We offer a variety of plans to choose from, some of which are ad-supported. Hulu and Hulu + Live TV subscribers will see some ads while streaming shows and movies in the Hulu streaming library, while Hulu (No Ads) and Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV subscribers can watch those same videos without any interruptions. If you subscribe to Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, keep in mind that you’ll still see ads on any episodes and movies not included in our streaming library.
To learn more about the ad experience on Hulu, read on or select one of the links below:
- Why does Hulu have ads?
- When will I see ads while watching Hulu?
- Can I fast forward through the ads on Hulu?
- How are ads personalized to me?
- Why am I seeing ads if I subscribe to Hulu (No Ads)?
- I have feedback about ads on Hulu
- I’m having trouble and need help
Why does Hulu have ads?
By including a modest ad load in our streaming library, Hulu is able to offer a wide variety of current season TV, exclusive shows and movies, award-winning Hulu Originals, and more — all at a valuable and competitive price.
When will I see ads while watching Hulu?
If you subscribe to one of our ad-supported plans, you will see ads during shows and movies in our streaming library. Ads are typically shown at the beginning of the stream and throughout the video — similar to what you’d expect from a traditional TV broadcast.
Content from Premium Add-ons like HBO, Cinemax, SHOWTIME and STARZ will play uninterrupted, but there may be a brief promotional ad before the program begins. Certain content available through the ESPN+ Add-on may include ads.
If you subscribe to one of our Live TV plans you can also expect to see ads while watching:
- A live stream from one of the 60+ available networks
- Recordings from your Cloud DVR
- Additional on-demand content provided by our network partners*
*These videos are not included in the Hulu streaming library and are only available for Live TV subscribers, which means they will have ads.
Can I fast forward through the ads on Hulu?
You can’t fast forward through ad breaks on Hulu, but if you subscribe to Hulu (No Ads) most shows* and movies in the Hulu streaming library will be ad-free.If you're a Live TV subscriber, you can fast forward through the ads in Cloud DVR recordings. Just keep in mind that you won't be able to fast-forward through ads in any other content.
*Due to streaming rights, a few shows will play with an ad before and after each episode.
How are ads personalized to me?
There are a number of factors that affect the ads that you are seeing. What you're watching, where you're located, and what you've streamed previously can all help us personalize your ads so they're relevant to you.
Features like Ad Selector (which presents 2-3 different options so you can choose the ad that interests you most) also give viewers control over their experience. Other actions, such as interacting with the ad or pausing your video, can help create a more relevant and personalized experience.
Why am I still seeing ads if I subscribe to Hulu (No Ads)?
Excluded Shows: Due to streaming rights, a few select shows are excluded from the Hulu (No Ads) plan and will play with a short ad break before/after each episode — view the full list of excluded shows here.*
Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV: If you subscribe to Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, there are a number of different reasons why you might be seeing ads. Keep in mind that our Live TV plans include additional on-demand content from each network (plus live streams and DVR recordings), all of which will likely include ad breaks.
*List of excluded shows is subject to change.
I have feedback about ads on Hulu
If you have feedback about how we can improve the ad experience, share your ideas in the Hulu Community and vote for other submissions to help them get noticed by the right people.
I’m having trouble with ads and need help
Select an ad-related issue from the list below to learn more:
- I’m having playback trouble during ad breaks on Hulu.com
- I’m still seeing ads when I subscribe to a Hulu (No Ads) plan
If the articles above don’t address or resolve your issue, please contact us for help.
