Almost 60% of Americans regularly use video streaming services. So if you're trying to advertise to your target audience, chances are you can reach a lot of them on Hulu.
But if you're new to advertising on Hulu, it can be intimidating and you might not know where to start.
That's why we've created this guide outlining 5 essential tips for utilizing Hulu advertising. Keep reading to learn more.
An Introduction to Hulu Advertising
Let's start with the basics: what is Hulu? Hulu is an American video streaming service that allows users to stay up to date with currently airing TV shows.
Netflix, for example, lets you stream past seasons of shows that have already aired. Want to watch all of Gilmore Girls? You're in luck.
But what if you don't have live TV and you want to see the latest episode of The Voice, The Bachelor, or Saturday Night Live? Here's where Hulu comes into the picture.
In today's busy world, it's often tough to catch an episode right when it airs. With Hulu, you can watch it whenever it airs.
Hulu also features movies and original series, capturing the binge-watchers as well.
Depending on your target audience, Hulu can be a great place to advertise.
1. Utilize Context Targeting
One of the best features of Hulu advertising is its robust targeting capabilities.
First and foremost, think about your target market. How do they watch Hulu?
Are they on a computer? Smart TV? Mobile device?
This will change the type of ad you use and the type of targeting you utilize. Is your audience going to pick up the remote to click on your ad?
Hulu features a proprietary ad serving technology. This means that they can deliver ads that are more relevant to their viewers.
Hulu also knows important demographic information about its users. This means that you can more precisely target people based on their gender, age, or location. This is great news for any marketer.
You can also decide to feature your ads during certain programs that you know are interesting to your audience. This is another great way to provide a more targeted experience.
2. Try Ad Selector
In today's digital world, there are all kinds of advertisement options. Facebook, Google Ads, Youtube, traditional display, and native ads are just a few.
But one feature these platforms don't have that Hulu does is something called Ad Selector. With this tool, users are presented with two or three ad options and then they can choose to watch the one they like best.
With this tool, the user is presented with different thumbnail images paired with the title of your ad. And this is all you've got to convince people to click on your ad, so make your image stand out. Clickbait is a great idea here.
Then, the people who watch your ad will have actually chosen to watch it, increasing the chance that they'll become a customer.
3. Spread the Wealth
Another tip for advertising on Hulu, don't put all your eggs in one basket. In other words, test out a variety of different ad placements and don't bank on just one type. This is simply good advice for testing on any ad platform.
This also means that you should create multiple different ads. We've all seen an ad too many times to the point that it gets on our nerves.
And that's the last thing you want to happen to your audience.
Instead, make sure that your campaign features more than one ad. You should incorporate multiple still ads and multiple video assets.
And it's okay if they're related or similar. But they shouldn't be the exact same because this will lead to ad fatigue.
Varying the message will keep your message fresh and interesting.
4. Consider Using Slates
Slates are another valuable ad type available on Hulu. These are ads that run at the beginning of a show or movie.
Usually, they feature the following:
A still image
Your company logo
A voiceover
A slogan or quick promo
Basically, the idea here is "this program is brought you by this company." The goal of this type of advertisement is brand awareness, reminding your audience that you exist.
5. Remember that Not Everything Needs to Be Interactive
Last but not least, remember this: not everything needs to be interactive. Depending on your product, your audience, and your brand, a simple ad might do wonders for you.
The idea here is that every advertising platform has new, trendy ad capabilities. And it can be easy to get sucked into the latest and greatest offers. But these aren't always the most effective options for your situation.
The takeaway here is to not get distracted by all the shiny bells and whistles. Of course, these ad types can perform well. But more often than not, the basic ad types are great too and shouldn't be overlooked.
Final Thoughts on Advertising on Hulu
The truth is that today's advertising landscape is more competitive than ever. Advertising is more accessible than ever before and more companies are competing for the same ad placements.
To combat this, it's essential to find new ways to reach your audience. And Hulu may be a great option for your company.
Want help getting set up? Our team can help you have the highest chance of success in advertising on Hulu.
Want to learn more? Contact our team today. We're happy to help.