Hulu Introduces Its Subscription Service For 10 Bucks a Month

It’s rare that good news can come from a free service turning to a paid subscription service, but Hulu has done it. So far. That’s because Hulu’s new subscription service isn’t really the same as its popular free service–it’s an upgraded version called Hulu Plus. Users will still be able to access the same free content that includes TV shows and clips from major networks. Hulu Plus, which will require a subscription of $9.99 per month, will give users access to expanded content that can be viewed on more platforms than the standard version.

Hulu Plus will offer entire seasons of shows, thereby serving as a competitor to cable and satellite providers. Unlike the latter, Hulu Plus will provide viewers with big flexibility in viewing, providing iPhone, iPad, Xbox and PlayStation compatibility.

The move toward a paid service will address profitability concerns from some of Hulu’s parent companies. The company will continue to run ads on the premium version and will unroll the service as a free trial to invitees. You can get on the invite list here.

So far, Hulu Plus sounds good. It’s a complementary service that can deliver more robust content pretty much anywhere you want to be. As long as the service doesn’t abandon its bread and butter–providing free, flexible TV viewing–I think Hulu Plus could be a hit. [via NY Times]