2025 Updated: Hulu's Download Explained in Detail!

Hulu is a streaming service that’s really popular for its fast updates on new episodes of TV shows, especially American series. It’s great if you want to watch the latest stuff pretty much right after it airs. They’ve got options with ads or without, so you can pick what works best for you. Plus, it’s packed with tons of movies and originals too.

All audiences basically have this need, to watch Hulu videos even when their internet connection is weak. It is important for us to conserve data when a stable Wi-Fi connection is unavailable. That’s why having the option to download videos for offline viewing is essential. Hulu's download function must be indispensable. Downloading a movie and playing it offline is very convenient.

But why has this issue become a common challenge that many keep trying to solve? The main reason lies in the numerous restrictions imposed by Hulu’s official download feature. Keep reading, and I will carefully explain how Hulu’s official download channels create obstacles when we try to download videos. You might find some of these challenges resonate with your experience. Later on, I will address each of these issues one by one.

Note: 8 Limitations of Hulu's Download Function

As I said earlier, let's first explain the main constraints imposed by Hulu's official download feature:

The download feature is related to the subscription plan

Not all Hulu subscriptions grant download privileges.  Usually, only subscribers to the ad-free or premium tier will have access to the downloaded videos. Those with a basic, ad-supported plan may be excluded from downloading or face substantial restrictions, limiting their ability to watch offline.

Only a portion of the content is available for download

Due to licensing agreements and content rights, only certain Hulu titles are available for offline viewing, and not all movies or TV shows are available for download. You can leave those TV series or movies that you find that cannot be downloaded in the comment area for your reference.

Limited number of download devices

Hulu restricts the number of connected devices that each account can download at the same time. The exact number of devices depends on your subscription plan. If you try to download or play on a new device outside of this limit, you will be prompted to delete the download from the other device first.

Maximum number of downloads within a specific time range

Hulu also has a limit on how many episodes or movies can be downloaded in a given period - what is commonly referred to as a "download quota". Once there, you'll have to delete the existing download allowance before saving the new content.

Invalid downloads

The videos downloaded by Hulu are only temporary. Once downloaded on your device, you have 30 days to start watching, and once you start playing, you need to watch it within 48 hours, otherwise the download will automatically expire.

Limit selection of download quality and file size

The Hulu platform controls the quality settings for downloaded videos, usually only offering standard or automatic video quality options. Usually only Standard Quality or Auto Quality options are available, and you can't manually select low, medium, or high video quality to control the download file size.

Geographical and regional limitations

Hulu's download service is only available in countries where the United States is dominant. In addition, some downloaded content is region-locked, and the download feature is generally unavailable in countries or regions outside the United States, even if you are able to access Hulu through a VPN, etc.

Downloads are not allowed on desktops or laptops

The Hulu download feature is limited to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. If you wish to watch it on a larger screen, the official Hulu download is not possible. 

Smartphones/Tablets Downloading Movies on Hulu

Some titles can be downloaded to your device, allowing you to watch them even when there is no Internet connection. Please see below for instructions on how to download Hulu on your mobile devices.  In fact, as long as you convert Hulu shows into MP4 or MKV format during the download process, you can watch them on Mac and other computer devices.

Step 1: Access the work you wish to download.

Search for the work you wish to download and display the work page.

Step 2: Start downloading

Click the "Download" button to start downloading.

Download Hulu Movies with Y2Mate Hulu Downloader

For those of you who want to watch Hulu videos offline on your PC, this is for you!

With Y2Mate 's Hulu Downloader, downloading Hulu movies is a breeze!

Y2Mate is

• Easily download videos from many video delivery sites
• Download Hulu Videos in 1080p or even 4K
• Batch download at lightning speed
• Save videos in MP4 format with EAC3 5.1 and AAC 2.0 surround sound
• Watch videos offline without ads
• Default audio track and subtitles
• Supports multiplexing process without downloading and encoding subtitles in SRT format
• Built-in browser for effortless video search and playback
• Save movie metadata such as TV shows
• Output in MP4 or MKV format

We have many great features for you to enjoy. Free download and try it now.

Here is how to download Hulu videos with Y2Mate Hulu Downloader.

Step 1: Download and install Y2Mate downloader

Go to the official Y2Mate DRM Downloader website. Find Y2Mate Hulu Downloader to install or just click below. 

Step 2: Access "Hulu" in the software

1. Go to "VIP Service" and click on Hulu. (You can also access from the homepage) 

2. log in to your Hulu account.

Step 3: Download the movie

Browse the movie you want to download and play it. Set the video quality and other settings, then click download.

You can also automatically download new episodes!

Convenient function Download hulu movies by URL

Y2Mate also has a feature to download hulu movies directly by URL!

Navigate to the "Home" section and select "Paste URL." Paste the URL of the video you wish to download into the URL field.  Set the format (audio or video) and quality you wish to download, and then click "Download Now."

How to download videos from other sites!

This article introduces how to save videos from Hulu, but there are many people who want to save videos from other sites as well.

• I want to record AMEBA videos.
• I want to download U-NEXT videos
• I want to download Paravi videos
• I want to record dTV videos

Please read this article and try Y2Mate Downloader.