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Nowadays, various video streaming applications like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu have millions of users. And the fascinating part is they solely did this without any additional marketing of their platform.

One such application is Hulu that has become famous because they know and cater their potential audience preference. Currently Hulu has over 52 million paid subscribers. Isn’t this amazing? Well, if you’re interested in becoming a successful streaming entrepreneur, then now is the time to build an app like Hulu.

This guide will work as a roadmap for Hulu app development. From features, costs, working to steps and monetization models, you will get everything that will help you develop an amazing video streaming solution.

So, let’s begin!

What is Hulu App?

Hulu is a video streaming mobile application that allows users to watch their favorite TV shows or movies anytime anywhere without any hassle.

It majorly focuses on TV shows and on-demand content and provides a subscription on a monthly basis. But it is vital to know that Hulu only operates in USA.

It can be a great opportunity for startup owners to build an app like Hulu for their local audience. All you need to do is consult with a mobile app development company who can validate your idea and do some market research.

Future Predictions and Projections of Video Streaming Industry

The Video Streaming market worldwide is anticipated to generate revenue of US$108.50 billion in 2024.
This suggests strong growth opportunities for the market.
Additionally, the revenue is forecasted to rise at a CAGR of 8.27% from 2024 to 2027.
One of the popular apps like Tubi has over 80 million active users.

Source: Statista

This leads to a market volume of US$137.70 billion by 2027.
The number of users in the Video Streaming market is projected to reach around 1.6 billion.

How Does Hulu App Work?

You must have a question “how users can use the Hulu application?”. Well, it is good to know the working mechanism so that you know the user’s perspective. Here is the working process described by an on demand app development company.

i. User Registration

Firstly users log in in the Hulu application just by inserting details like phone number, and email IDs. They may also register with their social media accounts.

ii. Content Browsing

Once users log in, they can explore a huge library that is organized into categories. For example, genres, trending shows and personalized suggestions.

iii. Streaming

Now when users click on the title, they can stream content immediately on their preferred devices. For example, smart TVs, phones, or laptops and they can customize the quality and subtitles.

iv. Customization

Lastly, users can easily create profiles and manage watchlists. They can even set preferences for a custom viewing experience.

Step-by-Step Process To Build an App Like Hulu

If you want to develop a video streaming application for your business, then you need to have a thorough expertise in app development. Just in case, you are a newbie, you can take help from a Hulu app development company. Here is the process of video streaming app development that we follow.

1. Find a Niche and Create USP

Before you develop a video streaming application like Hulu, you should first determine the niche and USP. It may not be a good idea to copy another app like amazon prime or Netflix. Giant applications have a bigger user base on a global level.

If you compete with them, it can be difficult for you to succeed. Your main goal should be how to develop a video streaming app with unique features instead of how to create an app like hulu. This way your Hulu tv app becomes successful.

2. Create a Business Plan

Starting a streaming service requires a solid business plan to direct your efforts. This step is vital for all new businesses. To launch a successful streaming service like Hulu, you must understand potential ways to make money. Therefore, it’s important to focus on this aspect of your business as soon as you plan to expand beyond local markets.

3. Find the Right Development Partner

To create a successful video streaming service like Netflix or Hulu, a key step is to find a company that can assist with the development process. You can hire a skilled live streaming app development services provider to create a website and app that are easy to use. A great design and simple navigation improve the experience for your users.

4. Create a Feature List

Video streaming solutions can include different user roles such as video consumer, video creator, and content admin. Depending on the app you want to create, you may require to build an app like Hulu separate apps for each role.

The features you choose to add will affect how complex the mobile app development is and the overall cost. Therefore, it may be wise to focus on the essential and basic features for the initial version of your app.

5. Create a User Interface

Now once you choose the features you want in your application, it is time to design a visually appealing interface. To start a streaming service that people will enjoy, focus on making it easy to use. It is not the best idea to mimic the look of Hulu or other platforms. So, it is your duty to focus on a unique design. This will help your hulu live tv app stand out from the competition.

6. Build an MVP

As you know the cost to create an app like Hulu grows with features. So, it is important to begin easy from the start of video streaming app development. You can invest in MVP app development versions of your video streaming application with minimal functions.

Minimum viable products are known for attracting new users. At first, your streaming service just needs to offer easy access to all content and ensure smooth streaming.

7. Test and Launch

Lastly, you can test your video streaming application for identifying errors and bugs. The testers will perform different testing methods like user testing, beta testing and so on.

Once your Hulu desktop app passes all the tests, you can now launch it on the app stores. Also, you must regularly update and maintain your application. It will help in smooth performance of your Hulu android tv app or iPhone.

Must-have Features of Hulu Clone App Development

Features of entertainment app development solutions are the things that make it more successful. So, when you build an app like Hulu, do not forget to add the below features in it.

1. User Registration

One of the most important features is user registration. Without registration a user can not use the app. You must keep the sign up process simple and easy to use. If you think eliminating the user details will make this process easy, that is wrong. It is good to get user information with lesser user effort. This can be done through social integration.

2. High Quality Video Streaming

Who doesn’t like to watch high-quality movies or shows. Am I correct? So, when you build a live streaming app like Hulu, you should add the high quality streaming feature in your app. It will help users to stream their favourite shows on the high resolution quality or 4K mode.

3. Push Notification

Push notification is the must-have feature for every video streaming application development solution. When you build an app like Hulu, you must definitely integrate the push notification feature in it. It will help users to get timely updates and alerts of new shows or movies so that they do not miss them.

4. Playback Controls

Playback control feature in video streaming applications like Hulu is essential for better playback experience. When you create a mobile app, you must provide various other functions like pause, speed control etc. You can also add some custom features in your app for hulu like playback speed control or closed captioning. It will help you boost the app’s accessibility and user retention.

5. Browsing Option

This feature helps users to identify the particular shows using the keyword or putting some filters. However, you can also suggest some video content or shows as per users viewing history or preferences. You can also recommend TV shows or movies on the basis of user behaviour. This can be done by different algos like content-based filters or collaborative filters.

6. Multi-device Support

Your video streaming other apps like Hulu live tv must work smoothly on different devices. It will assist you in catching your global audience. Also your app like Apple TV or other should be responsive that will adapt to any size.

It is vital to wisely optimize the Hulu live app for a particular platform. Syncing playback options helps your audience to watch their shows from where they stop on different platform

7. Content Download and Offline Viewing

Your application should allow users to download the shows and movies without any interruptions. Also, it will attract many users if you provide an offline viewing feature because not everybody can afford huge data recharge on a daily basis.

8. Subscription Management

This feature helps admin to operate huge revenue for a live streaming application similar to Hulu. It must provide different subscription plans with different pricing options. Your Hulu android app clone must have a secure payment gateway option and effective billing features for a seamless subscriber experience.

9. Watchlist

Watchlist is something that is mandatory in almost every mobile application. It allows users to save their preferred shows and movies so that they can watch it later. This helps them to never be content.

10. Analytics and Reporting

Analytics and reporting is an important feature for knowing user behaviour and making vital decisions. Your Hulu mobile app clone must facilitate valuable data just by monitoring user actions and their preference. Also, the KPI can help you monitor. However, the revenue reports assist the app’s performance and help you identify the app’s improvement.

Best Video Streaming Apps Like Hulu

If you are planning to develop an app like Hulu, you should be well-aware of the top video streaming apps. You must perform SWOT analysis of competitor applications that will help you develop a world-class streaming mobile app.

Hulu Alternatives	Available Platform	Monthly Users	Downloads	Ratings
Netflix	Android \| iOS	70 million	1B+	3.9
Amazon Prime Video	Android \| iOS	163.6 million	500M+	3.8
Tubi	Android \| iOS	80 million	100M+	3.8
Disney+ Hotstar	Android \| iOS	35.9 million	500M+	4.0
Apple TV+	Android \| iOS	9 million	10M+	2.7

How Much Does It Cost To Develop Apps Similar to Hulu?

Once you know how to develop an app like Hulu, it will be simpler for you to measure the Hulu clone app development cost. When you make a video streaming mobile application, it takes a huge time and budget.

Just remember—- the more custom features you want your app to have, then more will be the cost to develop an app like Hulu. However, if you want different mobile applications for users and admins, the cost to build a video streaming app will be higher.

Usually, the cost to build an app like Hulu can range between $10000 – $25000 depending on your project requirements. Let’s now be more clear with the below table of Hulu video streaming app development cost.

Application Complexity	Costs
Simple Hulu-like App	$10000 – $14000
Medium Hulu-like App	$15000 – $21000
Complex Hulu-like App	$25000+

Besides, the below formula will help you calculate the Hulu app development cost.

Total Hulu App Development Cost = Developer’s Hourly Rate * Development Time

Now you have an idea of the cost to develop a Hulu clone app, it is time to consult with an OTT app development company.

Ways To Monetize Your Video Streaming Application

Now you understand the budget required to develop a video streaming app like Hulu. We will now discuss the revenue streams that Hulu application leverages to earn money.

1. Advertising Model

In-app advertisement is the most common monetization method. Hulu and an app Like Disney+ Hotstar leverages the in-app ads model to generate profit. You can also use the advertisement model for a huge revenue stream. You can run ads before, during and after when users watch the shows. Ads can be personalized based on what the user watched last.

2. Subscription Fees

Hulu provides a subscription plan that starts from $5.99 for a month. But it is not an ad-free plan. For that, users have to buy a plan for $11.99 per month. Similarly, you can also provide a basic plan that charges only a small amount for an ad-free plan. With this model, users can easily get access to large on-demand content libraries and live TV channels.

3. Licensing Fees

Another most popular monetization model is licensing fees. You can charge a license fee from a third-party who possesses the streaming rights. The third-party app Like Netflix or others will pay you some amount of fees for streaming particular shows on their platform. It will attract many new users to their platform that can indirectly help you in earning huge revenue.

Final Thoughts

Now you know the whole process to build an app like Hulu. It is vital to perform a thorough market research on video streaming services to get well-versed with your competitors. The market you are trying to come in is very competitive as there are many applications present in the market.

So, if you want to stand out, then you should develop a PPV live streaming platform by taking help from mobile app development services providers like Dev Technosys. So, share your project requirements with us and get the world-class Hulu app development solution.

FAQs

Q1. How To Make A Video Streaming App like Hulu?

To build an ott platform like Hulu for your business, you should follow the below steps:

Conduct market research
Know your competitor apps
Create a feature list
Make a user interface
Develop the app’s backend
Test and deploy the app

Q2. How Long Does It Take To Develop an App Like Hulu?

The estimated timeframe for Hulu app development solution can be anywhere between 2-7 months. However, the developer’s location, app intricacy, features etc vary the development of an ott app like hulu timing.

Q3. What is the Cost To Make an App Like Hulu?

The minimum investment needed to build a video streaming application like Hulu lies between $10000 – $25000. So, it is suggested to connect with a mobile app development company about the accurate cost.