Hulu does not offer split screen or picture-in-picture viewing

Hulu's streaming service does not include a built-in split screen feature that lets you watch multiple channels or programs at the same time on one screen, the way YouTube TV does. If you want to watch two things simultaneously on Hulu, you will need to use two separate devices or two separate browser windows on a computer — but even then, Hulu's terms of service limit simultaneous streams based on your subscription plan.

YouTube TV's split screen feature works because it is designed around live television, where you can tune two channels at once just as you would with a cable box. Hulu is primarily a video-on-demand service, meaning you are watching recorded shows and movies rather than live feeds. That difference in how the services work explains why the feature exists in one but not the other.

Key Takeaways

  • Hulu does not have a split screen or picture-in-picture mode built into its app or website.
  • Your Hulu subscription plan determines how many devices can stream at the same time, but not whether you can watch two programs on one screen.
  • You can watch Hulu on two devices at once if your plan allows multiple simultaneous streams, but you cannot split a single screen between two shows.
  • YouTube TV includes split screen because it streams live television channels; Hulu's on-demand library does not support the same feature.

How many devices can stream Hulu at the same time

The number of simultaneous streams depends on which Hulu plan you have. The Hulu (With Ads) plan allows two streams at once. The Hulu (No Ads) plan also allows two streams. If you have Hulu + Live TV, you get four simultaneous streams, which is the highest tier.

This limit applies across all your devices combined — not per device. So if you have the basic plan and one person is watching on a phone, a second person can watch on a tablet, but a third person cannot start a third stream. If someone tries to start a fourth stream on Hulu + Live TV, the oldest active stream will stop playing.

Watching two programs on separate devices instead

If you want to watch two different Hulu programs at the same time, the practical solution is to use two devices. One person can watch on a phone or tablet while another watches on a TV or computer. As long as your plan allows simultaneous streams, both will play without interruption.

On a computer, you can also open Hulu in two separate browser windows or tabs and start two different shows, provided your plan supports it. This works because Hulu counts each active stream, not each window. However, the audio from both will play at once, which makes this approach useful mainly if you are testing something or need video without sound on one of them.

Why YouTube TV has split screen and Hulu does not

YouTube TV's split screen feature exists because the service is built around live television. When you tune to two channels on YouTube TV, you are receiving two live feeds simultaneously — the same way a traditional cable box can display two channels side by side. The infrastructure and licensing for live TV makes this straightforward to implement.

Hulu's core service is on-demand video. You are selecting a specific show or movie from a library and streaming it to your device. The service was not designed around the idea of displaying two separate on-demand streams on one screen at the same time. Adding that feature would require changes to the app's interface, the backend streaming system, and potentially the licensing agreements with content providers — which is why it has not been added despite years of user requests.

Alternatives if you need to watch multiple things at once

If split screen is important to you, YouTube TV remains the only major streaming service that offers it. Services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Max do not have split screen either. Your options are to watch on multiple devices, or to accept that you will watch one thing at a time.

Some people use a second streaming service specifically for live TV — YouTube TV or Sling TV — alongside Hulu for on-demand content. This way, one person can watch live sports or news on YouTube TV while another watches a show on Hulu, each on their own device. This approach costs more but gives you the flexibility of live TV plus a large on-demand library.

What to check before assuming you can stream multiple shows

Before you set up Hulu for multiple people, verify which plan you have. Log into your Hulu account, go to Account Settings, and look at your subscription details. The plan name will tell you how many simultaneous streams you are allowed. If you are not sure, you can also try starting a second stream on a different device — Hulu will tell you if you have hit your limit.

If you are sharing an account with family members, keep in mind that simultaneous stream limits explore to the whole account, not per person. If three people in your household want to watch at the same time, you will need either the Hulu + Live TV plan (four streams) or a second Hulu subscription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Hulu on my phone and TV at the same time?

Yes, if your plan allows two or more simultaneous streams. Start one show on your phone and another on your TV, and both will play as long as you have not hit your stream limit. The Hulu (With Ads) and Hulu (No Ads) plans both allow two streams, so this works on either of them.

What happens if I try to start a third stream on Hulu?

If you exceed your plan's simultaneous stream limit, Hulu will stop the oldest active stream. The person watching on that device will see a message saying the stream was interrupted because the account is being used elsewhere. They can start a new stream once another device stops playing.

Does Hulu + Live TV have split screen like YouTube TV?

No. Hulu + Live TV gives you four simultaneous streams instead of two, but it does not include split screen on a single device. You can watch four different things at once across four devices, but not two things on one screen.

Can I use two browser windows to watch two Hulu shows at once?

Yes, if your plan allows it. Open Hulu in two separate browser tabs or windows, log in if needed, and start two different shows. Both will stream as long as you have not exceeded your simultaneous stream limit. Be aware that audio from both will play at the same time.