I have been asked this question a lot of times, which is why I want to provide answers to this question in this medium so everyone bothered with the same question can learn.
So if you are one of the Hulu users who are with the question “why does Hulu have ads”, you might want to take this piece seriously as there is a key takeaway here.
The simple answer to this question would be, Hulu has ads because they want to make money.
Hulu is a “for-profit” company, you know what that means, right?
But why the hell do they still have ads even when I have paid for my subscription?
Hulu and a few other streaming services have a business strategy that allows for limited advertisements at a cheaper cost.
You don’t want any ads?
The other package is available for purchase.
New release shows, even on the enhanced bundle, will include ads as if you were watching them live.
We’ve all grown accustomed to a flawless and uninterrupted viewing experience in the age of streaming services, DVRs, and On Demand.
It’s understandable since we know which platforms we can expect to see ads on, and the majority of them aren’t ones we pay to access — like YouTube or news service websites.
But what about premium services, including those with a “No Ads” package?
Here is why Hulu has ads
Sponsors or advertisements are well-known for generating revenue for the company with which they are associated.
As with traditional TV programming, commercials may appear at the start and throughout Hulu’s streaming library material.
Hulu also has Live TV options, which will contain advertising because they aren’t part of the Hulu streaming library.
And no, you won’t be able to skip ads.
Hulu’s explanation why you keep seeing ads
Well, it’s best you also read what they have to say about why you may keep seeing ads.
Here is what they have to say:
“By adding a moderate ad load in our streaming gallery, Hulu can provide a vast range of current season television, exclusive shows and movies, award-winning Hulu originals, and more – all at a reasonable price.”
Big questions:
Why do people keep seeing ads on a ‘No Ads’ plan?
The Hulu “No Ads” plan comes with the caveat that “most series and movies in the streaming library will have no ads,” and that “a few shows will play an ad before and after each episode due to streaming rights.”
With the Enhanced Cloud DVR add-on, Live TV users can skip ads.
However, this is only applicable to Live TV, and they are unable to skip advertising served elsewhere.
You are lost, right? That’s because you have to be!
Here are some shows that you will not see ads, regardless
As previously stated, certain series are not included in the “No Ads” plan due to streaming rights that Hulu does not control.
As a result, viewers can expect advertisements before and after each show.
The no ad shows include:
- Grey’s Anatomy
- How to Get Away with Murder
- Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
If you’re watching an episode or movie that isn’t part of the Hulu streaming library, you’ll encounter adverts.
To put it another way, it isn’t Hulu-owned video/content.
Subscribers to the No Ads *and* Live TV package get access to a wide range of series and movies from Hulu’s partners.
However, they have no control over the adverts that appear in the extra content.
Ads will appear on Cloud DVR recordings as well, but you can skip them if you upgrade to the Improved Cloud DVR.
Finally, HBO, SHOWTIME, Cinemax, and STARZ episodes and movies are ad-free but may feature advertising messages before some programs.
People in the Hulu community are calling them out
They are seriously being dragged in the community by their users asking them why they have ads even after subscribing to an ad-free plan.
Trust me, this is leaving them pretty confused as it doesn’t end in the community but extends to social media and the internet largely.
People are really voicing their dissatisfaction.
You might want to take a look:
It’s uncertain whether the negative comments will be addressed, but there’s plenty of it out there.
People believe the plan is mismarketed and that they are not getting value for their money.
Hulu’s descriptions are detailed, but the plans and add-ons are simply confusing.
I hope this gives you a better explanation of why you are seeing ads on Hulu.
In a relevant article, I shared Hulu viewing history which you might want to check out.