Amazon has revealed its intention to incorporate advertisements into its Prime Video streaming service in 2024 in some countries, following the trend of other streaming platforms. This move aims to support the growth of its business, said the company.
Investing in Content
The decision was made to enable Amazon to invest in more engaging content over the long term. Amazon promises to have fewer ads compared to other streaming TV services and traditional television.
Amazon highlights the expansive and fast nature of its Prime service. With over 300 million items available for free Prime shipping and millions of popular items with free Same-Day or One-Day Delivery, Amazon achieved its fastest Prime speeds in the last quarter.
In the first half of the year, Amazon said that it delivered over 1.8 billion items to U.S. Prime members the same or next day, a significant increase from 2019.
Prime Video Expansion
Amazon continues to heavily invest in Prime Video, which offers a wide selection of movies, series, including Amazon Originals, and live sports.
MGM Studios, now under the Amazon umbrella, has been recognized with 68 nominations at the Primetime Emmy Awards. Leading the pack in the comedy category on streaming platforms is “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”.
Pricing and Rollout
Ads in Prime Video content will debut in the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Canada in early 2024, followed by France, Italy, Spain, Mexico, and Australia later in the year. Prime members won’t see changes in membership pricing in 2024.
Amazon will also introduce an ad-free option for U.S. Prime members at an additional USD 2.99 (Rs. 248 approx.) per month, with pricing details for other countries coming later.
Prime members will receive advance notification via email about the introduction of ads in Prime Video and how to opt for the ad-free option if desired.