If you’re a business looking to target consumers in the United States, Hulu should be on your radar. As the third most popular streaming service in the U.S., Hulu has 48.3 million active subscribers as of 2023, making it a powerful platform for reaching potential customers. With ad pricing starting at just $500 per campaign, Hulu offers an affordable advertising option for businesses of all sizes. This guide will walk you through how to advertise on Hulu, the different types of Hulu ads, and why it’s a smart choice for your marketing strategy.
Why Advertise on Hulu?
Hulu is more than just a streaming service; it’s a premium, brand-safe environment that engages users with high-quality content. Unlike social media platforms, where users are easily distracted, Hulu ads command 73% more attention. This makes your advertising spend more effective and offers greater return on investment (ROI). Hulu’s varied ad formats also keep content fresh and interesting for viewers, reducing ad fatigue and increasing the likelihood that viewers will engage with your brand.
Types of Hulu Ads
Hulu offers multiple ad formats that allow you to customize your campaign based on your goals and audience. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of ads available on Hulu:
1. Ad Selector Ads
Ad Selector ads allow viewers to choose between different ads from the same brand. By giving users control over the ads they watch, this format increases engagement and viewer satisfaction. For businesses, this means you’ll need to create multiple versions of your ad to provide options, but it can lead to higher engagement and retention.
2. Binge Ads
Binge ads are perfect for series lovers. These exclusive sponsorships appear at the beginning of a binge-watching session, allowing the viewer to enjoy the series with fewer interruptions. As a business, you get exclusive ad space with no competition from other brands. This ad type can be especially memorable for viewers since they associate your brand with uninterrupted entertainment.
3. Interactive Ads
Interactive ads go beyond traditional TV commercials by directing Hulu viewers to your landing page. These ads allow potential customers to click through and learn more about your products, services, or company. The interactive element can boost conversion rates by providing more information right when viewers are interested.
4. Pause Ads
Pause ads are displayed when viewers pause their show. Instead of being disruptive, these ads take advantage of a natural break in the viewer’s session. You can use QR codes, animations, or other visual elements to grab attention during this pause. This ad format is ideal for driving interaction without being intrusive.
5. Video Commercials
These are the traditional ads that appear before, during, or after Hulu shows. Video commercials can range from 7 to 30 seconds, offering flexibility in crafting your message. These are perfect for businesses looking to test out the platform and explore Hulu’s targeting features.
How Much Does It Cost to Advertise on Hulu?
One of the major advantages of advertising on Hulu is its affordability. The platform requires a minimum ad spend of $500 per campaign, making it accessible even to smaller businesses. Hulu charges on a cost-per-impression (CPM) model, so the total cost of your campaign will depend on how many people see your ad. However, you can set a cap on your ad spend to ensure that you stay within your budget.
Why Choose Bloom for Your Hulu Advertising?
At Bloom, we are a premium partner of TVScientific, a cutting-edge platform that allows us to purchase Hulu inventory at competitive rates. This partnership also gives us access to private deals that aren’t available on the open market, ensuring you get the best placements for your ads. Additionally, we offer full control over the type of placements you’re buying—no forced budget allocations to display ads, just the high-quality video ads that Hulu viewers expect.
With Hulu’s broad user base and subscription model, it’s a highly effective platform for reaching your target audience. Whether you’re new to Connected TV (CTV) advertising or looking to take your campaigns to the next level, our team at Bloom can help. Ready to launch your Hulu campaign? Contact us today and let’s start building your ad strategy