How to Create an App like Hulu? – Cost & Features

Imagine coming home after a long, soul-draining Monday. You kick off your shoes, toss your bag, slump into your couch, and just want to escape. For me, it’s The Handmaid’s Tale, reruns of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, or Stranger Things. And where do I find them? Hulu.

It is more than just a video streaming app. It is your after-hours therapist, your weekend buddy, your midnight snack companion. Technically speaking? It is a subscription-based video-on-demand platform offering thousands of TV shows, movies, Hulu Originals, and even live TV. It works on a flexible pricing model, ad-supported or ad-free, and has gained a loyal user base across the U.S.

So when people ask, “Can I create an app like Hulu?”, the answer is: Heck yes. But buckle up—it's a blend of creativity, tech, and a touch of madness.

Where is the Video Streaming Industry Headed Anyway?

Ever noticed how "Netflix and chill" became a lifestyle? Streaming is the new normal. We do not wait for shows anymore. We demand them.

By 2030, the global video streaming market is expected to cross $330 billion. That is not just a trend but also a revolution. With smart TVs, 5G, and AI making content discovery faster and more personalized, the streaming space is now more crowded than a subway at 9 AM. Still, it is ripe with opportunity.

While Hulu is not the absolute top dog like Netflix, it boasts a large subscriber base, especially within the U.S., and continues to grow. Hulu is particularly known for its strong library of broadcast network TV shows, both past and present, as well as its live TV option.

If you are thinking of jumping in, now is the golden hour. Especially if you are eyeing video streaming app development like Hulu’s, a blend of content variety, personalization, and live TV access.

Spoiler Alert

So You Want to Build an App Like Hulu? Let’s Break It Down

Creating a video app isn’t like flipping a pancake. It’s more like baking a multi-layered cake from scratch.

1. Pick a Niche & Strategy

Are you planning to stream movies? Sports? Reality TV? Educational content? Defining this helps structure your app is content licensing and features.

2. Licensing vs. Originals

Hulu thrives on a mix of licensed shows and originals. You will need content agreements with studios, networks, or even better, start building your IP (intellectual property).

3. Choose Your Monetization Plan

Do you want a freemium model like Peacock? On the other hand, bundled like Hulu+Disney+ESPN? Your pricing strategy needs to balance value with viability.

4. Hire the Right Team or Partner with a Mobile Application Development Company

You will need UI/UX designers, frontend and backend developers, video engineers, QA testers, cloud architects, the whole nine yards. Better yet, hire mobile application development services to manage the chaos for you.

5. Which technologies to choose?

• Frontend: React Native, Flutter
  
  
• Backend: Node.js, Python
  
  
• Database: MongoDB, PostgreSQL
  
  
• Cloud/Hosting: AWS, Google Cloud
  
  
• Streaming Protocol: HLS (HTTP Live Streaming)
  
  

6. Integrate the Essentials

• Payment Gateway
  
  
• User Profiles
  
  
• Content Delivery Network (CDN)
  
  
• DRM (Digital Rights Management)
  
  
• Recommendation Engine
  
  
• Search & Filters
  
  

7. Test, Beta, Repeat

You do not want your users watching a blank screen. Rigorous QA is a must before you launch.

What Makes Hulu? Key Features You Need

Let us talk bells and whistles. Here is what you need to include if you want to walk in Hulu’s shoes:

• User Profiles (up to 7, like Hulu): Grandma wants Downton Abbey, you want Rick and Morty. Keep the peace.
• Personalized Recommendations: Think Netflix’s “Because you watched…” but smarter.
• Watchlist and Continue Watching: Seems simple. It's not. But it’s essential.
• Multiple Streaming Quality Levels: Auto-adapt based on the user's bandwidth.
• Ad Integration or Ad-Free Option: For those who’d rather pay than be interrupted.
• Live TV Streaming: Sports, news, and real-time shows.
• DVR Functionality: Unlimited DVR like Hulu? Yes, please.
• Offline Viewing: “Download & Go” is a godsend during flights.
• Multi-device Sync: From your iPhone to your smart fridge (okay, maybe not that last one).
• In-app Purchases and Add-ons: Add premium channels like HBO, Starz, etc.
• Download & Go: Hulu (No Ads) allows users to download select titles for offline viewing.
• Unlimited DVR: Hulu + Live TV includes unlimited DVR storage for recording live TV content.
• Simultaneous Streams: Hulu allows two simultaneous streams on its on-demand plans.
• User Profiles: Hulu allows up to seven user profiles for personalized recommendations and watch history.
• Add-ons: Hulu offers add-ons like premium channels (Max, Showtime, Starz), Sports add-on, Entertainment add-on, and Español add-on.

How Does Hulu Work Under the Hood?

Let us pull back the curtain.

1. User Onboarding: New users sign up and pick a subscription plan.
   
   
2. Device Access: App works across smartphones, tablets, Smart TVs, web, and even consoles.
   
   
3. Content Discovery: Powerful AI recommends content based on your taste.
   
   
4. Streaming: Users click and stream, either live or on-demand.
   
   
5. Billing: Recurring payments with tier-based pricing.
   
   
6. Updates & Maintenance: Frequent app updates keep performance and security tight.
   
   

In essence, it is a well-oiled machine humming on cloud infrastructure with data analytics fueling smarter engagement.

Cha-Ching! How Do You Make Money from an App Like Hulu?

Creating a Hulu-style app is not just a love letter to entertainment—it is also a potential cash cow.

Here is how to monetize:

• Subscription Plans (SVOD): Just like Hulu’s $9.99 (with ads) or $17.99 (without).
  
  
• Ad Revenue (AVOD): Targeted ads based on user behavior.
  
  
• Freemium Model: Basic access for free, pay to unlock premium.
  
  
• Bundled Packages: Bundle with music, sports, or kids’ content.
  
  
• In-app Purchases: Pay-per-view events or limited series access.
  
  
• Affiliate Sales: Promote shows, merch, or live event tickets.
  
  

What is the Cost to Build an App like Hulu?

Hulu offers several subscription plans with varying costs and features. The basic Hulu plan with ads is $9.99 per month, while the ad-free option is $17.99 per month. Hulu also offers bundled plans with Disney+ and ESPN+, with prices varying based on whether ads are included and which services are bundled. Live TV plans are also available, starting at $76.99 per month with ads and $89.99 per month without ads.

Hulu Plans and Pricing:

• Hulu (With Ads):
  $9.99/month or $99.99/year. Access to Hulu's ad-supported streaming library.
• Hulu (No Ads):
  $17.99/month. Most shows and movies are ad-free, but some shows may still have ads before or after.
• Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads):
  $76.99/month. Live TV streaming and access to on-demand content from Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ with ads.
• Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads):
  $89.99/month. Live TV streaming and ad-free on-demand content from Hulu, Disney+ (No Ads), and ESPN+.
• Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads):
  $81.99/month.
• Live TV Only:
  $75.99/month. Live TV streaming without the Hulu streaming library or Disney+/ESPN+.

Okay, maybe not exactly a million, but building a video streaming app like Hulu isn’t cheap. And for good reason.

Let’s break it down:

If you add live TV integration, cloud DVR, multilingual support, or AI recommendations, the cost increases. Want to launch for Android, iOS, web, and smart TVs? Multiply that too.

Some mobile app development companies may offer MVPs for around $50,000, but a fully featured app could easily hit the $200K+ mark.

FAQs

Q1: How long does it take to build a Hulu-like app?

A: Around 6–12 months, depending on complexity, features, and platforms.

Q2: Do I need original content to launch?

A: No, but it helps. You can start with licensed content and scale later.

Q3: Can I build this app solo?

A: Technically possible, but realistically? You will need a team or a top-rated mobile application development company.

Q4: Is live TV necessary?

A: It depends on your niche. If you are not targeting news/sports, you might skip it initially.

Q5: What if I only have $50,000?

A: Start small; create an MVP with basic features and on-demand content only. Scale gradually.

Alternatives to Hulu

• Peacock: Offers a mix of free and premium content, including NBCUniversal shows and movies. 
• Sling TV: Focuses on live TV streaming with customizable channel packages.
• YouTube TV: Provides a wide selection of live channels, cloud DVR, and on-demand content.
• Netflix: A popular streaming service with a vast library of original and licensed content.
• Disney+: Focuses on family-friendly content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.
• Amazon Prime Video: Offers a mix of original and licensed content, included with an Amazon Prime membership.
• Paramount+: Features content from CBS, Paramount Pictures, and other ViacomCBS networks.
• fuboTV: A sports-focused streaming service with live TV and on-demand content.

Wrap-Up: Should You Build the Next app  like Hulu?

Creating something like Hulu isn’t child’s play. But neither was building Netflix. Or Disney+. Or Prime Video.

If your idea is unique, your execution solid, and your mobile application development services reliable, you have got a real shot at building something meaningful (and profitable). The market is competitive, yes, but it is also hungry for niche platforms, regional content, and fresh storytelling.

So if you have ever caught yourself thinking, “What if I could build a better version of Hulu?” that might just be your sign.