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

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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

●     Hulu is available only to U.S. customers.

●     It offers free trials for new and eligible returning subscribers, but not for all plans or add-ons.

●     Hulu + Live TV subscribers can access live TV from various channels, including local networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC).

●     It provides access to sports content, such as NFL RedZone, and other live sports.

●     Hulu’s content library includes a wide variety of shows, movies, and Hulu Originals.

●     Its pricing structure can be complex, so it’s important to understand the different plans and add-ons available.

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.

  1. 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).

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Which technologies to choose?

  1. Integrate the Essentials

  1. 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:

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:

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:

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:

Component

Estimated Cost (USD)

UI/UX Design

$8,000 – $20,000

Backend & Frontend Development

$40,000 – $100,000

Video Streaming Integration

$15,000 – $30,000

DRM & Security

$10,000 – $20,000

Third-party Services (CDN, Payments)

$5,000 – $15,000 (ongoing)

Testing & QA

$5,000 – $10,000

Admin Dashboard

$5,000 – $12,000

Total

$90,000 – $200,000+ (All figures are illustrative)

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

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.