1. Home
  2. Entertainment
  3. News

Amazon reportedly considering ad-supported tier for Prime Video

By

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.

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.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
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)…
5 movies leaving Prime Video in April 2024 you have to watch

Amazon Prime Video is a treasure trove of movies and TV shows. While some require an add-on subscription to a service like Paramount+ or AMC+, others are available as part of your Amazon Prime subscription. Keep in mind that now you need to pay a small fee on top of that to get access ad-free. But either way, the movies that come with that base subscription are available to you at any time. That is, until they’re gone.

Movies come and go on Amazon, so you’ll want to keep track of expiring titles. There are five movies leaving Amazon Prime Video in April that you’ll want to watch before they go. They’re all fabulous films that range from the 1980s up to the 2010s and feature A-list talent. Check these out before they are removed from the service before the end of the month.
The Big Short (2015)
The Big Short Trailer (2015) ‐ Paramount Pictures

Read more
Amazon’s Fallout TV series is even more impressive than The Last of Us

Aaron Moten plays Maximus in Amazon's Fallout series. Amazon

When the first trailer for Amazon’s Fallout dropped, the internet was hit by a familiar wave of eye rolls. Every aspect of it was scrutinized, from its Power Suit design to its title card gags. Now, days after the entire series was released on Amazon Prime Video to rave reviews, those preemptive haters are eating irradiated crow.

Read more
3 action movies on Prime Video you need to watch in April 2024

When you think of action movies, you probably think of gripping plots, great fight or chase scenes, and a compelling cast. The three action movies on Amazon Prime Video you need to watch in April all fit the bill. One was remade recently with a new cast and revamped storyline, but the original is available to stream as well for fans who appreciate the nostalgia.

The other two action movies you’ll want to check out this month are also classics, including one that saw a recent sequel enjoy tremendous box office success and another from the DC Comics universe. Whatever your tastes, this month, there are some exciting choices when it comes to action movies.
Road House (1989)
Road House (1989) | Official Trailer | MGM Studios

Read more