Like many other streaming services on the market, Hulu offers its users a trial subscription. In the case of Hulu, it lasts for 30 days, after which you will be charged for the next month. A nice bonus is also the fact that you can take a trial subscription, both for a plan with advertising and for a plan without advertising. Please note that Live TV is not included in the trial version of Hulu.
To activate a trial subscription to Hulu, you will need to go to the Hulu website and register a new account. Click on the Sign-Up button. choose the desired Hulu plan and enter your details to create an account. After that, you must enter your payment method details (card or PayPal). The account will then be created, and the trial period will automatically start.
Let’s take a closer look at the process below, with pictures.
Does Hulu have a free trial?
Does Hulu offer a free trial? The answer is yes. In the overcrowded market of streaming services, free trials have become a standard tool for attracting potential customers. A free trial is a period during which users can access the service’s full offerings without any financial commitment.
Realizing the value of first-hand experience, Hulu provides its potential subscribers with a 30-day free trial. This term allows users ample time to familiarize themselves with Hulu’s shows, movies, and exclusive content library. The big advantage for future Hulu customers is that the trial period is available for both Hulu’s ad-supported and ad-free plans. So you can watch the content you want for a month for free without ads and then downgrade if you want to save money.
How to start Hulu free trial
To start a trial period with Hulu, you usually just need to register and enter your payment details. After the end of the trial period, you will automatically be charged for the next month. To do this, you need to:
- Navigate to Hulu’s official website.
- On the homepage, you’ll see a button “Sign up for Hulu only.” Click on it.
- Hulu offers three subscription plans, each with different features and price points. Select either Hulu (No Ads) or basic Hulu. Underneath, you will see a notice about a trial period.
- To create a Hulu account, you’ll need to enter some basic information, including your email address, a password, and other personal details.
- Hulu still requires you to input payment details for the free trial, such as a credit, debit card, or PayPal. While you won’t be charged immediately, it’s essential to remember the trial’s end date. If you don’t cancel before the trial concludes, Hulu will automatically begin billing you for the subscription.
- Please note that during the payment method, you will see at the top the field “Free trial ends [date].” It means that the free trial will be active until this date.
After successfully signing up, you can immediately start enjoying Hulu’s vast content library. You can access Hulu from various devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
It’s a good practice to set a reminder a day or two before the trial’s end date. This will give you time to decide whether you want to continue with the subscription or cancel it before any charges apply.
Does Hulu + Live TV have a free trial?
The Hulu + Live TV plan does not offer new subscribers a complimentary trial period. Hulu + Live TV is an enhanced version of the standard Hulu streaming service. While it incorporates all the on-demand content that Hulu is renowned for, it further extends its offerings by providing live broadcasts, encompassing a range of channels from news to sports, ensuring that subscribers don’t miss out on real-time events and popular TV programs.
The absence of a free trial for Hulu + Live TV can be attributed to the added value this package brings. Offering live television channels alongside the vast on-demand library means higher operational costs for Hulu. The live broadcast rights for various shows, sports events, and news channels are typically more expensive. Hence, the company might have chosen to forgo the free trial option for this specific package to maintain a sustainable business model while offering competitive pricing.
Does Disney bundles have a free trial?
Disney Bundle also does not come with a free trial period. The Disney bundle is an attractive package that amalgamates three significant streaming platforms: Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. This combination offers subscribers a broad spectrum of content, ranging from Disney animations and movies to the vast collection of shows and films on Hulu and the adrenaline-pumping live sports action on ESPN+.
The rationale behind not offering a free trial for such a comprehensive package can be understood when considering the sheer value it provides. Combining three top-tier streaming services into one package already presents a discounted proposition for viewers. Offering a trial could potentially strain the economics of this bundle, given the breadth of premium content available across these platforms. Furthermore, each of these individual services might have its trials or promotions, making a collective trial for the bundle a complex proposition for Disney to manage.
Why you may be charged $1 for a free Hulu trial
When signing up for Hulu’s free trial, you might notice a minor charge, typically around $1, appearing on your payment method. This might seem counterintuitive for a “free” trial, but it’s a standard practice in the digital transaction domain. This nominal charge serves a crucial purpose: to verify the authenticity and validity of the payment method provided. By initiating this small transaction, Hulu ensures that the payment method is active, genuine, and not associated with any fraudulent activities.
However, it’s essential to understand that this isn’t a true charge in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s often termed an “authorization hold” or “pending charge.” This means that while the transaction might show up temporarily on your statement, it’s merely a placeholder. The intent isn’t to extract this amount but to check the account’s good standing. After the verification, this amount is usually released back to the account or credited, ensuring the user isn’t out of pocket for trying out Hulu’s services.
Can you get another Hulu trial subscription on the same credit card
Hulu typically does not allow users to use the same credit card information to take advantage of a free trial multiple times. When you sign up for a trial, Hulu records your payment details, and if you try to use the same credit card to start another trial, the system will likely recognize it and prevent the trial from being activated.
However, some users report that it may work to get another trial. Still, these might be against Hulu’s terms of service and could result in penalties, including the suspension of your account. Always ensure you’re adhering to the terms of service of any platform.
Who is eligible for the Hulu trial
When considering the Hulu trial, eligibility predominantly falls under four primary criteria. Let’s delve deeper into each one:
New Users
Hulu designs its trial primarily for first-time subscribers. Hulu aims to attract a new audience by giving them a taste of its extensive content library. New users are seen as potential long-term subscribers, and the trial serves as a gateway. You can benefit from this trial offer if you’re venturing into the Hulu universe for the first time. It’s an opportunity to navigate its interface, sample its vast array of shows and movies, and judge the streaming quality firsthand.
Returning Users
Hulu values its former subscribers. If you’ve had a subscription in the past and left, after some time, Hulu might send you an email with a special limited-time trial offer, encouraging you to revisit their service. They recognize that people’s preferences change and this is their way of inviting you back to see any new content or features they’ve added.
Collaborative Promotions
Hulu, from time to time, partners with third-party platforms or service providers for promotional endeavors. If you’re accessing Hulu through one of these special collaborations, you might find yourself eligible for unique trials or discounted rates. Such partnerships enhance value for both Hulu and its partner, providing users with an enriched experience and potentially expanding Hulu’s subscriber base.
Note: If you’ve previously activated a trial using a specific email address or payment method, attempting to use the same credentials could lead to ineligibility. This policy is rooted in fairness and preventing system exploitation. By limiting trials to one per payment method, Hulu ensures that the trial system benefits genuine new or returning users and isn’t misused by those trying to exploit the trial offer perpetually.
