hoopla digital

hoopla digital is a digital media platform that allows users to borrow and stream a wide variety of content through their local public library or academic library. The service operates on a patron-driven acquisition model, where libraries pay only for the content their users actually consume. hoopla digital offers instant access to a rotating catalog of movies, television series, music albums, audiobooks, eBooks, and comics without waitlists or late fees, distinguishing it from traditional library lending services.

Overview

hoopla digital functions as a digital distribution bridge between public libraries and patrons, providing on-demand access to a vast digital collection. The platform is integrated directly into the infrastructure of participating library systems, allowing users to authenticate with their existing library credentials. Content is accessible via dedicated applications for iOS and Android devices, as well as through web browsers on personal computers and via Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, and Roku platforms. The company is a division of Midwest Tape, a major distributor of physical and digital media to libraries, and is headquartered in Holland, Ohio.

Features and content

The platform's catalog includes major studio films from distributors like The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros., and Universal Pictures, alongside independent titles. Television offerings span popular series from networks such as BBC, A&E Networks, and History (TV channel). Its music section provides access to millions of tracks across genres from labels including Sony Music, Warner Music Group, and Universal Music Group. The audiobook collection features titles from prominent publishers like Penguin Random House and HarperCollins, while eBooks and digital comics include works from DC Comics, Marvel Comics, and Image Comics. A key feature is "hoopla Instant," which guarantees immediate availability, and "BingePass," which allows unlimited access to specific content collections like The Great Courses or Magzter magazines for a set period with a single borrow.

Access and availability

Access to hoopla digital is exclusively granted through partnerships with over 8,000 public and academic library systems primarily across the United States and Canada. Each participating library sets its own monthly borrowing limits for patrons, typically ranging from a few to several dozen items. The service uses digital rights management (DRM) technology, with content streaming or downloading within the proprietary application; downloaded items are automatically returned at the end of the lending period. Geographic availability is contingent on a user's local library subscribing to the service, and availability of specific titles can vary by region due to licensing agreements with content providers and publishers.

History and development

hoopla digital was founded in 2010 by Jeff Jankowski, the president of Midwest Tape. The service launched to libraries in early 2013, initially focusing on audiobooks and music before rapidly expanding into video and comics. A significant early partnership was with Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, one of the largest library systems in the Midwestern United States. The platform has consistently grown its library network and content offerings, adding features like the aforementioned BingePass and expanding device compatibility. Its development has been closely tied to the evolving digital strategies of the American Library Association and the increasing demand for remote library services, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Business model and partnerships

hoopla digital operates on a cost-per-circulation model, meaning the partnering library is charged a fee only when a patron borrows an item. This model contrasts with traditional subscription services where libraries pay upfront for potential access. Revenue is shared with content creators and rights holders based on usage. Key content partnerships have been established with major aggregators and studios, including Paramount Pictures, Miramax, and BBC Studios. The company also maintains technology partnerships to ensure wide device compatibility. This business structure is designed to align library spending with actual patron demand, providing a scalable and budget-predictable service for municipal governments and library boards that fund these institutions.

Category:Digital media companies of the United States Category:Library technology Category:Companies based in Ohio Category:2010 establishments in Ohio