Dr. Ravi Singh

WHO IS Hulu?

Hulu is an on-demand video service fully controlled and majority-owned by Walt Disney Direct-to-Consumer & International, a business segment of The Walt Disney Company, with NBCUniversal, owned by Comcast, as an equity stakeholder.

WHAT THEY DO?

Hulu on-demand video service allows users to stream popular TV shows in the U.S. and Japan, with international expansion planned. The site focuses primarily on streaming newer TV shows from many popular network broadcasters, plus original content, independent films, and documentaries.

HOW THEY WORK?

Hulu gives users access to the most extensive streaming collection, allowing them to watch thousands of shows and movies. Users can also add Live TV for sports, news, among other events.

BEST PRACTICE:

To encourage viewer engagement, Hulu suggests that users post thumbnail images for each option that are distinct from one another.

HISTORY:

In March 2006, Hulku was launched.

In 2007, Jason Kilar was named CEO. Late the same year Hulku was changed to Hulu.

In October 2007, Hulu began the private beta testing by invitation.

On March 12, 2008, Hulu launched for public access in the United States.

On October 29, 2007, Hulu products, HULU Syndication network, and the Hulu.com destinations site were launched.

In July 2007, Providence Equity Partners purchased a 10 percent stake in Hulu for US$100 million equity investment.

In April 2009, The Walt Disney Company joined the Hulu consortium as a stakeholder.

On August 16, 2010, Hulu was planning an initial public offering (IPO). The company would then reach a value of more than $2 billion.

In 2011, Hulu generated $420 million in revenue, $80 million short of the company's target.

In October 2012, Providence sold its 10 percent stake to Hulu's media owners.

TIPS:

You can install and use Hulu on Android and iOS devices, Roku, Apple TV, Mac and PC browsers, Fire tablets, Google’s Chromecast devices, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Other devices that you can access Hulu through include LG smart TV, Samsung smart TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, and the Nintendo Switch.