The cost of streaming services, audiobooks, and e-books keeps going up. So, more people look for free options, especially those connected to public libraries. One name that keeps showing up is Hoopla. Unlike Netflix or Audible, Hoopla does not ask for a paid subscription. Instead, it connects users to many digital movies, books, and music through local library systems. But what exactly is Hoopla, and how does it work?
What Is Hoopla Digital?
Hoopla Digital is a free online platform. It lets people borrow movies, TV shows, audiobooks, e-books, comics, and music. Anyone with a valid library card from a library that uses Hoopla can use it. Midwest Tape provides this service. Thousands of libraries across the United States and Canada use it.
Once you sign up and link your library, you can stream or download content for no cost. It is a legal and easy way to enjoy entertainment without paying each month.
What Can You Access on Hoopla?
Hoopla offers many types of digital content for all ages and interests. Here is what you can find after you log in:
- e-books
- Audiobooks
- Comics and graphic novels
- Full-length movies
- TV series and documentaries
- Music albums
- BingePass content like magazines, CuriosityStream, The Great Courses, and more
BingePass lets users get many items together with just one borrow credit. This makes it easy to explore collections without using up all your monthly limits.
How to Use Hoopla (Step-by-Step Guide)
Getting started with Hoopla is simple. It takes only a few minutes:
- Download the Hoopla app on your phone or tablet. Or, visit hoopladigital.com on your computer.
- Sign up for a free Hoopla account. Use your email and a password.
- Type in your library card number from a library that uses Hoopla.
- Pick your library system from the list.
- After it checks your card, look through the content. Tap “Borrow” to start watching or reading.
Content is ready right away. There are no holds or waiting lists, unlike some other library apps.
How Long Can You Borrow, and Are There Limits?
How long you can borrow depends on the type of content. Movies and TV episodes are available for 72 hours. Music albums are available for 7 days. Books and audiobooks are available for 21 days. Each library sets its own limit for how many items you can borrow each month. This is usually between 5 to 10 items.
Some content, like BingePass, gives you access to a whole collection for 7 days. This uses only one borrow credit. There are no late fees. Items return by themselves when the time runs out.
Devices That Support Hoopla
Hoopla works on many devices. This makes it easy to get content anywhere:
- Android and iOS phones or tablets
- Apple TV
- Amazon Fire TV and Fire tablets
- Roku
- Chromecast
- Web browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge)
- Some smart TVs that can cast or use a web browser
You can also download items to your mobile devices for offline use. This is helpful for travel or when you have limited internet data.
Final Thoughts: Hoopla Is a Free, Legal Way to Stream and Read
Hoopla is one of the best free digital services available today. If you have a library card and your library uses the app, you should try it. Whether you want to listen to audiobooks, read comics, watch a documentary, or try something new with BingePass, Hoopla makes it possible. It does this without subscriptions or ads.
It is easy to use. It works on most devices. It offers real value because public libraries support it. Check your library’s website today to see if they use Hoopla. Then, start borrowing right away.