Ahead of its launch, Hulu has bolstered its content library by signing deals with Warner Brothers, Lionsgate Entertainment and MGM. Programming offered on the site includes films The Usual Suspects and Ice Age, plus TV shows such as Babylon 5 and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.
The strength of the global content offering on Hulu - which features programming from the likes of Sony, E! and National Geographic - is expected to provide stiff competition for UK online video services, such as BBC iPlayer and ITV.com, which feature mainly UK-origin content.
Hulu will feature a new advertising model that it hopes will boost commercial returns from its video content. Users will be able to choose one of three commercials played in the middle of their chosen video clip.
In addition, users have the option to forego commercials entirely, in return for watching a film trailer before their chosen programme begins.
The platform has been in testing since October and during that time its backers claim more than 5 million viewers have watched videos via Hulu.com or its third-party website distribution network, which includes AOL and Yahoo!
Jeff Zucker, president and chief executive officer of NBC Universal, said: "Hulu.com's impressive content line-up and user experience are equally important in bringing consumers back again and again. These are the same attributes that make Hulu attractive to major brands."
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