Insights
September 04, 2025
How many people have Hulu? (Q3 2025)
Hulu reaches 51 million subscribers. Here's how ad-supported streaming creates opportunities.
Table of Contents
-
64M
Paid Hulu subscribers in the U.S.
-
25%
YoY subscriber growth
-
$12.29
Average monthly revenue per subscriber
Hulu has reached approximately 64 million paid subscribers in the United States as of late 2025, cementing its position as one of America's leading streaming platforms, according to Fortune. The platform has shown consistent growth, rising from 51.1 million subscribers in Q3 2024 to 55.5 million in Q3 2025 according to Statista. As a flagship streaming service under Disney's full ownership, Hulu offers advertisers access to premium content environments with sophisticated targeting capabilities that make it particularly valuable for businesses of all sizes.
What the data shows
Hulu's subscriber growth has accelerated significantly under Disney's full ownership, with the platform benefiting from integration with the broader Disney streaming ecosystem. Disney completed its acquisition of NBCUniversal's remaining stake in June 2025, giving the company complete control over Hulu's strategic direction. This consolidation has enabled deeper integration between Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+, creating synergies that benefit both subscribers and advertisers.
As of Q3 2025, Hulu reported 55.5 million paid subscribers, up from 51.1 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year. This represents approximately 8.6% year-over-year growth, demonstrating continued momentum despite an increasingly competitive streaming landscape. The platform's growth has been driven by compelling original content, next-day TV offerings, and attractive bundling options with Disney+ and ESPN+.
Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) metrics reveal important distinctions within Hulu's subscriber base. SVOD subscribers generate monthly ARPU of $12.29, while Live TV subscribers contribute significantly more at $93.61 monthly. These ARPU figures demonstrate both the value of Hulu's content to consumers and the substantial advertising revenue opportunity the platform provides.
Hulu's position as an ad-supported streaming leader differentiates it from many competitors. While services like Netflix and Disney+ offer ad-supported tiers as secondary options, Hulu has always embraced advertising as a core part of its business model. This heritage gives Hulu sophisticated advertising capabilities and substantial ad-supported inventory.
Understanding Hulu's position within the broader connected TV advertising landscape helps contextualize the advertising opportunities available on the platform.
Breaking down the numbers
By subscription tier
Hulu's tiered subscription model creates different advertising implications across user segments, providing flexibility for both consumers and advertisers.
Hulu (With Ads) represents the entry-level subscription at the lowest price point. This tier provides full access to Hulu's on-demand content library with advertising. A significant portion of Hulu's subscriber base chooses this option, making it the primary source of advertising inventory on the platform.
Hulu (No Ads) offers an ad-free experience for premium subscribers willing to pay more for uninterrupted viewing. While these subscribers aren't directly reachable through Hulu advertising, they demonstrate the platform's ability to convert viewers into paying customers.
Hulu + Live TV combines Hulu's on-demand library with live television channels, effectively serving as a cable replacement for cord-cutters. This tier generates the highest ARPU at $93.61 monthly and includes both on-demand and live advertising inventory.
Disney Bundle options combine Hulu with Disney+ and ESPN+ at various price points. These bundles drive cross-platform engagement and introduce Disney+ and ESPN+ users to Hulu's content and advertising environment.
By content type
Hulu's content strategy spans multiple categories, each attracting different viewer segments with distinct advertising opportunities.
Next-day TV from major broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, Fox) provides a compelling value proposition for cord-cutters. Viewers who want current-season broadcast programming without cable subscriptions find Hulu indispensable. This content attracts viewers with established broadcast TV advertising expectations.
Award-winning original programming like "The Bear," "Only Murders in the Building," and "Shogun" attracts premium audiences seeking quality entertainment. These shows generate significant cultural conversation and attract engaged viewers who are receptive to advertising in premium content environments.
FX content, available exclusively on Hulu following Disney's acquisition of Fox assets, brings critically acclaimed series to the platform. Shows from FX attract discerning viewers who value quality over quantity.
Deep library content from Disney, FX, and other sources provides extensive catalog options for casual viewing and discovery. This content supports ongoing engagement beyond new releases.
This content profile connects to broader streaming TV viewing patterns in American households.
By demographic
Hulu's audience skews younger than traditional television while maintaining broad appeal across demographic segments.
Adults 18-34 represent a significant portion of Hulu's viewership, attracted by next-day TV, original programming, and competitive pricing. This demographic is increasingly difficult to reach through traditional television, making Hulu valuable for advertisers targeting younger adults.
Cord-cutters and cord-nevers across all age groups find Hulu's combination of live TV and on-demand content an attractive alternative to traditional cable. The platform serves as a bridge for viewers transitioning away from traditional pay TV.
Family households appreciate Hulu's kid-friendly content (through Disney Bundle integration) alongside adult-focused programming. The platform's profile controls support multi-generational households.
Ad-supported tier: Majority of 64M subscribers accept ads for lower subscription cost
Ad-free tier: Premium subscribers represent smaller but growing portion
Hulu + Live TV: Additional live TV subscribers with substantial ad inventory
Bundle subscribers: Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ packages driving subscriber growth
Why it matters for your business
Hulu offers premium streaming inventory in brand-safe environments with targeting capabilities that exceed what traditional television can provide. These characteristics make Hulu particularly valuable for businesses seeking quality advertising exposure.
TV advertising on Hulu reaches cord-cutters and cord-nevers who have largely abandoned traditional television. For many advertisers, these audiences are unreachable through cable and broadcast buys, making streaming platforms like Hulu essential for comprehensive reach.
Premium content environments transfer credibility to advertising messages. When your ad appears alongside award-winning programming like "The Bear" or "Only Murders in the Building," viewers associate your brand with quality entertainment. This halo effect benefits brand perception in ways that lower-quality ad placements cannot match.
Sophisticated targeting capabilities allow businesses to reach specific audience segments with precision. Geographic, demographic, interest-based, and behavioral targeting options enable efficient ad spend allocation. Local businesses can target households within specific markets without wasting impressions on unreachable viewers.
Local TV advertising through Hulu provides access to premium streaming inventory at accessible price points. Local businesses including restaurants, dental practices, and home service contractors can leverage Hulu's premium audience through targeted streaming campaigns that were previously unavailable at small business budget levels.
How to take advantage of this trend
Reaching Hulu's audience requires understanding the platform's advertising ecosystem and available buying approaches. Multiple pathways exist for businesses of different sizes and sophistication levels.
For most small businesses, programmatic CTV buying provides the most accessible path to Hulu inventory. Platforms like Adwave aggregate streaming inventory across Hulu and other premium services, allowing advertisers to reach streaming audiences without meeting Hulu's direct advertising minimums or navigating complex platform relationships.
Consider Hulu as part of a broader streaming strategy rather than a standalone channel. Hulu subscribers typically use multiple streaming services, so campaigns that reach audiences across platforms often perform better than single-platform approaches. A diversified streaming strategy ensures you reach viewers wherever they watch.
Quality creative matters on premium platforms like Hulu. The platform's professional content creates expectations for advertising quality. Ensure your creative meets production standards appropriate for premium streaming environments. With platforms like Adwave, AI-generated creative can achieve broadcast-quality production without traditional production costs.
Test and learn before scaling. Start with a modest test budget to understand which targeting approaches work best for your business on Hulu. Once you identify winning combinations of audience targeting and creative, scale investment strategically.
Premium audiences: Hulu viewers skew toward engaged, cord-cutter demographics
Content adjacency: Advertise alongside next-day network TV and Hulu originals
Binge viewing: Reach extended viewing sessions with proper frequency capping
Targeting options: Use Hulu demographic, interest, and behavioral targeting
The bigger picture
Disney's streaming strategy
Disney plans to fully integrate Hulu into Disney+ by early 2026, creating a unified streaming experience under the Disney+ brand. This integration will combine Hulu's general entertainment content with Disney+'s family-focused programming, providing subscribers with a broader content library and advertisers with expanded reach across viewer segments.
The integration reflects Disney's strategy to simplify its streaming offerings while maximizing the value of its content investments. For advertisers, this consolidation may streamline media buying while expanding audience reach.
Ad-supported streaming growth
The broader trend toward ad-supported streaming benefits Hulu's advertising business significantly. As subscription fatigue leads consumers toward lower-cost options, ad-supported tiers across all streaming platforms gain share. Hulu's long history with advertising positions it well to capitalize on this trend.
Industry analysts project continued growth in ad-supported streaming viewership through 2027 and beyond. Platforms that have built sophisticated advertising capabilities, like Hulu, will benefit disproportionately from this shift.
Competitive landscape
Hulu competes with numerous streaming services for viewer attention and advertising dollars. Netflix's ad-supported tier, launched in late 2022, has grown rapidly. Amazon Prime Video's ad tier, launched in early 2024, adds more competition. Despite increased competition, Hulu's established ad capabilities and premium content position it well.
What experts are saying
Industry analysts have noted Hulu's strategic importance within Disney's broader streaming portfolio and the advertising industry.
Media analysts highlight Hulu's role as Disney's primary vehicle for reaching adult audiences with advertising. While Disney+ focuses on families and brand safety, Hulu provides the edgier content that appeals to adult viewers seeking premium entertainment.
Advertising industry observers point to Hulu's sophisticated targeting capabilities as a competitive advantage. The platform's combination of first-party data, Disney's audience insights, and programmatic access creates advertising opportunities that rival or exceed what traditional TV provides.
Streaming analysts note that Hulu's position as an ad-first platform, rather than ad-supported as an afterthought, gives it advantages in inventory quality and advertiser relationships that newer ad-supported services will take years to match.
Common questions answered
How many subscribers does Hulu have?
As of late 2025, Hulu has approximately 64 million paid subscribers in the United States. This represents significant growth from 51.1 million in Q3 2024 to 55.5 million in Q3 2025, demonstrating continued momentum.
Is Hulu only available in the US?
Yes, currently Hulu is only available in the United States. Unlike Disney+ and Netflix, which are available globally, Hulu operates exclusively in the US market. This US-only focus means all Hulu advertising reaches American audiences.
Can small businesses advertise on Hulu?
Yes. Small businesses can reach Hulu audiences through programmatic CTV platforms like Adwave that aggregate streaming inventory. Geographic targeting allows local businesses to reach viewers in their service areas with budgets starting as low as $50, making premium streaming advertising accessible to businesses of all sizes.
What shows are exclusive to Hulu?
Hulu exclusives include award-winning originals like "The Bear," "Only Murders in the Building," "Shogun," and "The Dropout." The platform also offers exclusive access to FX content, next-day access to broadcast network programming, and various acquired content not available on other platforms.
What is Hulu + Live TV?
Hulu + Live TV combines Hulu's on-demand streaming library with live television channels, serving as a cable replacement. Subscribers receive 85+ live channels plus full Hulu on-demand access. This tier generates the highest ARPU at $93.61 monthly.
Will Hulu merge with Disney+?
Yes, Disney plans to fully integrate Hulu into Disney+ by early 2026. This integration will create a unified streaming experience, though Hulu branding and content will remain available within the Disney+ platform.
Supporting data
Additional context on Hulu's subscriber base and business performance:
Total paid subscribers: 64 million U.S. subscribers (Fortune, late 2025)
Q3 2025 subscribers: 55.5 million (Statista)
Q3 2024 subscribers: 51.1 million
Year-over-year growth: 8.6%
Monthly ARPU (SVOD): $12.29 (Evoca TV, Q1 2025)
Monthly ARPU (Live TV): $93.61 (Evoca TV, Q1 2025)
Disney acquisition completion: June 2025
Planned Disney+ integration: Early 2026
All sources linked above. Data current as of September 2025.
Get started with TV advertising
Ready to reach Hulu's premium streaming audience? Adwave makes TV advertising accessible for businesses of all sizes, with campaigns starting at just $50.
Your ads can run across Hulu and 100+ other streaming platforms, reaching engaged viewers in your target area. No production budget required. AI creates your commercial from your website in minutes.