About Hulu
Hulu is a subscription streaming service majority-owned by The Walt Disney Company, with Comcast holding a minority stake. The platform delivers on-demand movies, TV shows, and original series in one place.
With over 100 million active users (more than 40% are paying subscribers), Hulu markets itself as an alternative to traditional cable TV. That positioning makes it appealing if you’re targeting cord-cutters looking for streaming options.
Bottom line: Hulu’s brand recognition gives you instant credibility—people already know and trust the name.
What is the Hulu Affiliate Program?
The program lets you earn commissions when someone signs up for Hulu through your referral link. You get paid whether they start a free trial or purchase a subscription immediately.
This works particularly well for bloggers, influencers, and content creators in the entertainment space.
Here’s what makes it different: Hulu runs its program through FlexOffers.com—one of the largest affiliate networks. This gives you multiple payment options and professional tracking tools.
But it also means FlexOffers handles all payments, not Hulu directly. Keep that in mind.
Commission Rates: What You’ll Actually Earn
Hulu offers two commission types:
Free trial signups: $1.60 per registration
Paid subscriptions: $9.60 per sale
Let’s be honest about what this means. That $1.60 for free trials is lower than most programs pay for actual purchases. But here’s the advantage: you still earn even when someone only wants to test the service.
With an average order value around $15-$18 monthly (depending on the plan), that $9.60 commission represents roughly 53-64% payout. That’s competitive in the streaming space.
My take: The free trial commission softens the blow if your audience prefers testing services first. But you’ll need volume to make real money at $1.60 per trial.
Payment Details: The Frustrating Part
FlexOffers.com pays monthly on net 60 terms.
Here’s what that actually means: Commissions earned in March (1st-31st) get processed 60 days later on May 31st. Then payments go out June 1-7.
You’re waiting nearly 90 days from when someone signs up to when money hits your account.
That timing honestly frustrates many affiliates, especially those used to 30-day payment cycles from other programs.
Payment thresholds:
- Wire transfer: $1,000 minimum
- Check, bank transfer, PayPal, international ACH: $25 minimum
The $25 threshold for most methods helps—you’re not waiting to hit some impossible minimum. But that 60-day wait? That’s the real challenge.
Who Actually Succeeds with Hulu?
From watching how affiliates perform across streaming programs, here’s what separates the winners from those earning pocket change:
Most struggling affiliates write generic “Top 10 Streaming Services” roundups where Hulu is just another option in a crowded list.
Top performers create specific content around Hulu’s unique advantages: simultaneous streaming on multiple devices, bundling with Disney+ and ESPN+, next-day access to current TV shows, and lower prices than cable.
Pattern we see repeatedly: Comparison content (“Hulu vs Netflix for TV Shows” or “Best Streaming Service for Cord-Cutters”) converts 2-3x better than generic overviews.
Why? Because readers searching those terms are already considering Hulu specifically. They’re closer to purchasing.
The Real Advantages
Brand Recognition That Actually Matters
Hulu isn’t some unknown startup you’re trying to convince people to trust. With over 40 million paid subscribers, you’re promoting an established service your audience has likely heard about.
That recognition removes a major conversion barrier.
You Earn From Free Trials
Most affiliate programs require an actual purchase. Hulu pays you $1.60 even when someone just starts a free trial.
Here’s why this matters: In our analysis of streaming affiliate data, free trial offers convert at roughly 3x higher rates than purchase-only programs. Lower friction means more conversions for you.
Large Addressable Market
The streaming industry isn’t slowing down. More people continue cutting cable every quarter, creating consistent demand for services like Hulu.
You’re not promoting a fad product that might disappear. This market has staying power.
The Honest Challenges
Brutal Competition
You’re competing against Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and dozens of smaller services—all fighting for the same subscribers.
The streaming comparison space is genuinely oversaturated. Every entertainment blogger and tech site publishes “best streaming service” roundups.
Differentiation isn’t optional here.
That 60-Day Payment Wait
We mentioned this earlier, but it deserves emphasis. Waiting 60+ days for payment creates real cash flow challenges, especially for new affiliates building momentum.
If you’re used to Amazon Associates’ faster payments or programs with 30-day cycles, this adjustment stings.
Low Per-Conversion Earnings
At $1.60 per trial and $9.60 per sale, you need significant volume to generate meaningful income. One referral won’t move the needle.
Key insight: You’ll need 100+ monthly conversions to earn $1,000+. That requires either substantial traffic or extremely targeted, high-converting content.
How to Actually Join
You have two signup paths, both through FlexOffers.com:
Option 1: Sign up for FlexOffers.com directly, then search for Hulu’s program
Option 2: Use Hulu’s direct affiliate signup link (still goes through FlexOffers)
Either way, here’s the process:
Step 1: Complete the Application
Fill in FlexOffers’ publisher application with your site details, traffic information, and promotional methods. Read their terms before clicking “Register.”
Step 2: Verify Your Email
Check your inbox for the verification email from FlexOffers. Click the confirmation button.
Step 3: Finish Your Profile
After email verification, complete any remaining profile fields. Submit everything and wait for approval.
The good news? FlexOffers typically reviews applications within one business day. Their onboarding moves quickly.
Once approved, access your affiliate dashboard and grab your Hulu tracking links.
Strategies That Actually Work
So how do you stand out in a crowded streaming market?
Create Comparison Content
From working with entertainment affiliates, we’ve found that detailed comparison posts drive the highest conversions. Think “Hulu vs Netflix: Which Has Better TV Shows?” or “Is Hulu Worth It for Sports Fans?”
These pieces target people already considering Hulu specifically—not just browsing streaming options generally.
Add exact pricing comparisons, feature breakdowns, and honest recommendations based on viewer type.
Use Social Proof in Your Content
Don’t just list Hulu’s features. Show real examples of how it solves problems your audience faces.
“Tired of waiting months for your favorite shows to hit streaming? Hulu adds new episodes the day after they air on TV. You’ll watch This Is Us season finales without FOMO.”
That’s more compelling than “Hulu has next-day TV access.”
Leverage Email Marketing
Build a list of people interested in streaming recommendations. When Hulu runs promotions (discounted plans, bundle deals, free trial extensions), email your list immediately.
Segment your audience by interests: cord-cutters, sports fans, reality TV watchers, prestige drama enthusiasts. Send personalized recommendations based on what they actually want to watch.
Pattern we see: Promotional emails during major TV premieres (finale seasons, anticipated new shows) convert 40% better than generic “try Hulu” messages.
Track What Actually Converts
Use FlexOffers’ analytics to identify which content drives trials vs. paid subscriptions. Double down on whatever works.
If your “Best Streaming Services for Families” post generates 50% of your Hulu referrals, create three more family-focused streaming articles. Don’t waste time on content that doesn’t convert.
Should You Join? The Bottom Line
Join if:
- You create entertainment or technology content consistently
- You have traffic interested in streaming and cord-cutting
- You can generate 100+ monthly referrals (needed for meaningful income)
- You can tolerate 60-90 day payment delays
Skip if:
- You need immediate cash flow (that payment delay kills momentum)
- You’re in a completely unrelated niche
- You can’t compete with established streaming review sites
- You’re looking for high per-conversion earnings ($20+ commissions)
My take: Hulu works best as part of a diversified streaming affiliate strategy. Promote Hulu alongside Paramount+, Disney+, and niche services. That diversification protects you if one program changes terms.
The brand recognition and free trial commissions make this program viable. But that 60-day payment cycle and competitive market mean you’ll work hard for every dollar.
If you’re already creating streaming content and can drive targeted traffic, join. Just don’t expect easy money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should join the Hulu affiliate program?
The program fits bloggers, website owners, and influencers with audiences interested in streaming entertainment and TV shows. It works particularly well if you already create cord-cutting or entertainment content.
Is there a fee to join?
No. The Hulu affiliate program through FlexOffers is completely free. Just apply and wait for approval.
Can I join without a website?
You can drive traffic from social media or email marketing. But most successful affiliates have blogs or YouTube channels providing detailed content. FlexOffers prefers applicants with established platforms.
What happens if a customer cancels?
Almost every affiliate program reverses commissions for cancellations or refunds. Hulu follows this standard. Your commission gets clawed back if the customer cancels before paying.
If your contract terms differ, that’s unusual—check your specific agreement with FlexOffers.
Do I need to be a Hulu subscriber?
No. Anyone can promote Hulu and earn commissions regardless of personal subscription status.
Are there minimum traffic requirements?
FlexOffers doesn’t publish strict minimums. However, they generally accept affiliates with established websites, blogs, YouTube channels, or social media followings. Brand new sites with zero traffic often get rejected.
Can I promote other streaming services simultaneously?
Yes. Hulu allows publishers to promote competing entertainment services alongside their platform. You can recommend Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and others in the same content.
What are the best Hulu affiliate program alternatives?
1. Disney+ Partner / Affiliate Program
Disney+ lets affiliates earn for each qualified user who signs up via their referral. You’ll get access to promotional assets (banners, links) and can integrate into content around Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and more. The program is free to join and typically supports global markets.
2. Paramount+ Affiliate Program
Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access) offers an affiliate program where you earn commissions when users subscribe to its streaming plans. They provide tracking tools, creative assets, and support for link & banner promotion. It’s ideal for content creators focused on general entertainment and TV series.
3. Amazon Prime Video / Amazon Associates (Prime-specific offers)
Although not exclusively a video-affiliate program, Amazon Associates allows you to promote Amazon Prime and its video content (when available in your market). You earn commissions on qualifying Prime memberships or bundled offerings, making it a flexible option if your audience already shops on Amazon.
4. FuboTV Affiliate Program
FuboTV is a streaming service focused on live TV (sports, news, entertainment). Its affiliate program rewards referrals who package live channels and on-demand content. This is especially relevant if your audience is interested in sports, live broadcasts, or “cord-cutting” solutions.
5. Philo Affiliate Program
Philo is a U.S. streaming service offering a selection of entertainment, lifestyle, and family channels (no sports). Its affiliate program gives you commissions on referrals who sign up. It tends to perform well for audiences who want a simpler, lower-cost streaming package without premium sports add-ons.
