Hulu to Eliminate Its Ad-Supported Free Streaming Service

Variety reports that Hulu will be eliminating its ad-supported free streaming service in favor of an all-subscription model. In addition, the service has announced that it has expanded its
distribution deal with Yahoo, and will launch Yahoo View, described as "a new ad-supported TV-streaming site with watch the last five episodes of ABC, NBC, FOX - eight days after original air date - as well as other network shows, day-after clips, and full seasons of anime and Korean drama."

The decision to offer only subscriptions will make Hulu more compeitive with Netflix and Amazon Prime, its two key SVOD rivals. Hulu offers two subscription plan options: $7.99 per month with commercials, and $11.99 per month without any ads.

Said Phil Lynch, VP and head of media partnerships for Yahoo, "Video is an important part of Yahoo's strategy and we're committed to delivering the best digital video content to our users. To date, we've streamed amazing experiences across sports, finance, and news. This partnership with Hulu is a natural extension of that strategy, bringing the best of TV & entertainment content to our lifestyle vertical."

Yahoo's new site, at view.yahoo.com, is available in the U.S. beginning Monday. Mobile web and mobile apps will be forthcoming.