Hoopla provides a cloud‑based platform that connects public library catalogs to patrons, enabling streaming and offline download of audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, TV, music, and magazines using a library card at no extra cost. The service integrates with library systems via API, synchronizes across iOS, Android, web, and smart TV devices, and secures content with DRM. Libraries pay licensing fees for access to the platform and its analytics.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Many public library patrons face limited access to digital media because traditional library services require physical visits, have restricted digital collections, and often involve costly subscriptions for streaming content.
Solution
Hoopla offers a cloud‑based digital media platform that links directly to public library catalogs, allowing patrons to stream or download audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, TV shows, music, and magazines using only a library card. The service synchronizes across computers, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, providing instant access without additional fees. Content is delivered via secure DRM and is available for offline listening or reading. Libraries integrate their existing collections through Hoopla’s API, expanding their digital offerings without managing separate infrastructure.
Target Audience
The primary users are public library cardholders seeking on‑demand digital entertainment, and library systems that want to extend their services with a turnkey digital lending solution.
Features
- Unified catalog of audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, TV, music, magazines, and curated BingePass bundles.
- Cross‑device synchronization enabling seamless streaming and offline download on iOS, Android, Amazon, and web browsers.
- Library‑card authentication with no patron fees; access controlled through library licensing agreements.
- DRM‑protected streaming and download to ensure copyright compliance.
- API integration that ingests library holdings and updates availability in real time.
- Mobile apps with intuitive navigation, search, and personalized “continue listening/reading” queues.
- Analytics dashboard for libraries to monitor usage and engagement metrics.