billing period. If you downgrade to a cheaper plan, the change usually takes effect at the start of your next billing cycle.