How much does it cost to develop a streaming app like Hulu?

May 30, 2025

Entrepreneurs often raise a critical question: What is the actual cost to develop a streaming app like Hulu? However, before we proceed, let’s take a closer look at the app in detail. 

In today’s digital-first world, the way people consume entertainment has undergone a dramatic shift. People are moving away from traditional cable towards on-demand streaming services that offer flexible viewing, personalized content, and seamless multi-device experiences. This shift presents a golden opportunity for businesses to enter the OTT (Over-the-Top) streaming market with their platforms.

According to Grand View Research, the global video streaming market is projected to reach $416.84 billion by 2030. With such massive growth potential, many businesses are exploring the development of platforms like Hulu to capture their audience’s attention.

This article will break down the complete cost structure, feature sets, technical stack, hidden expenditures, and development timelines associated with building a Hulu-like app. 

Why Businesses Are Investing in Streaming Apps Like Hulu

Unlike traditional cable TV, video streaming app offers more freedom, choices, and the ability to watch content anywhere. Businesses are recognizing the vast opportunity in video streaming apps, especially since younger audiences prefer to watch content on their mobile devices. Here are some reasons why investing in these apps is a smart choice: 

Freedom of Choice

Streaming apps allow users to choose what to watch and when to watch it. Unlike cable TV, where you have to follow a schedule, users can explore a huge library of content and pick what they like, anytime and anywhere.

Exceptional Viewing Quality

Modern streaming apps offer high-quality viewing options, including HD, Full HD, and even 4 K. This high standard, along with a wide range of content such as independent films, documentaries, anime, and live events, is hard to find on cable TV.

Social Sharing Capabilities

People today enjoy sharing what they watch. Streaming apps connect with social media, letting users recommend, comment on, and talk about shows and videos with friends. This helps engage users and naturally attracts more viewers.

Multiple Revenue Streams

Streaming apps can generate revenue through subscriptions, advertisements, or pay-per-view options. This ability to generate income in various ways is appealing to businesses.

Accessibility and Portability

Unlike cable, streaming apps are compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and laptops. Users can watch content while commuting, traveling, or engaging in other activities, making these apps more convenient for today’s busy lifestyles.

In short, investing in video streaming app development enables businesses to remain relevant, scalable, and competitive in the evolving digital landscape.

Key Features That Influence the Cost to Develop an App Like Hulu

Each feature of a streaming app, such as Hulu, contributes to the overall cost. Advanced features improve user experience but require additional development time and technical resources.

User Registration & Profiles: This feature allows users to set up personal profiles, which is particularly helpful for families sharing a single account. Using social logins, such as Facebook or Google, makes the sign-up process easier. Features like age filters and parental controls help keep younger viewers safe by ensuring they only see appropriate content.

Advanced Video Streaming: High-quality video is essential for any video streaming app. Adaptive streaming provides a smooth experience, no matter the internet speed. Supporting HD, Full HD, and 4K streaming makes users happier. Also, offering both live streaming and on-demand videos makes the app more appealing.

Content Management System: A robust CMS enables the backend team to manage videos, details, and licenses efficiently. It also allows for scheduling content, making updates, and organizing new releases. Role-based access control in the CMS ensures that team members can work securely and efficiently.

Secure Payment Integration: To offer different subscription plans, the app needs secure payment options. Users should be able to select from various plans and pay using alternative methods. Adding features like discount coupons and gift cards can attract more users.

User Watchlist & Analytics: This feature allows users to save shows or movies for later viewing. On the backend, analytics can track what users are watching and what keeps them interested. This data helps improve content and user experience.

Multi-Device Compatibility: Users want to access and watch content on various devices. Ensuring the app works seamlessly on smart TVs, Android and iOS devices, tablets, and web browsers is crucial. Users should also be able to pick up where they left off, no matter which device they use, so syncing across devices is essential.

How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App Like Hulu?

The cost to develop an app like Hulu typically starts at $30,000 for a basic version and can range up to $250,000 or more for a fully featured, advanced streaming platform.

If you want a simple video streaming app with basic features, such as user login, video playback, and a content library, the cost may range from $30,000 to $60,000. This type of app is great for startups or small businesses.

For a more advanced Hulu-like app with features such as user profiles, smart recommendations, offline downloads, in-app purchases, multi-platform support (Android, iOS, Smart TV), and high-end UI/UX design, the cost typically ranges from $100,000 to $250,000, depending on the complexity and technical stack.

Development Cost Breakdown:

Hidden Costs in Streaming App Development

Below are the often-ignored costs that are incurred in the development of streaming video apps:

1. Licensing & Legal

• Rights to third-party content
• Terms of use and user privacy compliance

2. CDN (Content Delivery Network)

• Needed for fast streaming across the globe
• Monthly usage-based charges

3. Cloud Hosting & Storage

• Continuous storage for HD/4K videos
• Popular providers: AWS, GCP, Azure

4. Ongoing Maintenance

• Security updates, new features, and patching
• Average annual cost: 15–25% of initial development

5. Marketing and Customer Acquisition

• SEO, PPC, influencer tie-ups
• Budgeting for initial user traction and retention

These costs can add up and account for 20–30% additional spending beyond initial development.

How Monetization Models Influence Development Cost

When you create a streaming app like Hulu, your plan to earn money (monetization model) will impact the app’s development cost. Some models are easy, while others require extra features and systems. Here are the main monetization models and their effects on development cost:

Subscription Video On Demand (SVOD): In this model, users pay a monthly or yearly fee to access content. Apps like Netflix and Hulu use this method. With SVOD, your app requires a secure subscription system, user account management, and automatic payment processing. You may also need different plans (such as Basic, Premium, or Family) and a method for handling free trials. Adding these features makes development take longer and cost more.

Ad-Supported Video On Demand (AVOD): In this model, users can watch content for free, but they will see ads during the videos. This is common on platforms like YouTube. To support AVOD, your app must connect with ad networks and display ads correctly. You also have to manage user data to show relevant ads. All this requires special tools and testing, which can raise development costs.

Transactional Video On Demand (TVOD): In TVOD, users pay only for specific movies or shows they want to watch, like renting a film. Your app needs a secure payment system, control over content access, and digital rights management (DRM) to prevent illegal copying. These requirements can make building a TVOD system more expensive than simpler models.

Hybrid Monetization Model: A hybrid model combines two or more ways to earn money. For example, you could offer free content with ads and also provide a paid subscription that removes ads and grants access to premium shows. This model gives users more choices, but it also makes the app more complicated. You’ll need to create different user paths, payment options, and content access rules, which can increase development time and costs.

Why Choose RichestSoft to Build a Hulu-Like App?

When it comes to building a powerful, feature-rich Hulu-like app, Richestsoft stands out as a top choice for both startups and enterprises. With over a decade of experience in OTT app development, we understand what it takes to succeed in today’s competitive streaming market. 

Our team of expert developers, designers, and strategists specializes in crafting custom app development solutions tailored to your specific business goals. From seamless multi-device compatibility to AI-powered content recommendations, we make sure your video streaming app delivers a flawless experience from the very first tap.

At RichestSoft, we don’t just build apps. We create on-demand video platforms that are scalable, secure, and designed for long-term growth and success. Whether you’re looking to monetize through subscriptions, ads, or hybrid models, our robust architecture supports multiple revenue streams while maintaining smooth performance. 

We utilize cutting-edge technologies, real-time analytics, and cloud-native deployment to ensure your app is fast, reliable, and always at the forefront of innovation.

Conclusion

Understanding the cost to develop an app like Hulu is just the first step. Many factors, like design, features, platform choice, and development hours, play a role. However, beyond numbers, what truly matters is building a streaming app that functions smoothly, keeps users engaged, and scales with your business. That’s where the right partner can make a big difference. 

RichestSoft not only offers expert app development but also provides smart, cost-effective solutions. Whether you’re planning a new app or enhancing an existing one, we’re here to bring your vision to life as a real, successful streaming platform.