Skip to main content

Amazon reportedly considering ad-supported tier for Prime Video

Amazon could be close to launching an ad-supported tier for its Prime Video service, according to a Wall Street Journal report on Wednesday.

People familiar with the proposed plan said talks on the matter have been continuing for several weeks, though are described as still being in the early stages.

Recommended Videos

According to the Journal, advertisers are keen for Amazon to launch an ad tier for its Prime Video service, with access to premium movies and programs a particular target.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

At the current time, Prime Video is part of Amazon’s Prime package and costs $15 per month or $139 per year. For those who can do without extras such as shopping perks, music streaming, and Kindle books, membership to Prime Video costs $9 a month. Amazon also has a free ad-supported service called Freevee with select TV shows and movies, but it’s only available in the U.S., U.K., and Germany.

An ad-supported tier for Prime Video would follow in the footsteps of streaming rivals such as Netflix, which introduced ads in November last year for $7 per month, and Disney+, whose ad tier arrived in December for $8 per month. Hulu and Peacock also offer ad tiers for $8 and $5 per month, respectively.

Amazon’s Prime Video service is already generating some revenue through ads with its sports programming, and also via product placements with some of its content.

But bringing ads to more of its movies and shows would bring it more revenue and pave the way for an ad-supported tier that could prove an attractive option for those looking for a cheaper way to subscribe.

Ad tiers often come with restrictions, however. Netflix’s offering, for example, limits streams to 720p and only lets you play content on one device at a time. And while you can download Netflix movies and shows for offline viewing with the Basic, Standard, and Premium tiers, its ad tier does not allow this feature.

If you fancy trying Amazon Prime — and Prime Video — for free, the company offers a one-month trial. Here’s how to set it up.

Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
3 underrated shows on Amazon Prime Video you need to watch in February 2025
A woman police officer tries to console a male officer, hands on her shoulders in On Call.

Amazon Prime Video has many great TV shows you can watch with a subscription, from originals like Reacher and Cross to older network shows like Elementary and Chuck, and even old classics like Columbo. But if you dig deeper through the content library, you’ll find some hidden gems, too.
These three underrated shows on Amazon Prime Video in February 2025 are probably ones you haven’t heard of, or at least didn’t consider watching. But you might find that they are exactly what you need when you’re scrolling through the endless library and seemingly can’t find anything else to watch.

Need more recommendations? Then check out the best new shows to stream this week, as well as the best shows on Netflix, the best shows on Hulu, the best shows on Amazon Prime Video, the best shows on Max, and the best shows on Disney+.
On Call (2025)
On Call - Official Trailer | Prime Video
How many police procedurals can you watch? Do you really need another one in your life? You might! On Call is a brand-new Amazon original created by Dick Wolf, the man behind some of the biggest police procedurals ever to grace the small screen, like Law & Order and the Chicago franchise. Set in Long Beach, Traci Harmon (Troian Bellisario) is a veteran training officer, and Alex Diaz (Brandon Larracuente) is her rookie partner. Each episode follows their investigations into local emergency calls, all while grieving the loss of another officer.
There’s a massive discrepancy in how critics and audiences view this show, according to Rotten Tomatoes, with a 50% versus 90% score. This may have deterred some potential viewers from watching. But considering the positive audience reception, many praised how the show is “believable,” it’s one of those “watch and make a call for yourself” types of shows. Give On Call a few half-hour episodes and go from there.

Read more
The best movies on Amazon Prime Video (February 2025)
Matthew Broome and Asha Banks in My Fault: London.

Valentine's Day on Prime Video means a new YA romance is topping Amazon's movie chart. My Fault: London, a remake rather than a sequel, is Amazon's latest streaming hit. But if you prefer your romance to be on the wacky and hilarious side, check out the cult comedy classic A Fish Called Wanda.
For families and younger viewers, Prime Video recently added The Super Mario Bros. Movie, while comedy lovers also have Groundhog Day, which doubles as a great romance as well. You can catch these flicks and the rest of the best movies on Amazon Prime Video below. We update this list every Friday so you can get ready for the weekend with your top viewing options.
Need more recommendations? We’ve also put together guides to the best shows on Prime Video, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Netflix, the best new movies to stream, and the best movies on Disney+.

Editor's Pick

Read more
The best shows on Amazon Prime Video right now (February 2025)
Reacher walking down the street looking angry in Reacher.

When you really think about it, you get tremendous value with an Amazon Prime subscription. Not only do you get fast and free shipping and access to special shopping events, but you also receive access to a library of movies and TV shows on Amazon Prime Video. You can also subscribe to Amazon Prime Video on its own and pay a small additional fee to remove ads with either option. It's totally worth it because Amazon Prime Video has some great content, especially when it comes to TV shows.
The best shows on Amazon Prime Video right now include a mix of library titles, like all six seasons of the Viola Davis drama How to Get Away With Murder, which was recently added to the mix, as well as enticing originals like Reacher and Invincible, both of which return with new seasons this month. Not sure what to watch? Look through this list that highlights the best that Amazon Prime Video offers, including new titles just added and new seasons coming.

Need more recommendations? Then check out the best new shows to stream this week, as well as the best shows on Netflix, best shows on Hulu, the best shows on Max, and best shows on Disney+.

Read more