I. Introduction
You’re on a long flight or train ride and want to catch up on your favorite Hulu shows, but you have no internet connection. This can be frustrating for Hulu subscribers who are used to streaming their favorite shows on demand. Fortunately, Hulu now allows users to download select shows and movies for offline viewing. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to downloading Hulu shows, the pros and cons of downloading versus streaming, and an overview of Hulu’s plans that include the download feature. Let’s get started.
II. A Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading Hulu Shows for Offline Viewing
The first step in downloading Hulu shows for offline viewing is to make sure you have a reliable internet connection and storage space on your device. Once you’ve met these requirements, follow these steps:
- Open the Hulu app on your mobile device or tablet and select the show or movie you want to download.
- Tap the download icon (an arrow pointing downward) next to the video to begin the download.
- Wait for the download to complete. Depending on the length of the video and your internet connection, this can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
- Once the download is complete, you can access the downloaded video by going to the “Downloads” section of the Hulu app.
- You can now watch the downloaded video anytime, anywhere, without an internet connection.
It’s important to note that downloaded videos have an expiration date, which means they will be automatically removed from your device after a certain period of time (typically 30 days). To renew the download, simply re-download the video before it expires.
III. A Detailed Review of Hulu’s Download Feature
One advantage of downloading Hulu shows is the ability to watch them offline, but there are other factors to consider before deciding whether to download or stream. Here are some of the pros and cons of Hulu’s download feature:
- Advantages:
- Watch shows and movies without an internet connection
- No buffering or lagging due to slow internet
- An easy solution for traveling, or when internet access is limited
- Disadvantages:
- Downloading takes up storage space on your device
- Downloaded videos have an expiration date
- Not all Hulu shows are available for download
Compared to other streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, Hulu’s download feature is competitive in terms of selection and video quality. However, there are some limitations on the number of downloads offered at a time, and not all content is available for download, which can be a drawback for some users.
IV. The Best Shows to Download on Hulu
If you’re wondering what shows to download on Hulu, we’ve compiled a list of top-rated shows that are worth watching offline:
- The Handmaid’s Tale
- Pen15
- The Great
- Little Fires Everywhere
- Ramy
These shows represent a range of genres and styles, including drama, comedy, and sci-fi. They have all received critical acclaim and have loyal fan bases. Whether you’re looking for a thought-provoking drama or a laugh-out-loud comedy, you’ll find great options to download on Hulu.
V. How to Optimize Hulu Downloads on Different Devices
Downloading Hulu shows can be tricky on some devices, so here are some tips to optimize the download experience:
- Make sure you have a reliable internet connection before starting the download. Slow internet can cause problems during the download process.
- Choose a device with adequate storage space before downloading a show or movie.
- If you encounter problems during the download process, like a frozen download or an incomplete download, try restarting the device or app.
By following these tips and best practices, you can ensure a seamless download experience and enjoy your shows without interruption.
VI. Can You Download Hulu Shows with Ads?
Unfortunately, users cannot download shows containing ads for offline viewing. Since Hulu’s business model is based on ad revenue, the ads are a mandatory part of the viewing experience. However, users can still download the ad-supported shows for online viewing. The ad experience during viewing will be the same regardless of downloading or streaming. Alternately, users can opt for Hulu’s ad-free subscription plan, which offers an uninterrupted viewing experience.
VII. A Breakdown of Hulu Plans that Allow Downloads
Hulu offers three different plans from which users can select – basic Hulu, Hulu with Live TV and Hulu (No Ads), which all come with different pricing structures and limitations. The basic Hulu plan does not include the download feature and is priced at $6.99 per month. The Hulu (No Ads) plan allows for ad-free downloads and is priced at $11.99 per month. The Hulu + Live TV plan offers the download benefit and is priced at $64.99 per month while enabling users to access Live TV Channels, which users can also download and access offline.
VIII. Conclusion
Downloading Hulu shows for offline viewing is a great feature that caters to users who are frequently on-the-go or have limited access to the internet. By following the steps outlined in this article and considering our reviewed pros and cons, you can make an informed decision about whether downloading or streaming is right for you. Not only does download enable you to catch up on your favorite shows anytime, anywhere, but it also optimizes the viewing experience.
