Streaming has revolutionized the way we consume entertainment, offering a vast array of options at our fingertips. In the early days of streaming, companies primarily relied on licensed content to attract subscribers. However, as the industry has matured, original content has become a critical component for success. Companies that can produce compelling, high-quality content are more likely to attract and retain subscribers in the highly competitive streaming market.
One company that has been particularly successful in this regard is Hulu. Originally launched as a joint venture between NBCUniversal, 21st Century Fox, and The Walt Disney Company, Hulu has grown to become one of the biggest players in the streaming industry. In recent years, Hulu has been making a big bet on original content, investing heavily in producing its own shows and movies. In this article, we’ll explore how Hulu’s big bet on original content going mainstream could transform the company’s future and impact the streaming industry as a whole.
The Rise of Original Content on Hulu
Over the years, Hulu’s investment in original content has only grown stronger. The company has put more resources into developing and producing its own shows and movies. This shift in strategy has proven to be a smart move for the company, as it has helped differentiate Hulu from its competitors in the streaming market.
- One of Hulu’s most successful original series to date is “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Based on Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel, the show has won numerous awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 2017. “The Handmaid’s Tale” has also been a critical darling, with its nuanced storytelling, powerful performances, and striking visuals earning it widespread acclaim.
- Another example of Hulu’s successful foray into original content is “Shrill.” Starring Aidy Bryant of “Saturday Night Live” fame, the show has been praised for its authentic portrayal of a young woman’s journey towards self-acceptance. The show tackles issues like body image, self-esteem, and cultural expectations with humor and heart, making it a relatable and compelling watch for audiences.
- Hulu has also dabbled in producing original films, such as “The Ultimate Playlist of Noise” and “Run.” These movies have been well-received by critics and audiences alike, showcasing Hulu’s versatility and ability to produce quality content across different genres.
Through its investment in original content, Hulu has been able to attract a wider range of viewers and stand out in the crowded streaming market. The company has proven that it can compete with industry giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video by producing high-quality, engaging content that resonates with audiences.
As Hulu’s original content library continues to expand, it will be interesting to see how the company evolves and grows in the coming years. With the backing of its parent companies, including Disney, Hulu has the resources and support to continue taking risks and producing innovative content that sets it apart from the competition.
The State of the Streaming Industry
The rise of original content has become a trend across the streaming industry, with companies like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max investing heavily in producing their own shows and movies. Netflix, for example, has become well-known for its original content, with hit shows like “Stranger Things,” “The Crown,” and “Bridgerton” drawing in millions of viewers worldwide.
The success of original content has also led to a shift in how streaming services approach content licensing. In the past, companies relied heavily on licensed content to attract viewers. However, as more and more companies invest in producing their own content, the value of licensed content has decreased. This has led to a fragmentation of the streaming market, with viewers subscribing to multiple services to access the content they want to watch.
Despite the increasing competition, the streaming industry as a whole has seen significant growth in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated this trend, with more people staying at home and turning to streaming services for entertainment. This has led to a surge in subscriptions for many streaming services, including Hulu, which saw a 30% increase in subscribers in 2020.
Looking ahead, the streaming industry is expected to continue to grow, with new players entering the market and existing companies expanding their offerings. Disney+, for example, was launched in 2019 and has quickly become a major player in the streaming market, thanks in part to its extensive library of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.
Hulu’s Big Bet on Original Content
Hulu has recognized the importance of original content and has been increasing its investment in this area. In 2021, Hulu announced that it would be investing $1.1 billion in original content, a 50% increase from the previous year.
Hulu’s original content lineup includes a wide variety of genres, from drama and comedy to horror and animation. Some of the most highly anticipated upcoming releases include the comedy series “Only Murders in the Building,” starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, and the horror series “The Mysterious Benedict Society,” based on the popular book series.
The potential impact of Hulu’s original content strategy on the streaming industry is significant. By investing heavily in original content, Hulu is positioning itself as a major player in the competition for subscribers. Additionally, Hulu’s strategy could help set a new standard for the industry as a whole. As more and more streaming services invest in original content, the quality and diversity of content on offer are likely to increase.
Original content is a trend not only to streaming services, it is definitely the right approach to success on every platform. We’ve seen in TikTok, more and more people are using all their resources to generate genuine and original content, even if it is a tutorial on how to make Spanish white rice.
Hulu’s big bet on original content going mainstream is a strategic move that could transform the company’s future. By investing heavily in original content, Hulu is positioning itself as a major player in the streaming industry and setting a new standard for the competition. As the streaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Hulu’s strategy plays out and whether other streaming services will follow suit. For now, one thing is clear: original content is here to stay, and Hulu is leading the charge.
