Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video, known simply as Prime Video, is an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming television service owned by Amazon. The service offers films, television series, live sporting events, and video rental and purchasing options. It is available both as a standalone service and as part of Amazon's Prime subscription, making it the second-most-subscribed video on demand streaming media service after Netflix, with around 205 million paid memberships worldwide.

Operating globally, Prime Video can be accessed with or without a full Prime subscription depending on the country. In places like the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany, you can enjoy it without a full Prime subscription. However, in countries such as Australia, Canada, France, India, Turkey, and Italy, you need a special website to access it.

Prime Video began on September 7, 2006, in the United States as Amazon Unbox, later changing its name to Amazon Instant Video on Demand. After acquiring the UK-based DVD-by-mail service LoveFilm in 2011, Amazon added Prime Video to the Prime subscription in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Austria in 2014. On December 14, 2016, Prime Video expanded worldwide, reaching many new countries and offering special introductory prices.

Today, alongside Amazon MGM Studios, Prime Video represents Amazon as a member of the Motion Picture Association, showing its importance in the world of movies and television.

History

The service debuted on September 7, 2006, as Amazon Unbox in the United States and was later renamed Amazon Instant Video. It grew by adding movies and TV shows from famous studios like Sony Pictures, Warner Bros. Entertainment, and PBS. Over time, Amazon created its own shows and added content from around the world.

In 2021, Amazon acquired Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, adding many popular movies to its collection. Prime Video continued to grow, offering shows and movies in many countries and working with studios everywhere to bring new content to viewers.

Content

Further information: Current original programming, ended original programming, and original films

Further information on Amazon Prime Video international offerings: List of Amazon Prime Video exclusive international distribution programming and Amazon Prime Video India originals

Amazon Prime Video offers many movies, TV shows, and other content made just for the service. It also has shows and movies from other companies that you can watch by subscribing to extra channels like Curiosity Stream, Lifetime Movie Club, AMC's Shudder, Showtime, and Starz. Over time, more channels joined, such as HBO, Cinemax, Boomerang, Discovery Channel, and PBS Kids.

Prime Video also shows sports events. In 2017, it began showing some NFL football games, and later added tennis, soccer, and basketball games. This includes showing matches from the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, and the NBA.

Advertising

In January 2024, Amazon Prime Video started offering a version with limited advertisements. To avoid these ads, viewers could pay an extra $2.99 each month. This change made Prime Video similar to other streaming services that also include ads, which can help companies earn more money. The ad-supported option was offered in certain places, including the United States, Canada, the UK, and some parts of Europe.

Availability

Prime Video is available almost everywhere in the world, except in a few places like mainland China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Russia, Belarus, Syria, and Vietnam. It started out only in the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and Austria.

You can watch Prime Video on many devices, including web browsers, Amazon Fire devices, digital media players like Roku, video game consoles, and smart TVs. There is also an Android TV app, and one for Nvidia Shield.

Metadata

Amazon Prime Video offers different video qualities depending on your device. You can watch shows in up to 4K (UHD) and high-dynamic-range (HDR) if your device supports it. Many other shows are available in 1080p (HD) with special audio options like 5.1 Dolby Digital or Dolby Digital Plus.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Amazon adjusted its streaming to help prevent internet problems as many people were working and learning from home. They reduced the quality of some streams to keep internet services running smoothly for everyone.

Awards and nominations

Amazon Prime Video has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations for its original content. The service has received accolades from prestigious organizations such as the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and British Academy Film Awards. Many of its shows and movies have been celebrated for their storytelling, acting, and production values.

Several Amazon Originals have won major awards, highlighting the quality and creativity of the content available on Prime Video. These achievements reflect the company's commitment to producing high-quality films and television series.