This has happened to me far too many times to count:
I’m watching Hulu in the background as I fall asleep.
Then, out of the blue…
An obnoxiously loud commercial wakes me up.
While I can’t solve my sleeping problems…
I can help you solve the Hulu commercial issue.
Keep reading to discover:
- 3 reasons why Hulu commercials are so loud.
- 5 easy ways to get rid of the loud ads on Hulu.
- How does an average Hulu commercial compare in volume to other sounds.
- And so much more…
Why are commercials so loud on Hulu? 3 reasons
#1: Attention-grabbing
I don’t know about you but…
If I’m hearing something loud, I look at it.
And Hulu knows I will. That’s why they’re not doing anything to fix this issue.
How loud is an average commercial, you ask?
According to an annoyed user who measured the noise levels to prove a point, it’s 70 decibels.
Now, I know it’s hard to imagine how loud that is without a reference.
So, I made 1 for you:
| Decibels | Sound equivalent |
| 10 | Breathing |
| 30 | Whisper |
| 40 | Quiet office |
| 50 | Electric toothbrush |
| 60 | Conversation between 2 people |
| 70 | Hulu commercial |
| 70 | Heavy traffic |
| 100 | Helicopter |
| 130 | Jetplane engine |
Imagine you’re in the middle of a busy freeway, with all the cars honking and the people.
That’s precisely how loud an average Hulu commercial is in your living room.
If that’s not attention-grabbing, I don’t know what is.
Not to mention borderline dangerous. CDC themselves said that prolonged listening to 70 dB can damage your hearing.
Note: Hulu said that they’re working on this problem. However, it’s been 2 years since they’ve said that, and they still haven’t given us any update.
#2: Subscription strategy
Hulu seems to have come up with the best way to get me to subscribe to their product…
Annoy me until I give in.
You see, Hulu has 2 main subscription plans:
The $6.99 a month plan that you currently have and the $12.99 per month ad-free plan.
And one of Hulu’s strategies to get you to avail the more expensive plan?
Make the ads so unbearably annoying. To the point that you have no choice but to get the $12.99 plan.
I’ll be honest, evil as it may be…
It worked on me.
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#3: It fades in
Another reason why the commercials seem to be louder than usual is that it fades in.
When Hulu cuts to an ad, they usually lower the volume first.
And then, they increase the volume of the ad as it starts.
In theory, fading in seems to be a great way to transition between what you’re watching and the ads.
However, Hulu messed up the implementation of the fade. How?
Try to listen to the start of your ads next time.
Do you notice how fast the fade comes?
The volume goes from 0 to 100 so fast that it seems louder than it actually is.
How do I fix loud commercials on Hulu? 5 fixes
#1: Subscribe to a different plan
Of course, the easiest way to get rid of those pesky commercials?
Simply upgrade to their ad-free plan.
Although it’s $6 more expensive…
It may be worth it just to protect your ears.
To change your plan, just:
- Log in to your Hulu account using your browser.
- Head to Your Subscription.
- Press Manage Plan.
- Toggle off your current plan.
- Toggle on the $12.99 ad-free plan.
- Select Review Changes to confirm your action.
Need more help other than written instructions? You can watch this video for a more in-depth explanation:
#2: Adjust your volume
This one’s simple, I know. But…
Have you tried lowering the volume of your TV?
I know it sounds annoying to repeatedly lower and increase your volume.
However, sometimes we have no choice. Regardless, this trick might just work to fend off those loud commercials.
#3: Allow your TV to change your volume
Here’s a little secret:
Do you know that your TV can adjust the volume for you?
Yes. It can.
You see, manufacturers have known about this “loud commercial” issue for a long time.
The practice of turning up the volume during commercials actually precedes Hulu.
So, brands made an option to lower your volume automatically when it crosses a threshold.
Honestly, what an excellent implementation of modern technology.
So now, back to the topic at hand.
How can you turn this functionality on?
Simple…
Samsung
For Samsung TVs released in 2020 or later, here’s how you can turn Auto Volume on:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Head to Settings.
- Under Sound, go to Expert Settings.
- Toggle on Auto Volume.
Note: There’s no need to press the Home button on 2018 and 2019 Samsung TVs.
And, if you’re wondering if other models also have this feature:
They do. Well, except for 2017 M/MU/Q/LS Model TVs.
But, don’t worry. All you need to do is follow these directions:
- 2014 H, HU, F: Menu > Sound > Additional Settings > Auto Volume.
- 2015 J, JU, JF: Menu > Sound > Speaker Settings > Auto Volume.
- 2016 K, KU, KS: Home > Settings > Sound > Expert Settings > Auto Volume.
Sony
- Go to your Settings menu.
- Head to Audio Settings.
- Toggle on Advanced Auto Volume.
LG
- Press the Settings button on your remote.
- Head to All Settings.
- Select Sound.
- Tap Additional Settings.
- Toggle on Auto Volume.
#4: Ad-block
Are you using Hulu on your PC or laptop?
If so, you can also get an ad blocker, so you won’t have to worry about those loud commercials.
Which 1 should you get?
I recommend:
#5: Contact Hulu
Is nothing helping? That’s okay.
There’s 1 more thing you can try…
And that’s to leave the problem to other people.
You can contact Hulu by visiting this page.
Note: Most people in the USA also assume that they could file a complaint to the FCC against Hulu. Why?
Because of the CALM act.
If you’re 1 of those, I’m sorry to tell you that, sadly, you can’t.
I know. It’s unfair.
But first, let me explain why nothing will happen even if you file a complaint…
Most people think that Hulu’s under the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act.
However, the FCC put that act to order after the boom of streaming services.
That’s why the CALM act only covers traditional TV. And not services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and Hulu.