Popular Streaming Service to Soon Raise Prices

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Years ago, when internet speeds increased, people across the nation started ditching pricy cable or satellite television in favor of free or cheap streaming platforms.

Streaming services such as Netflix were deemed more affordable, while still allowing access to premium content. Other platforms, such as Pluto, Crackle and Hulu were free, albeit with ad breaks. "Cutting the cord" just made good financial sense.

By 2010, of the more popular platforms, Hulu, began to offer subscription plans as their content library increased. To offset the cost, many subscribers shared their accounts log-in with family and friends.

As of early 2024, the monthly cost of Hulu without ads was $17.99/month. The ad-supported version was $7.99. By March of 2024, sharing of Hulu log-in information outside of a subscriber’s home was expressly prohibited.

On Friday, September 13, 2024, Hulu subscribers to the ad-supported version of the platform received the following notification, via email:

The price of Hulu will increase on October 17, 2024 to $9.99/month. The price adjustment will be reflected in your next billing cycle on or after October 17. Your payment method on file will be charged the new price unless you cancel before the start of your first billing cycle on or after October 17.

On Friday and Saturday, subscribers also received a similar message when logging in to the platform to stream their favorite shows or movies.

According to their official website, beginning October 17, 2024, monthly Hulu access (without ads) will increase from $17.99 to $18.99. Yearly Hulu access (with ads) will increase from $79.99 to $99.99. Other Hulu plans (including Live TV and bundles) will also see a price increase. Add-ons are extra.

Those who subscribe to several channels are finding that heir monthly streaming bills are inching closer to what they previously paid for cable or satellite. Most platforms offer introductory offers or yearly-price locks on Cyber Monday. Netflix has stopped offering discounts or introductory pricing -- even for the holidays. However, their monthly ad-supported service is now $6.99.

Hulu is owned by Disney Streaming, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. According to Statistica, Hulu had 51 million subscribers as of mid-2024.