Recently, the streaming platform Hulu has announced it has begun testing for a new feature on its ad-free subscription entitled Hulu Watch Party, according to Deadline. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, video conference apps such as Zoom have allowed for friends and family to remain connected. In addition to Zoom, Google Chrome extension aptly titled Netflix Party which allowed for friends and family to connect and chat with one another simultaneously with a run time of one of the streaming giant Netflix’s options. HBO has also announced a similar concept with its partnership with another Chrome extension, Scener, to further promote co-viewing option between members of its various streaming options such as HBO Now, HBO Go, and the recently launched HBO Max.
Hulu Watch Party is to allow for a maximum of eight people to join a lobby and co-view some of the streamer’s content with the addition of a chat room bubble. Despite the announcement of this new tool, the co-viewing option is currently in testing with these ad-free subscribers and there is no word for its full release to the streaming service and its subscribers across all of its tiers. Unlike Netflix Party and Scener, Hulu Watch Party will be incorporated with web browsers that allow for Hulu compatibility and are not subject to installing any extension to the browser being utilized.
Hulu currently offers four different paid tiers for its service starting at $5.99 per month for its basic service with ads. Other tier options include premium for $11.99 per month with no ads, basic service with ads and live TV for $54.99 per month, and its premium and live TV option for $60.99 per month. Additionally, Hulu offers new subscribers a 30-day free trial.