Amazon Prime Video, the popular streaming platform owned by tech giant Amazon, recently announced that it will begin including ads on its movies and TV shows starting on January 29. The decision has caused an uproar among its millions of Prime Video users, who received an email notification of the change this week. The email stated that the ads will be “limited,” but Amazon also announced a new ad-free subscription tier for an additional $2.99 per month.
The move to include ads on Prime Video comes as no surprise, as Amazon had previously announced its plans to do so in September. However, the company did not specify a date at the time, which left many users hopeful that the ads would not appear for a while. But the recent email notification has dashed those hopes, and Prime Video users are now faced with the possibility of having to endure advertisements while watching their favorite content.
Despite the backlash from users, Amazon stated that the ads will allow the company to continue investing in new and compelling content. The company also highlighted its commitment to having “meaningfully fewer ads” than other streaming services and traditional TV channels. However, this justification may not sit well with subscribers who already pay for an annual or monthly Prime membership, which includes access to Prime Video.
Following in the footsteps of every other greedy American corporation, Amazon Prime will add commercials to its formerly ad free subscription service. No, Jeff Bezos can buy up even more land in Maui. pic.twitter.com/wGmF9wx7Cj
— Arnie Cooper (@ARNIEBCOOPER) December 27, 2023
To appease its users, Amazon introduced a new ad-free subscription tier for an extra cost of $2.99 per month. This move is reminiscent of streaming giant Netflix, which raised its prices earlier this year and is now offering different subscription plans with varying levels of ad-free content. However, unlike Netflix’s price hike, Amazon’s additional cost is not optional for Prime Video users. They will either have to deal with the ads or pay the extra fee, which may not sit well with those who chose Prime Video specifically for its ad-free experience.
Amazon also listed the other benefits of a Prime membership in the email notification, perhaps hoping to remind users of the added value they receive with their subscription. This includes access to other Prime services such as free two-day shipping, Prime Music, and Prime Reading. The company also hinted at future features and programs for Prime members, which may entice some to stick with their subscription despite the upcoming ads.
The inclusion of ads on Prime Video is not a new trend among streaming services. Popular platforms like Disney+, Hulu, and Paramount Plus also offer cheaper ad-supported subscriptions. However, this trend of raising prices and adding ads may not sit well with consumers who are already paying for multiple streaming services. It also begs the question of how long before other popular streaming platforms follow suit and begin incorporating ads on their platforms.
Nearly $10 billion in profits (3x more than the year before) and Amazon needs to add commercials to Prime Video ‘to continue to invest in compelling content’
The greed and arrogance is sickening. @amazon#amazon #amazonprime #primevideo
— GarudaLead (@GarudaLead) December 28, 2023
It’s worth noting that Amazon’s email notification also stated that ads will be present on live event content, including sports, and content offered through Amazon Freevee. This means that even with the new ad-free subscription tier, users may still encounter advertisements while watching specific content. And with the popularity of live sports and events on streaming platforms, users may not be able to fully escape ads on Prime Video.
Amazon’s decision to include ads on Prime Video has caused a stir among its users. While the company claims it will allow for further investment in content, the move has left many users feeling disappointed and potentially considering switching to other ad-free streaming services.
