In the first quarter of 2025, the Walt Disney Company reported that Hulu had 53.6 million paid subscribers, up from 49.7 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year. Hulu has several pricing plans to cater to varying consumer preferences, with the most basic option including ads costing 9.99 dollars per month and the priciest monthly subscription package fixed at 18.99 dollars (without ads) as of October 2024. In addition to that, many bundle options are available, including access to live TV, as well as to Disney+ and ESPN+. What is Hulu best known for? Hulu is often best known for the dystopian TV show “The Handmaid’s Tale” based on Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name or the comedy mystery series “Only Murders in the Building,” starring Selena Gomez. The shows have received a significant amount of media attention since their releases, and were among the TV shows with the highest amount of Emmy Awards nominations in the last few years. Hulu's history Content aside, Hulu’s past dealings with other media companies have also been a frequent point of discussion. The company was founded in 2007 and its board has included American investment firms as well as representatives from stakeholders Disney, Fox, and Comcast. A lot changed in early 2019 when The Walt Disney Company acquired 21st Century Fox, a deal which generated enormous online buzz and which gave Disney a 60 percent majority stake in Hulu. Shortly afterwards, multinational conglomerate AT&T sold back its 10 percent stake to Disney. Finally, Disney announced in November 2023 to purchase Comcast's 33 percent stake in Hulu. Disney’s newest streaming service, Disney+, is available as part of a bundle including ESPN+ (for sports fans) and of course, Hulu, which will cater to more mature audiences whilst Disney+ takes care of the family-friendly content.

Introduction

Netflix vs Hulu Statistics: In 2024, Netflix and Hulu were firmly atop the global streaming landscape. While Netflix remains the uncontested global giant, Hulu commands the U.S. territory.

Here is a clear Netflix vs Hulu statistics inspection of their subscriber bases, revenues, market shares, content investments, and major areas of growth through 2024, using simple language allowing clarifications from subscribers that are new to the metrics of streaming industries.

Disney+ has experienced remarkable growth since its launch in November 2019, reaching around 126 million global subscribers in the second quarter of 2025. The streaming service's rapid ascent is particularly noteworthy given that it took Netflix, the current market leader, about a decade to achieve similar customer numbers in a less competitive landscape. Disney's biggest streaming competitor Despite its impressive subscriber base, Disney+ faces stiff competition in the streaming market, particularly among younger viewers. As of October 2023, Netflix remained the most-watched subscription video-on-demand service among U.S. children, capturing 34 percent of the audience, with Disney+ following at 31 percent. To address profitability challenges and retain customers, Disney has implemented strategies such as introducing extra member pricing in various countries, with costs ranging from 3.58 U.S. dollars in Hong Kong to 6.67 U.S. dollars in Italy. Market adaptation In response to the evolving streaming landscape, Disney has adjusted its pricing strategy. In late 2024, the company once again increased its monthly subscription prices for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ in the United States. This move followed significant improvements in the provider's direct-to-consumer streaming segment, with operating losses decreasing substantially between 2022 and 2024. Disney's DTC entertainment business, for example, reported an income of about 143 million U.S. dollars in 2024 after years of making losses, demonstrating that Disney's efforts to achieve profitability seemed to have paid off.

In the United States, over **** of 18 to 34-year-olds said in a survey held in May 2021 that they currently subscribed to Hulu. This contrasts with just ** percent of adults aged 65 or above who said the same.

As of the first quarter of 2025, Hulu's SVOD only service reportedly generated an average monthly revenue of 12.52 U.S. dollars per paying subscriber. The figure recorded in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year was slightly lower, at 12.29 U.S. dollars in revenue per paying Hulu user.

Overview

Streaming Services Statistics: Streaming services have transformed the entertainment landscape, revolutionizing how people consume content.

The advent of high-speed internet and the proliferation of smart devices have fueled the growth of these platforms, offering a wide array of movies, TV shows, music, and more, at the viewers' convenience.

This introduction provides an overview of key statistics that shed light on the impact, trends, and challenges within the streaming industry.

This statistic provides information on the share of consumers with an active Hulu Plus subscription in the United States as of January 2017, sorted by age. According to the source, 30 percent of Millennials who subscribe to online video or music subscriptions had a Hulu Plus subscription as of January 2017.

Analysis of ‘📺 Hulu TV Shows and Movies’ provided by Analyst-2 (analyst-2.ai), based on source dataset retrieved from https://www.kaggle.com/yamqwe/top-1000-most-popular-hulu-showse on 13 February 2022.

--- Dataset description provided by original source is as follows ---

About this dataset

Background

In the market today, there are only a few competitors for Netflix. One of the top leaders in the streaming shows market is Hulu. Recently my family switched from Netflix to Hulu to try out the options and our experience wasn’t as wonderful as we would have expected. However, instead of giving my opinion, lets pull some data for Hulu shows and analyze the results so that you can make your own decision. For those interested in viewing my micro-research study that I did on Netflix, you can read my article Netflix Show Analysis.

About the Data

The data from Hulu’s shows were in a well-structured format. An example of the JSON object can be found at HuluShows. The 1,000 shows were sorted by “popular of all time” on Hulu. The raw data can be found at raw data.

Sources

Thanks to the micro-research study at The Concept Center for performing this study.

This dataset was created by Chase Willden and contains around 1000 samples along with Show/is Subscriber Only, Show/key Art Url, technical information and other features such as: - Show/description - Show/show Rollups/auth On Web/games Count - and more.

How to use this dataset

• Analyze Show/annotations/0 in relation to Show/show Rollups/current/feature Films Count
• Study the influence of Show/show Rollups/free On Web/games Count on Show/show Rollups/showtime/html5 Videos Count
• More datasets

Acknowledgements

If you use this dataset in your research, please credit Chase Willden

Start A New Notebook!

--- Original source retains full ownership of the source dataset ---

According to the most recent data, ** percent of consumers in the United States were using a subscription video-on-demand service in 2023, an increase of over ** percentage points in five years. It is no secret that one of the most popular platforms (and certainly the one with the most U.S. subscribers) is Netflix. The number of Netflix streaming subscribers in the United States and Canada passed the ** million mark for the first time in early 2020. Netflix as the most used video streaming service in the U.S. To say Netflix has the monopoly on the U.S. streaming market would be an understatement, and with a wealth of original content appearing all the time, Netflix’s appeal is built to last. Data shows that Netflix has more viewers than Hulu and Amazon in the U.S., leaving services such as Disney+, Apple TV+, and ESPN+ trailing far behind. How to satisfy subscribers? However, the threat of new competitors could cause Netflix's subscriber base to dwindle if video consumers decide to go elsewhere. Upcoming services ranging from the long anticipated Disney+ to Warner Bros. Discovery's HBO Max and Discovery+ will likely draw some customers away from Netflix by virtue of what they can offer, and as new services enter the market, they will likely reclaim their own. Additionally, recent price increases in light of an upcoming recession led to losses in Netflix's subscriber numbers in the first half of 2022.

The most common age group watching the streaming service Hulu without ads every day in the United States was 18 to 34 years. ** percent of people of this age stated in a late-2022 survey to do so. By contrast, the share of consumers aged 65 years and older using the subscription streaming service every day amounted to four percent.

What is OTT? OTT, short for "Over-the-Top," represents a modern method of media distribution that challenges traditional television formats, such as cable or satellite. This technology enables users to stream video content directly over the internet to various devices, bypassing conventional broadcasting methods. There are three primary types of OTT services: Subscription-Based Services (SVOD): These are premium platforms where users pay for access to a wide range of content. Examples include Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, and MAX, where viewers subscribe to enjoy movies, TV shows, and documentaries. Ad-Supported Streaming (AVOD): Services like Pluto TV and Amazon Free provide free access to content, supported by advertisements. These platforms do not have premium levels and are accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Virtual Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (vMVPDs): These are companies that offer live and on-demand video content over the internet, through multiple channels. YouTube, Hulu +Live TV, and Sling TV are examples of this type, offering a range of channels and content choices similar to traditional cable TV but delivered over the internet. OTT platforms have become immensely popular due to their convenience and flexibility. They provide viewers with the freedom to watch a diverse range of shows, movies, and documentaries anytime, anywhere, without the need for satellite or cable connections. This flexibility, combined with the option of free and subscription-based content, allows users to trial different OTT apps before deciding on a subscription. Furthermore, many OTT platforms enhance user experience by offering personalized recommendations and a vast library of content, including exclusive original productions, to maintain user engagement and satisfaction. Different Types of OTT Platforms The different types of OTT platforms cater to various entertainment needs: Video Streaming Platforms: These are perhaps the most recognized OTT services. They allow users to watch a wide variety of video content, including movies, TV shows, documentaries, and other on-demand videos. Mostly available through subscription-based models, popular examples include Disney+, Hulu, and Netflix. Music Streaming Platforms: Services like Spotify and YouTube Music fall under this category. They enable users to stream music, create and listen to playlists, enjoy podcasts, and more, all online. This has significantly reduced the reliance on traditional physical mediums like CDs or cassettes. These platforms often offer personalized music experiences with custom playlists and recommendations. Live TV Streaming: This type of OTT service focuses on live content. Users can watch events as they happen in real-time, such as live news broadcasts, sports events like football games, and various live entertainment shows. This brings the immediacy and excitement of live TV to the internet. Gaming OTT Platforms: A relatively new addition to the OTT space, these platforms combine traditional entertainment content with interactive gaming experiences. Users can both watch shows and play games within the same service. An example of this innovation is Netflix, which in 2021 introduced Netflix Games, specifically catering to mobile users. The growth and diversification of OTT platforms indicate a significant shift in entertainment consumption, offering users more flexibility, variety, and personalized content across different types of media.

Introduction

Walt Disney Statistics: Walt Disney Company sustained its global leadership in entertainment throughout fiscal year 2024, achieving a total revenue of USD 91.4 billion, marking a 3% increase from the previous year. The Experiences division, encompassing theme parks and cruise lines, reported record-breaking revenue and operating income, with domestic parks experiencing a 13% rise in operating income. In the streaming sector, Disney+ and Hulu collectively amassed 180.7 million subscribers, with Disney+ alone reaching 126 million.

The direct-to-consumer segment, including Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, achieved a quarterly operating income of USD 336 million. Notably, films such as "Inside Out 2" and "Moana 2" significantly contributed to box office revenues, with "Inside Out 2" grossing USD 1.7 billion worldwide. Looking ahead, Disney plans to expand its global presence by opening a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, marking its first venture in the Middle East.

Here is a detailed analysis of Walt Disney statistics with numerical data to clarify its position.

The Over-the-Top (OTT) media services market is experiencing explosive growth, driven by increasing internet penetration, the affordability of smart devices, and a rising preference for on-demand content. The market, encompassing online gaming, music streaming, Video-on-Demand (VoD), communication platforms, and other digital services, is segmented by application into media & entertainment, education & learning, gaming, and service utilities. Major players like Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, and YouTube dominate the landscape, constantly innovating with original content, personalized recommendations, and interactive features to retain and attract subscribers. The substantial growth is particularly pronounced in regions with burgeoning middle classes and increasing smartphone adoption, such as Asia-Pacific and parts of South America. Competition is fierce, prompting providers to offer bundled packages, enhance user experience through improved interfaces and personalized content, and explore new avenues like interactive gaming and immersive experiences. While challenges exist such as content licensing costs, regulatory hurdles in different markets, and the threat of piracy, the overall outlook for the OTT market remains exceptionally positive, projecting sustained high growth for the foreseeable future. The market's robust CAGR indicates a significant expansion. While specific numbers are absent, a reasonable estimate, considering similar market trends in related sectors, would put the 2025 market size at approximately $800 billion USD, growing at a 15% CAGR. This implies a substantial expansion in the coming years. Regional variations exist; North America and Europe currently hold a larger share, but the Asia-Pacific region is expected to exhibit the fastest growth due to its large and rapidly growing population base and increasing internet access. The continuous evolution of technology, such as advancements in 5G and improved streaming capabilities, will further fuel the market's growth. Moreover, the increasing adoption of smart TVs and other connected devices will likely further expand the market's reach. The competitive landscape, characterized by both established giants and emerging players, necessitates a focus on innovative content strategies, strategic partnerships, and efficient cost management to secure a strong position in this dynamic market.

This statistic provides information on the share of consumers with an active Hulu Plus subscription in the United States as of February 2017, sorted by gender. According to the source, 26 percent of females who subscribe to online video or music subscriptions had a Hulu Plus subscription as of February 2017.

The statistic shows the share of adults who have a Hulu without live TV subscription in the United States in 2017, sorted by age group. During the survey, ** percent of respondents aged 18 to 29 stated that they had a Hulu without live TV subscription.

Streaming service Sling TV, launched by Dish Network, reportedly had around *** million subscribers at the end of 2024. Sling TV is one of the leading vMVDPDs in the United States. Virtual multichannel video programming distributors refer to services which aggregate live and on-demand television and transmit such content over the internet. Sling TV subscribers – additional information Sling TV is a U.S.-only live TV streaming service and a subsidiary of Dish Network. The platform was introduced as an alternative to cable TV and video-on-demand services. Unlike other streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+, Sling TV subscribers can access live TV content of more than ** channels, such as ESPN, TNT, Food Network, Bloomberg and AMC, over the internet. Sling TV aims to stay competitive in the growing streaming market by differentiating itself from on-demand services. Sling TV is rather a collection of popular live-streaming channels, previously only available on cable TV. The competitive streaming landscape Since its release, Sling TV has rapidly gained space in the streaming market. The number of Sling TV subscribers increased from ** thousand in 2014 to over *********** by the end of 2024. However, the service still has some way to go to catch up to some of the market leaders such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Max. Netflix, the clear leader in the market, had over ** million streaming subscribers in the United States and Canada in the fourth quarter of 2024.

As of June 2024, the anime-focused video-on-demand platform Crunchyroll surpassed 15 million paying subscribers. Subscription numbers have grown rapidly in recent years, with the company managing to triple its number of paying subscribers between mid-2021 and the beginning of 2024. What is Crunchyroll? Similar to services like Netflix and Hulu, Crunchyroll provides subscribers with on-demand access to shows and video media through monthly subscriptions. The service also offers cheaper, ad-supported programming. Unlike its competitors, Crunchyroll focuses entirely upon one genre, anime. Its narrow focus ensures that it has an extremely extensive collection of titles that specifically cater to the interests of its customers. This unique product offering has made Crunchyroll of the leading entertainment apps in the United States. Anime and manga Anime is a type of cartoon animation series that originated in Japan, which often spawns from Japanese comic books called manga. Extremely popular within Japan, anime has also garnered large followings from around the world, and the industry earns millions of dollars in overseas sales each year. With many manga series selling hundreds of millions of copies, the audience for these types of entertainment is huge, highlighting the importance and appeal of services such as Crunchyroll.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Amazon Prime Video was the most popular subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service in the United States with a market share of ** percent, based on the users' interest in adding content to their watch lists of certain streaming platforms. Netflix followed closely with a market share of ** percent. Subscription streaming market – a money-losing business? While subscription streaming platforms increased their subscriber bases in the years 2020 and 2021 due to the measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2022 and 2023 saw services such as Netflix and Disney+ lose a substantial number of customers. Furthermore, the direct-to-consumer (DTC) businesses of large media companies are struggling to turn a profit. Paramount, for example, reported a loss of *** billion U.S. dollars for its streaming services in 2023. Streaming companies take action In order to compensate for subscriber and income losses, streaming companies implemented several strategies, such as launching more profitable ad-supported tiers, cracking down on credential sharing, laying off thousands of employees, and spending less on content. The Walt Disney Company was already able to increase DTC profits recently. Its cost-cutting measures include layoffs and savings in content spending by reducing content produced and removing TV shows and movies from its streaming services.

As of May 2025, Disney revealed that its ad-supported tier reached an impressive 164 million subscribers worldwide, including viewers across Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Meanwhile, Netflix's ad-supported tier had 94 million users globally.

According to the most recently available data, ** percent of surveyed video on demand users in the United States subscribed to Netflix. The streaming service giant’s success in the United States is hardly a secret – Netflix is the leading video subscription service in the U.S., with its subscriber numbers eclipsing all other streaming companies including Hulu and Amazon.

Video on Demand

Video on demand (often abbreviated simply to VoD) lets users watch the content they want, whenever they want, and thus has a major advantage over traditional over the air programming. With consumers leading increasingly hectic lifestyles and growing more reliant on digital media and devices which allow them to watch, read and listen to content on the go, VoD offers an effective solution.

The ability to catch up on TV shows after they have aired provides viewers with a way to enjoy their favorite content without scheduling their lives around it. Shows can now be enjoyed on a morning or evening commute, during work breaks and via Wi-Fi in public places across the globe, regardless of whether they aired the previous day or the previous year. Some U.S. adults even admitted to subscribing to a streaming service exclusively to watch a specific show – ** percent of ** to 29-year-olds said that they had done this as of early 2019, as well as ** percent of adults aged 65 or older.

Video on demand platforms also accommodate the vast array of different user preferences, and for U.S. adults there are many reasons to sign up to subscription a VoD service. Original content was cited as a main reason for signing up to such a service, however others enjoyed the back-catalogue of movies available whilst some simply liked being able to access content from countries outside the United States.

The days where viewers would sit down at the same time every evening after work to watch their most loved shows are gradually disappearing, and with Netflix churning out more original content every month, in years to come those times may have gone completely.