How Many People Can Watch Hulu at Once? [Updated]

Ever settled in for movie night only to get that dreaded "too many streams" error? Or maybe you‘re planning to share your Hulu account with family members and wondering if everyone can watch their favorite shows simultaneously? You‘re not alone.

With over 48 million subscribers in the US alone, Hulu has become a streaming powerhouse. But unlike some competitors, Hulu has specific limits on simultaneous streams that vary by plan. Whether you‘re thinking about subscribing or already have an account, understanding these limits can save you from streaming headaches.

I‘ve researched the latest Hulu streaming policies to bring you the most current information on exactly how many people can watch Hulu at once. Let‘s dive into everything you need to know about Hulu‘s simultaneous streaming capabilities in 2023.

Understanding Hulu‘s Position in the Streaming Market

Before diving into specific streaming limits, it‘s important to understand Hulu‘s position in the current streaming landscape. Hulu represents approximately 17% of the US streaming market share, placing it third behind Netflix (31%) and Amazon Prime Video (22%).

What makes Hulu unique is its hybrid offering of on-demand content and live TV options. This distinctive approach has influenced how Hulu structures its simultaneous streaming policies, which differ significantly from competitors who offer either purely on-demand content or traditional live TV services.

According to recent data, the average US household now subscribes to 4.7 streaming services. With multiple services in play, understanding each platform‘s limitations becomes crucial for households managing their entertainment ecosystem.

Hulu‘s Simultaneous Streaming Limits: The Basics

Before diving into specific plans, here‘s the quick answer: Hulu generally allows 2 simultaneous streams per account. However, this can increase depending on your subscription plan and add-ons.

The number of devices where you can install the Hulu app is unlimited. You can download Hulu on your smartphone, tablet, smart TV, gaming console, and more—all using the same account. The limitation only applies to how many of these devices can actively stream content at the same time.

Detailed Breakdown by Hulu Plan

Let‘s examine each Hulu plan and its simultaneous streaming capabilities in greater detail:

Hulu Basic (With Ads)

Price: $7.99/month
Simultaneous streams: 2
Key features:

• Access to Hulu‘s streaming library with ads
• Ability to create up to 6 user profiles
• No offline downloads

Hulu‘s most affordable plan allows two people to stream different content at the same time. This means you could be watching "The Handmaid‘s Tale" in the living room while someone else watches "Only Murders in the Building" on their iPad.

It‘s worth noting that while you can create up to six user profiles on a single account, only two profiles can stream content simultaneously. If a third person tries to stream, they‘ll receive an error message stating:

"Stream Limit Exceeded: You are currently streaming Hulu on another device. If you‘d like to use this device, please stop streaming from your other device."

According to Hulu‘s usage data, approximately 67% of Basic plan subscribers regularly utilize both available streams, highlighting the importance of this feature even at the entry-level tier.

Hulu (No Ads)

Price: $14.99/month
Simultaneous streams: 2
Key features:

• Ad-free viewing experience