A surprising fact: 83% of U.S. adults use streaming services, while cable or satellite TV subscribers have dropped to 36%. The market has never offered a better chance to develop a streaming app like Hulu.
Market numbers paint an exciting picture. The global video streaming market will generate $108.50 billion in revenue in 2024. Experts project this figure to reach $416 billion by 2030. The user base will expand to 1.6 billion people worldwide, creating a huge market for new platforms.
Hulu proves to be an excellent blueprint for success. The platform boasts over 53 million subscribers and will reach $12 billion in revenue in 2024. Their smart business model shows impressive results. Their SVOD service earns $12.29 per subscriber monthly, while their Live TV service brings in $93.61 per subscriber each month.
You might wonder how to create an app like Hulu that wins market share. This piece guides you through the essential steps to build your streaming platform from scratch. We cover everything from Hulu's successful business model to choosing the right technology and planning your revenue strategy. Your path to building the next big streaming platform starts here.
Understanding Hulu's Streaming Model
Hulu's streaming approach differs from its competitors in many ways. Anyone planning to develop a streaming app like Hulu must understand its simple business model to succeed.
What makes Hulu different from Netflix or Disney+
The basic contours of Hulu's operation set it apart from major competitors. Unlike Netflix's all-subscription model or Disney+'s content vault strategy, Hulu uses a multi-tiered approach. Users can choose different entry points based on their priorities and budget.
Hulu stands out by delivering current-season TV episodes right after broadcast. While most streaming giants focus on complete seasons or exclusive content, Hulu's strong network relationships let viewers watch popular shows within days, sometimes hours, after their original airing.
There's another reason why Hulu stands out - its advertising strategy. Paid subscribers on the simple tier see ads, which creates revenue beyond subscription fees. This two-pronged income approach helps Hulu balance content costs while keeping base subscription prices competitive.
Network partnerships make a big difference too. Instead of focusing only on original programming (though they definitely invest there), Hulu builds extensive licensing deals with ABC, NBC, and Fox. Users can access content from multiple sources on a single platform.
Hybrid model: VoD + Live TV
Hulu's business model shines through its hybrid approach that combines Video on Demand (VoD) with live television streaming. This combination serves different viewing priorities under one brand.
A standard Hulu subscription includes:
- On-demand access to thousands of shows and movies
- Original content exclusive to the platform
- Next-day availability of many current TV episodes
Hulu + Live TV subscribers get:
- 85+ live channels including sports, news, and entertainment
- Cloud DVR functionality to record live programming
- Uninterrupted access to both live and on-demand content
This combination creates a complete viewing experience. Users keep their traditional cable-style live programming while enjoying on-demand streaming flexibility. Developers creating streaming apps find this hybrid model offers more versatility than single-format competitors.
Why Hulu is a strong blueprint for new apps
Hulu's structure serves as a great reference point to create similar streaming apps for several reasons.
The tiered pricing model appeals to different market segments. A simple ad-supported tier creates an easy entry point, while premium options bring in more revenue from engaged users. This step-by-step approach builds a larger user base than subscription-only models.
The hybrid content strategy creates multiple benefits within a single platform. Users don't need separate apps for live TV and on-demand viewing. This reduces "subscription fatigue" that happens when people juggle too many services.
Hulu's content recommendation algorithms show how personalization keeps users engaged. The platform analyzes viewing patterns and priorities to guide users toward content they'll enjoy. This increases both satisfaction and viewing time.
The platform's cross-device functionality demonstrates modern streaming app requirements. Users expect to start watching on TV, continue on their phone during commute, and finish on a tablet, with everything staying in sync across devices.
Developers looking to build similar apps can learn valuable lessons from these structural elements to create a streaming platform that balances user experience with environmentally responsible practices. This model shows clear paths for market entry and growth as content libraries and user bases expand.
Essential Features to Build an App Like Hulu
Building a streaming app needs specific features that keep users coming back. You'll need to focus on elements that help your platform stand out from competitors if you want to build an app like Hulu.
User profiles and personalization
Today's streaming apps must do more than just show content, they need to create experiences tailored to each user's priorities. User profiles are the starting point. They store viewing patterns, search behavior, and content ratings.
Hulu lets up to 6 individual profiles share one account, and each family member gets their own experience. This profile system works in several ways:
- Each user has their own watchlist
- Everyone gets their viewing history tracked
- Content filters work based on age
- Recommendations are tailored to each person
Users these days expect streaming platforms to know their habits and priorities in many ways. Research shows that personalization can reduce churn rates by up to 43%. Platforms that get personalization right keep viewers watching 1.8 times longer.
Smart content recommendations
Competition for viewer attention is tough. Netflix found that back in 2015, users would give up after just 60-90 seconds if they couldn't find something to watch. Smart recommendations fix this issue.
Good recommendation systems use three main approaches:
- Collaborative filtering: Shows content that similar users enjoy
- Content-based filtering: Suggests shows based on what you've watched before
- Hybrid systems: Uses both methods for better results
These systems really work. Netflix reports that about 80% of streaming hours come from recommended content. YouTube says their "Up Next" suggestions drive over 70% of total watch time.
Offline downloads and playback
Users want their content anywhere, even without internet. Offline downloads help commuters, travelers, and people with limited data plans stay connected.
Netflix users can download content on mobile devices with the latest app. Hulu's ad-free plan users can keep 25 downloads on five devices at once.
The best offline playback systems should have:
- Time limits: Downloads last 30 days
- Viewing windows: Users get 48 hours to finish after starting
- Storage control: Videos delete automatically after viewing
Multi-device syncing and cross-platform support
People watch content on different devices all day. They might start a show on TV, continue on their phone at lunch, and finish on their tablet before bed.
Good cross-device features sync:
- Where you left off (resume watching)
- Your profile settings
- What you want to watch
- Parent controls
Data shows that people who use multiple devices are more loyal and likely to pay for premium features. Better Media notes that these multi-device users are "the most loyal and willing to pay".
Live TV integration and Cloud DVR
Hulu stands out by mixing on-demand streaming with live TV. Cloud DVR features are vital if you want to create a similar app.
Cloud DVR lets users:
- Record many shows at once
- Watch recordings on any device
- Skip commercials in recorded shows
- Start watching while recording continues
Xfinity's system lets five devices stream at once, and you can watch recordings on mobile or desktop. Hulu's Live TV has more than 95 channels with sports, news, and entertainment, perfect for cord-cutters.
Live TV features add value. Hulu + Live TV costs $90.00 monthly with ads, showing how much users value this service.
Building Cloud DVR features needs solid mobile app development skills. The system must smoothly connect live and recorded content with a user-friendly design.
Build Features That Keep Viewers Watching
From Cloud DVR to smart AI recommendations, we develop the complex features that drive user retention and engagement.
Choosing the Right Monetization Strategy
Your revenue strategy is the life-blood of streaming app development like Hulu. The right monetization approach shapes your profitability, user acquisition costs, retention rates, and long-term growth.
AVOD vs SVOD vs Freemium
Streaming industry gives you several ways to make money:
AVOD (Advertising Video On Demand) lets viewers watch content free while seeing ads. Publishers make money through advertising instead of charging fees. YouTube and Tubi TV use this model well. They tap into high traffic volumes where publishers earn based on CPM (Cost Per Mille) rates. The challenge lies in getting the ad frequency right. Too many ads drive users away, while too few cut into revenue.
SVOD (Subscription Video On Demand) works on monthly or yearly fees that give users unlimited access to content libraries. Netflix, Disney+, HBO, and Amazon Prime Video are great examples. These platforms skip ads since users already pay subscription fees. Market research shows SVOD subscriptions cost between $5.00-$15.00 monthly. U.S. viewers typically sign up for four services and spend about $50.00 each month.
The Freemium model blends AVOD and SVOD by offering two versions: free with ads and premium without them. This mix brings in both budget-conscious viewers and those ready to pay more for better features. Some platforms show ads to free users while paid subscribers enjoy uninterrupted viewing. Others give limited content free and charge for premium access.
Bundling and upselling options
Bundling helps curb subscription fatigue. Users prefer simple package deals over juggling multiple streaming services.
Great bundles usually have:
- Content that complements each other without much overlap
- Better prices than separate subscriptions
- Easy-to-use interface across all services
Roku experts say successful bundling starts with knowing your user groups and what they want. You also must know if your bundle strategy aims to build awareness, get new users, or keep existing ones.
Bundles come in different forms:
- Hard bundling: Free content with another subscription
- Soft bundling: Pick-and-choose from multiple services
- Super bundling: Content hubs with 40+ offerings
Mobile carriers like Verizon package Netflix and Max with their services to attract entertainment lovers. DoorDash jumped on this trend too - their DashPass subscribers get a free year of ad-supported Max.
In-app purchases and pay-per-view
In-app purchases add another money stream beyond subscriptions and ads. Apple's App Store supports four types:
- Consumables: Items you buy and use up (like virtual currency)
- Non-consumables: One-time purchases that last forever (premium content access)
- Auto-renewable subscriptions: Content access that renews by itself
- Non-renewing subscriptions: Limited-time access you must manually renew
Pay-per-view (PPV) works great for streaming apps. Users can buy specific events or premium content without long-term commitments.
PPV works best for:
- Live sports events and concerts
- Film premieres and special releases
- Niche content with dedicated fans
Single video tickets usually start at $5.00, making content available while staying profitable. PPV can make good money from smaller audiences, unlike ad models that need large viewership.
Your monetization mix should match your content and target audience's priorities. Original premium content works well with subscriptions, while licensed content with broad appeal fits advertising support better.
Planning Your Content Strategy
Content strategy is the foundation of any streaming app. The content that appears on viewers' screens ended up determining success or failure when building a streaming app like Hulu.
Licensing vs original content
Streaming platforms need to think over two main paths to acquire content: licensing existing content or producing originals. Most successful platforms use both approaches.
Licensed content brings clear benefits. Industry research shows licensed titles make up about 75% of viewership across major streaming platforms. Netflix, known for pushing originals, still sees licensed content taking 45% of total streaming time in 2023.
Licensed content delivers these advantages:
- Better cost efficiency than production costs
- Wide appeal through proven titles
- Contract duration options
- Quick library growth
Original productions cost more but pay off long-term. These productions build brand identity, offer complete creative control, and become permanent assets without needing re-licensing. Netflix has reduced originals from 60% to 40% of its streaming catalog over six years, suggesting a balanced mix works best.
Early access and exclusivity deals
Exclusivity helps platforms stand out from competitors. Exclusive deals cost more but keep content off other platforms, giving viewers specific reasons to pick your service.
Early access arrangements can boost your platform's appeal too. Hulu knows how to deliver current-season TV episodes right after broadcast, which creates real value. These deals need smart negotiation with content owners.
People love nostalgia-driven content. Tubi's research shows 98% of viewers enjoy watching childhood shows and films. This suggests old favorites could be just as valuable as new releases.
Working with content partners
Content partnerships go beyond basic licensing. These relationships can discover the potential of new business models and distribution channels.
Smart partnerships need:
- Payment structures (wholesale deals, co-marketing, revenue sharing)
- Exclusivity terms affecting payment levels
- Integration needs for continuous content delivery
- Rules for sharing user data and analytics
Service providers have valuable insights about viewer patterns and priorities that help content providers reach the right audiences. Content owners bring programming that attracts new subscribers.
Well-laid-out APIs are vital for successful partnerships. Industry research notes that "APIs are a crucial element that makes service and content provider partnerships work in practice". These technical interfaces optimize content delivery, speed up market entry, and lower integration costs.
Some platforms create co-branded offerings where technical advantages boost content experiences. To name just one example, service providers can guarantee latency or queue priority for cloud gaming content. This model could work for high-quality video streaming too.
The biggest challenge is finding partnerships that line up with your audience's expectations and technical capabilities. Each content decision should support both your monetization strategy and user experience goals as you develop a streaming app like Hulu.
Designing a Seamless UI/UX Experience
A good user interface forms the foundation of streaming apps like Hulu. Users make snap judgments about your app in seconds, so the interface design can make or break its success.
Wireframes and user flow
Wireframes work as blueprints for your streaming platform and show page layouts before visual design starts. Complex apps like Hulu need more than traditional wireframes because static layouts can't show how screens change with user actions.
Wireflows fix this problem by combining wireframe-style layouts with simple flowcharts that display interactions. This mixed approach works well for streaming apps where:
- Pages show different content based on user actions
- You have few unique pages with multiple states
- User feedback documentation must be clear
Teams can spot potential issues early with wireflows. Design experts say they work best to "sketch out a new product from scratch" and "spot gaps or edge cases in existing user trips".
Responsive design for mobile, TV, and web
Your streaming app should work smoothly on screens of all sizes. An expert puts it this way: "Screens come in every shape and size: phones, foldables, tablets, desktops, and TVs - and your streaming app has to feel native on all of them".
These responsive design principles work best:
- Content-first approach - Pick what matters most on each screen size
- Strategic breakpoints - Group devices into categories (compact/medium/expanded)
- Navigation scaling - Use bottom bars on phones and persistent drawers on TVs
- Touch targets - Keep buttons at least 48dp/px sized for easy use
Netflix shows this approach by showing fewer menu items and focusing on individual-specific content rows. This makes finding content easy across devices.
Gen Z users watch content mostly on mobile devices. They just need interfaces that work well with one hand. TV interfaces should have simple controls because of remote navigation limits.
Accessibility and intuitive navigation
Nothing frustrates users more than a messy interface. The solution lies in fewer visual elements, clear hierarchies, and available essential actions.
Everyone benefits from accessibility features. The World Health Organization reports that about 15% of people live with disabilities. Your streaming app should include:
- Accurate, synchronized captions for all content
- Audio descriptions for visual elements
- Screen reader-compatible buttons and menus
- High contrast and scalable text
- Keyboard/remote navigation options
Disney+ made its app more accessible by replacing its hamburger menu with visual tabs. This change reduced decision fatigue by putting key categories up front.
Performance matters too. Users expect continuous playback and quick responses. Netflix uses edge caching to put content on servers closer to users, which reduces buffering. YouTube changes video quality based on connection speed.
A great UX goes beyond looks. It creates smooth experiences. One expert says it well: "A well-designed, accessible interface ensures every second your audience spends on your streaming platform is smooth, engaging, and frustration-free".
Reduce Churn with Frictionless UI/UX
Don't let bad navigation kill your retention. We build accessible, responsive designs that help users find content instantly.
Selecting the Right Tech Stack
A streaming platform's success depends on its technical architecture. The right technology choices shape everything from how well it performs to how easily it grows.
Frontend and backend technologies
React.js stands out as a top frontend choice. Its component-based architecture and virtual DOM create fast, responsive user interfaces. Vue.js serves as a lighter option that works great for interactive streaming apps.
Node.js shines on the backend by handling many users at once - crucial for streaming apps. The platform processes data instantly thanks to its event-driven design. Python becomes valuable for platforms that need content recommendations because of its machine learning strengths.
Cloud storage and CDN integration
Your app's speed depends on how fast viewers get their content. CDNs (Content Delivery Networks) place your content on servers worldwide to reduce delays and buffer times.
Leading CDN choices include:
- Cloudflare: Strong security features protect against threats
- AWS CloudFront: Works perfectly with Amazon services for quick delivery
- Akamai: Large streaming platforms trust this scalable solution
Amazon S3 or Google Cloud Storage provide reliable homes for large media files. These services work well with lifecycle rules to keep costs in check as your content grows.
Video streaming protocols (HLS, MPEG-DASH)
Modern video delivery relies on HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) and MPEG-DASH. Apple created HLS to split videos into small chunks and adjust quality based on network speed. Users get smoother playback even with unstable internet.
MPEG-DASH matches these adaptive features and adds more platform flexibility. DASH works with any encoding format, while HLS needs H.264 or H.265.
One key point: Apple devices support HLS natively, but iOS lacks built-in DASH support. This makes HLS the go-to choice for most consumer apps.
Security: DRM, SSL, and user authentication
Digital Rights Management (DRM) keeps your content safe from unauthorized use. Google Widevine, Apple FairPlay, and Microsoft PlayReady lead the DRM space. DRM protects decryption keys through black-boxing rather than encrypting the videos directly.
SSL/TLS encryption guards data moving between servers and users. This protection becomes essential for payment details and personal information.
Token-based systems can limit playback to specific IP addresses. These systems create temporary, unique access links that stop unauthorized sharing.
Multi-factor authentication adds extra protection. Users stay safe even if someone steals their password.
Development Process: From MVP to Full App
Your streaming concept can become reality with the right strategy. A gradual scaling approach works best to develop a streaming app like Hulu.
Building a minimum viable product
An MVP is the simplest version of your streaming platform that has just enough features to attract early users. This approach reduces your original investment risk and lets you make evidence-based decisions from user feedback.
A streaming service's MVP should have:
- Simple content library (focus on volume over prestige initially)
- Core playback functionality
- Simple user profiles
- Everything in cross-platform support
Netflix converts 93% of free trials to paid subscriptions, which shows how a simplified original product can turn visitors into users.
Your MVP will test market response. User feedback helps you improve relevant features in later versions. Two MVP rounds usually give enough insights before a full-scale launch.
Agile development and sprint planning
Streaming app development thrives with Agile methods because they welcome quick changes and value user feedback. An expert explains: "If you consider that Netflix is operating in an Agile fashion, it makes sense... like Agile development, it seems like Netflix also strives to focus on fast feedback, iterative changes, and cross-collaboration".
Sprint planning is the life-blood of this approach. Teams work on specific backlog items in 2-4 week sprints. This timeboxed structure maintains momentum and delivers regular improvements.
Sprint planning answers three questions:
- What can be delivered in this sprint?
- Why is this sprint valuable?
- How will the chosen work get done?
Daily stand-ups keep everyone in sync, while sprint reviews and retrospectives help teams spot areas to improve after each cycle.
Working with a mobile app development company like CISIN
The right development partner can speed up your streaming app project. Mobile app development company CISIN tests iteratively across devices and networks to build custom platforms with optimized encoding pipelines.
These mutually beneficial alliances provide:
- Expertise in streaming technologies
- 10-year old infrastructure on AWS and other cloud platforms
- Experience with immediate messaging using RabbitMQ and Redis
Their process starts with kick-off meetings to define project scope, followed by ideation, design, development, QA, and ongoing support phases. This methodology creates high-quality applications that match specific client needs.
Yes, it is true that development partners are a great way to get insights from previous projects, helping you avoid common pitfalls in new streaming platforms.
Testing, Launch, and App Store Submission
Quality testing is a vital part of launching your streaming application. The final phase of your experience to develop a streaming app like Hulu needs careful attention to quality, platform requirements, and pre-launch marketing.
QA across devices and network conditions
Your streaming app needs extensive testing of core features like playback, buffering, and content delivery. Testing on real devices instead of emulators gives you better results on different operating systems. Software development company CISIN suggests testing at different network speeds. This includes everything from high-bandwidth fiber to congested mobile networks to ensure your app handles changing conditions smoothly.
Firebase Test Lab and AWS Device Farm let you test on physical devices without buying them. These services help you spot platform-specific problems that you might miss otherwise.
App store requirements and approval tips
Apple's App Store review usually takes 24-48 hours, but wait times can increase during peak periods. You should follow Apple's guidelines strictly, test your app to prevent crashes, add complete metadata, and set up demo accounts that reviewers can access.
Common rejection reasons include:
- Crashing or technical problems
- Missing or incorrect metadata
- Lack of privacy policy
Marketing and pre-launch campaigns
A "soft launch" should begin a week before public release. This limited rollout helps you catch issues and collect initial ratings from friends and family. You should create dedicated landing pages where future users can register. This helps build email lists that you can use for targeted marketing.
Turn Your Streaming Concept into Reality Today
From MVP development to final store submission, get the end-to-end support you need to capture your share of the market.
Conclusion
Building a streaming app like Hulu offers huge financial potential in today's growing streaming market. Your streaming app can grab a piece of the projected $416 billion industry by 2030 with proper planning and execution. Understanding Hulu's hybrid model that combines VoD and Live TV provides a solid blueprint to succeed.
Your streaming app's success depends on several key factors. A strong feature set with personalization, smart recommendations, offline viewing, and multi-device support will keep users coming back. On top of that, it matters how you make money, whether through AVOD, SVOD, or a hybrid model, as this shapes your revenue potential. Users will judge your platform's value based on your content strategy that balances licensed shows with original productions.
Technical choices play a crucial role in development. The technology stack you pick affects everything from smooth playback to handling more users as you grow. Starting with an MVP lets you test core concepts before making a full investment. Mobile app development company CISIN has helped many streaming platforms go from concept to launch through their organized development approach, which saves months of trial and error.
Building a streaming app takes time and dedication. All the same, those who do it right can see substantial rewards. Begin your development process today and put user experience first. Note that even giants like Hulu started with a simple concept before becoming streaming powerhouses. Your streaming app could be next to win viewers in this booming digital entertainment age.
