Reinforcing Hulu’s position as one of the world’s top 10 direct-to-consumer entertainment brands, the company announced today that it has surpassed 20 million U.S. subscribers and has grown total engagement on Hulu by more than 60%. In addition, Hulu reports that 78% of viewing on the service takes place in the living room, on connected TVs.
Hulu’s 20 million subscribers are still less than half the domestic base of Netflix, which tallied 56.7 million U.S. streaming subs at the end of Q1. But Hulu believes its combo of live TV and streaming VOD gives it a unique position in the market.
Hulu to Launch the Industry’s First Ad-Supported Downloadable Content Experience
Today, Hulu also announced its plans to become the first company to offer a downloadable content experience with opportunities for advertisers. The new feature will make it possible for subscribers to access their favorite shows and movies on the go, with no internet connection required, and will give advertisers the opportunity to reach their target audiences in a viewing experience never before available to advertisers.
“Our launch of the industry’s first ad-supported downloadable content experience is yet another example of how Hulu is innovating viewer-first ad solutions to drive powerful results for brands,” said Peter Naylor, SVP of Advertising Sales at Hulu. “With downloadable content, we’re offering brands more ways to connect with engaged viewers who love the experience of watching television, wherever they may be.”
The Handmaid’s Tale Renewed for Season Three
Following its record-breaking season-two premiere last week — which has already doubled its audience versus season one — Hulu has renewed the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning series The Handmaid’s Tale for a third season.
Since its premiere in April 2017, The Handmaid’s Tale has gone on to become the first series ever on a streaming video-on-demand service to take both the Golden Globe and Emmy Award for Best Drama Series. The Handmaid’s Tale is an eight-time Emmy Award-winning drama series and has garnered more than 30 prestigious awards to date, including a 2018 Peabody Award.
Based on the award-winning, best-selling novel of the same name by Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale became the most-viewed series debut on Hulu ever in its first week and has drawn acclaim from both fans and critics since its series premiere.
