SmartThings says that I need a SmartThings Hub to add my Hue Bridge which makes no sense.
There are four different ways to add a Hue Bridge to a SmartThings account. Some require a SmartThings/aeotec hub, some do not.
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add via “linked services“ which will make a cloud to cloud connection between your SmartThings account and your Hue account. No ST hub required.
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create a LAN connection between your Hue Bridge and a Hue hub. Obviously, this requires a SmartThings hub.
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use the community created custom edge driver. Since all edge drivers require a smartthings hub (that’s where edge drivers run), this will require a smartthings hub.
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add via Matter. SmartThings connects to matter devices via edge drivers, so again, a smartthings hub is required.
FAQ: What do I need to add a Matter device to the SmartThings app? Do I need a bridge router device?
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So, if you don’t have a SmartThings/Aeotec hub, then your only option is the cloud to cloud “linked services“ method.
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Open the SmartThings app. Choose “add device“ with the +.
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choose “partner devices”
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choose Philips hue from the list of partners.
- now you must choose “linking your account.“ Any other option on this page will take you to one of the methods that requires a smartthings hub.
Continue that process and you should be able to link the accounts.
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Im not getting an option to link accounts. It just says i need a smart things hub to add my hue bridge
Did you follow the exact steps I listed above? Any other pathway will require a hub.
Are you able to see the screenshots I posted? The “linking your accounts” option is in tiny print and fairly hard to find.
Can you post screenshots of the exact steps you are using, starting from when you first open the SmartThings app?
Do not click “Next” at the bottom of the screen if you want the cloud to cloud integration for Hue. It has been one of the most poorly designed UI for years. 
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They’ve changed things. Now, if you don’t have a hub on the account at all, you do have to click “next” at the bottom.
the screens look like this.
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I was not able to get to the same screen that the OP has, so that’s why I asked what exact path was used. 
That’s because you have a hub on that location.
We have two locations. The first has a hub, the second does not.
The first set of screenshots I posted were from the first location. On the screen for that location, clicking next will start the processes that require a hub.
The second set of screenshots I posted were from the second location. You can see that there are fewer options and the wording is just a little different: there’s no “also “. Clicking next on that screen will start the process that does not require a hub.
And it’s still a terrible UI. 
It wont let me post multiple pictures since im a new user, but i followed your steps exactly
It could be a problem that only appears in some versions of the app.
My screenshots are using the latest version of the iPad iOS app.
Which version are you using?
I’m also using the latest version on android
Earlier this year I needed a second Hue bridge so I picked up a new bridge then was told by the Hue iPhone app that each bridge needed a separate login (i.e. separate user/pass) from Philips Hue. I created a second login and used it and was able to have both bridges in the iPhone Hue app.
I recently saw an upgrade to the Hue app saying I can now migrate my second bridge to my first bridge’s Hue login so all bridges/rooms/lights/etc. can be under one login and one view within the app. I thought this meant I could easily add the 2nd bridge to SmartThings but so far I am not having any luck getting anything from the second bride to show in ST. I am using the linked services in ST.
I have 50 devices on the 1st bridge and they are part a lot of Routines so I really do not want to lose the lights I already have in ST if possible but I really would like to get my 2nd bridge added.
What is the best way to do this? I’ve seen a lot about this topic on the forum but they are years old so I thought I’d post in the newest thread I could find. Can someone point me in the right direction based on what I’ve listed out in this thread? I would appreciate it!
Linked services is the cloud to cloud connection between Hue and ST.
first question - do you have a ST hub or simply using the ST app with cloud to cloud connected services?
I have the Aeotec hub with the linked services.
one option to try with your second hue bridge… add it to ST through Matter. generate the Matter code in the Hue app and Add Device > Matter in the ST app
possible you can add the second Hue bridge by direct connection - Add device > Partner Add > Philips Hue and click Next (I believe that is the method for direct connection) and press the button on the hue bridge