How to watch Hulu videos if you live outside the US

Using the free (but ad-sponsored) software Hotspot Shield you can create a connection via a virtual private network (VPN) to “trick” Hulu into thinking your PC/Mac is in the United States. Continue reading for a walkthrough on using Hotspot Shield.

1. Hotspot Shield runs on the following operating systems:

   * Windows Vista
   * Windows XP
   * Windows 2000
   * Mac OS X (10.5 Leopard)
   * Mac OS X (10.4 Tiger)

   So assuming you have one of those, proceed to the Hotspot Shield download page.

2. Save the file to your desktop, and when the download has completed, run the setup file (OS X users will just have to drag Hotspot Shield to their Applications folder).
3. Now run Hotspot Shield. Windows users will notice a small red icon in the system tray. OS X users will see a red icon in the menu bar.



4. Your browser will pop up a new window/tab and you’ll be prompted to click a Run Hotspot Shield button. Give it a click.



5. The page will refresh and you should see a small square with the status being displayed.



6. Once connected, the red icon will turn green, and the web page will once again redirect. This time to a sponsor/advertiser. You can close that window/tab now.



7. Now visit hulu.com. You’ll notice a “tab” across the top of the web page - this is how Hotspot Shield makes money - an ad will be displayed at the top of each site you visit, unless it’s a secure site (https). You can close the ad banner by clicking the red Close X.



8. And now enjoy watching Hulu videos! As long as you remain connected to the Hotspot Shield service, Hulu (and all other web pages) will think that your PC/Mac is connected to the Internet in the US.

   
   click to enlarge

9. To quit Hotspot Shield, right-click the system tray icon and select Quit. OS X users click the red Hotspot Icon in the menu bar and select Quit.