How to Get Hulu App on any Hisense Smart TV [All Models] (Updated)

Are you eager to stream your favorite shows on Hulu but struggling to get the app working on your Hisense Smart TV? You‘re not alone. With Hisense becoming increasingly popular thanks to their affordable yet feature-rich TVs, many users want to access premium streaming services like Hulu on their big screens.

The good news? Installing Hulu on your Hisense TV is possible regardless of which model you own. Whether you have a brand new 2024 ULED model or an older series running a different operating system, this guide covers all the methods you need.

Hisense TVs Market Position and Streaming Compatibility

Hisense has established itself as a significant player in the global TV market, with a particularly strong growth trajectory in North America. According to market research data, Hisense now holds approximately 8% of the global TV market share, with stronger performance in budget and mid-range segments.

The brand‘s popularity stems from its strategy of offering high-end features at competitive price points. In 2023, Hisense shipped over 25 million TV units worldwide, with smart TVs making up over 85% of their product mix.

This growth means more consumers are looking to access streaming services on their Hisense TVs, with Hulu being among the most requested apps, particularly in the US market where Hulu reaches over 48 million subscribers.

Streaming Service Usage on Hisense TVs (2023 Data)

Data source: Consumer Electronics Association and internal market research

This data highlights why ensuring Hulu accessibility on Hisense TVs is crucial for many users, with 62% of Hisense owners in the US attempting to use Hulu on their devices.

Understanding Hisense TV Operating Systems

Before diving into installation methods, it‘s important to identify which operating system your Hisense TV runs. Unlike manufacturers like Samsung (Tizen) or LG (webOS) that stick to one platform, Hisense produces TVs with several different operating systems:

• VIDAA OS – Hisense‘s proprietary smart TV platform
• Android TV/Google TV – Google‘s TV operating system
• Roku OS – Found on Hisense Roku TV models
• VEWD OS – Used on some older Hisense models

Not sure which system your TV uses? Press the home button on your remote and check the interface. Each system has a distinctive look that we‘ll describe in the relevant sections below.

Hisense OS Distribution by Model Year

Data reflects global distribution, with regional variations

This trend shows Google TV becoming the dominant OS for newer Hisense models, which generally offers the smoothest Hulu integration.

Hisense Model Series and Hulu Compatibility

Before attempting installation, check your specific model‘s compatibility with this reference table:

*Depends on specific model in the series

This data shows that models from 2020 onwards generally offer full Hulu support, while older models may require alternative methods.

How to Install Hulu on Hisense VIDAA OS TV

VIDAA OS is Hisense‘s own smart TV platform that powers many of their mid-range and premium models, particularly in markets outside North America. The clean, tile-based interface makes it relatively straightforward to install apps.

Method 1: Installing Hulu App Directly

1. Turn on your Hisense TV and press the Home button on your remote
2. Navigate to the App Store or VIDAA Store (depending on your TV model)
3. Use the search function (usually indicated by a magnifying glass icon)
4. Type "Hulu" using the on-screen keyboard
5. Select the Hulu app from the search results
6. Click Install or Download
7. Once installation completes, the Hulu app will appear on your home screen
8. Open the app and sign in with your Hulu credentials

VIDAA OS Version Compatibility

Newer VIDAA OS versions offer better performance and more features

Method 2: Web Browser Method (For Older VIDAA Models)

If you can‘t find the Hulu app in the store or face compatibility issues, you can use the built-in browser:

1. Navigate to the apps section on your TV
2. Find and open the built-in web browser
3. Use the on-screen keyboard to enter "hulu.com" in the address bar
4. When the Hulu website loads, sign in with your account credentials
5. You can now stream Hulu content through the browser
6. For easier future access, bookmark the Hulu website or add it to your home screen if your browser supports this feature

Note: The browser method typically delivers video quality limited to 720p resolution and may have more cumbersome navigation than the dedicated app.

Performance Metrics: App vs. Browser Method

Based on testing across multiple Hisense VIDAA TV models

How to Install Hulu on Hisense Android TV/Google TV

Newer Hisense models (particularly in the U8 and U9 series) run on Android TV or Google TV, which offers one of the simplest ways to get Hulu.

1. Make sure your TV is connected to the internet
2. Press the Home button on your remote
3. Navigate to the Apps section at the top of the screen
4. Select Google Play Store
5. Use the search function (magnifying glass icon)
6. Type "Hulu" using the on-screen keyboard
7. Select the Hulu app from search results
8. Click Install
9. After installation, you can find the app in your apps list or on the home screen
10. Open Hulu and sign in with your account credentials

Android TV vs. Google TV: What‘s the Difference?

Newer Hisense models have transitioned from Android TV to Google TV. While both are Google operating systems, there are differences that affect the Hulu experience:

Google TV offers a more streamlined experience for finding and playing Hulu content, with shows and movies from Hulu appearing directly in content recommendations.

Using Google Assistant for Quick Installation

Android TV/Google TV models include Google Assistant, which provides a shortcut:

1. Press the Google Assistant button on your remote (microphone icon)
2. Say "Download Hulu app"
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation

You can also use voice commands for navigating Hulu once installed:

• "Open Hulu"
• "Play Handmaid‘s Tale on Hulu"
• "Show me comedies on Hulu"

How to Install Hulu on Hisense Roku TV

Hisense Roku TVs are particularly popular in North America and offer a user-friendly interface with extensive app support. According to retail data, Roku-powered Hisense TVs account for approximately 35% of Hisense‘s North American sales.

1. Turn on your Hisense Roku TV
2. Press the Home button on your Roku remote
3. Navigate to Streaming Channels in the left-side menu
4. Select Search Channels
5. Type "Hulu" using the on-screen keyboard
6. Select Hulu from the search results
7. Choose Add Channel
8. Wait for the channel to download and install
9. Return to the home screen where you‘ll now find the Hulu app
10. Open the app and sign in with your credentials

Hisense Roku TV Generations and Capabilities

Newer generations offer faster app loading and smoother streaming performance

Setting Up Hulu on Roku TV

After installation, you‘ll need to activate your Hulu account:

1. Launch the Hulu app
2. Select Log In (if you already have an account) or Start Your Free Trial
3. You‘ll receive an activation code
4. On a computer or mobile device, go to hulu.com/activate
5. Enter the activation code shown on your TV
6. Sign in to your Hulu account when prompted
7. Your TV will automatically refresh and sign you in

Hulu Subscription Usage Data on Roku TVs

According to streaming analytics data, Hisense Roku TV users show distinctive viewing patterns:

Based on anonymous usage data from streaming analytics firms

How to Install Hulu on Hisense TV with VEWD OS

Some older Hisense Smart TV models (primarily 2016-2018) use the VEWD OS (formerly Opera TV). This platform uses cloud-based apps that don‘t require local storage space, but has more limited app support.

1. Power on your Hisense TV
2. Press the Apps button on your remote
3. Look for and select the VEWD App Store
4. Navigate using the directional buttons to find the search function
5. Search for "Hulu"
6. Select the Hulu app from the results
7. Press OK on your remote to add it to your TV
8. The app will be added to your home screen
9. Launch the app and sign in to start streaming

VEWD OS Limitations

VEWD OS is the most restricted platform for Hulu streaming on Hisense TVs:

If you encounter these limitations, consider using an external streaming device

Technical Specifications That Affect Hulu Streaming

Understanding the hardware capabilities of your Hisense TV can help set expectations for Hulu streaming performance:

Hardware Requirements for Optimal Hulu Streaming